YouTube tests adding TikTok’s swipe-up gesture to full-length videos

YouTube is testing a new feature that allows users to swipe up on a video to go to the next one, a gesture commonly found on TikTok and Instagram Reels. The feature, spotted by tech blog 9to5Google, is currently being tested with a limited number of users.

According to screenshots shared by the blog, the swipe-up gesture is being tested on full-length videos. It allows users to seamlessly move to the next video without having to click on the “Up Next” button, which is displayed on the right side of the video player.

This move by YouTube suggests the platform is actively exploring ways to adapt its user experience to stay competitive in the short-form video landscape, which is dominated by TikTok. By adopting the familiar swipe-up gesture, YouTube aims to provide a more streamlined and intuitive experience for users who are accustomed to similar functionalities on other platforms.

This isn’t the first time YouTube has borrowed features from its competitors. The platform introduced its own version of short-form videos, called “YouTube Shorts,” to directly rival TikTok. YouTube Shorts have been immensely successful, gaining significant traction among users.

However, YouTube’s main strength lies in its extensive library of long-form videos. The addition of the swipe-up gesture to full-length videos signifies the platform’s efforts to retain viewers engaged in longer content.

By allowing users to easily navigate between videos without interrupting their viewing experience, YouTube aims to increase engagement and keep users glued to its platform for longer periods.

It remains unclear if this feature will be rolled out to all users. If implemented widely, it could potentially impact user behavior on YouTube, making the platform more akin to TikTok in terms of browsing and content consumption.

This move highlights the growing trend of video platforms adapting features from one another. As short-form video continues to dominate online entertainment, platforms are constantly striving to create the most engaging and addictive user experience for viewers.

It will be interesting to see how users respond to this new feature and how YouTube continues to innovate in the evolving landscape of online video content.

While this development is likely to garner both positive and negative feedback, it reflects YouTube’s commitment to adapting its platform and meeting the demands of a changing digital landscape.

Only time will tell how significant this change will be for YouTube in the long run.