# YouTube's Android app worsens user experience Users complain about increased complexity and unnecessary steps. - **Source:** [User Experience](https://brifing.si/source/97c43329-8b88-47cf-895e-7e748294b51b) - **Published:** 2026-07-12 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a01ba5c7-3fe0-47d9-9fde-8133b2f6f414 ## Main User Complaints Recent updates to YouTube's Android app have increased the number of steps required for simple tasks. Users now need to perform 4-5 different actions just to access videos from channels they're subscribed to. This undermines the app's core purpose of 'easily watching videos.' ## Interface Issues The disappearing bottom toolbar, which requires extra movement to reappear, makes accessing frequently used sections more difficult. Additionally, the persistent small video window that requires an extra step to close further degrades the user experience. ## Cluttered Subscriptions Page The subscriptions page has become more disorganized. Users now have to scroll through a long list to see the channels they're subscribed to. This unnecessarily complicates a simple task and wastes users' time. ## Impact of Social Media Features YouTube has added social media-like features to channel pages, preventing users from directly accessing videos. This disrupts the core 'video-watching' experience and exposes users to irrelevant content. ## Ignoring User Needs The app's constant addition of new features increases complexity rather than addressing users' basic needs. Users are forced to deal with unnecessary pop-ups and navigation steps instead of enjoying a simple and functional interface. ## Conclusion and Recommendations YouTube needs to focus on core functionalities and eliminate unnecessary steps to improve user experience. Users want a simple and smooth experience. The app must be redesigned to meet users' primary needs effectively. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.reddit.com/r/userexperience/comments/1uuc7hu/anyone_else_find_youtube_app_on_android_so/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._