If you’re suddenly having trouble with YouTube switching videos when you scroll in landscape mode, you’re not the only one. After a recent update, some users are noticing that swiping up or down in full-screen view makes YouTube jump to the next or previous video, instead of letting you navigate normally. This has left many users feeling frustrated and wondering why the change was made.
On Reddit, people are voicing their irritation with the new behavior. One user explained that they used to swipe down to exit full-screen or access comments, but now, swiping up or down seems to intentionally or unintentionally switch videos.
As expected, users are trying to find ways to undo the update. Some have managed to revert to an older version by uninstalling and reinstalling the app through the Play Store, but this isn’t a permanent fix. As soon as YouTube updates again, the gesture issue comes right back. Comments online reflect that people aren’t happy with this forced change in the user experience, with one person even saying, “I just wish Google would stop changing things without anyone asking.”
Over on X, one user expressed their frustration too, pointing out that the gesture changes are impacting the basic usability of the app. “Who wants to scroll on a long-form video?” they asked, emphasizing that the old gestures were more practical.
The YouTube product team is fucking the gestures in the Android app one after another.
Who the fuck wants to scroll on a long form video? It was more useful to minimize/maximize videos.
As if fucking the in-app PiP wasn’t satisfying enough to whoever is getting off this. pic.twitter.com/1jY0XFbiMW
— Tushar Mehta (@thetymonbay) November 11, 2024
The issue isn’t entirely new, either. While researching on Reddit, I noticed multiple posts about the same problem roughly five months ago. Back then, some noted that the issue got fixed after they uninstalled and reinstalled the app.
For now, if this new update is driving you crazy, you might try disabling automatic updates for YouTube to prevent future changes. Another workaround some users have found helpful is to uninstall and reinstall the app or clear the app data to see if the issue improves. Many users hope YouTube will roll back this update, but until then, tread carefully when swiping in landscape mode.
That said, this isn’t the only problem users are encountering. A recent update also botched the app’s miniplayer, with users reporting it vanishing or resulting in videos being paused.
Featured image credits: SnowySnover / Reddit
Dwayne Cubbins
450 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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