The YouTube app on both Android and iOS is introducing a fresh animation for the like button. When you tap the like button, it will now trigger a small confetti-like animation, adding a splash of color to the process of liking videos on the content-streaming platform. This feature is gradually being rolled out. The existence of this animation on the YouTube like button was initially discovered earlier this year on Reddit. It’s important to note that there are no alterations to the like button on YouTube Web at this time. In recent reports, it was suggested that YouTube might be planning enhancements to its podcast offerings.
While the new animation on the like button doesn’t represent a major design overhaul for the platform, it certainly adds an element of fun to the act of liking videos. After pressing the like button, vibrant confetti and streamers emerge before settling into the familiar black thumbs-up icon. This feature is currently being deployed gradually for the YouTube app on both Android and iOS. On YouTube Web, pressing the like button simply changes the icon from blank to black, and the design change has not been incorporated into YouTube Web as of now.
Earlier this year, reports indicated that YouTube may be working on improving its podcast integration into the platform. An alleged 84-page document, believed to be intended for podcast publishers, surfaced, outlining the company’s roadmap. Among the proposed changes is the creation of a new podcast homepage with a layout familiar to YouTube users.
According to the report, YouTube is planning to introduce a dedicated ‘Podcasts’ homepage at youtube.com/podcasts (please note that the URL may not be active yet) to enhance search and discovery capabilities for podcasts. Additionally, YouTube intends to introduce audio ads, both from Google and other partners, to target its audience engaged in listening to music, podcasts, and other audio content.
