YouTube is Testing TikTok-Style Swipe-Up Gesture for Horizontal Videos

TikTok’s influence on video consumption has been undeniable, especially with its game-changing swipe-up gesture for browsing content. This innovation has reshaped how people engage with short-form videos, setting a standard that competitors like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have adopted. The swipe-up feature allows seamless navigation, making it a defining element of vertical video platforms. Now, it appears YouTube is testing TikTok-style swipe-up gesture for horizontal videos—a move that has sparked heated discussions among users.

The potential change was first noticed by Tushar Mehta, a contributor to Digital Trends. He shared his discovery on X (formerly Twitter), mentioning that he observed the swipe-up feature being tested on Android’s YouTube app. Mehta’s post raised a critical question: “Who would want to scroll on a long-form video?” This sentiment resonates with many users, as the swipe-up gesture feels inherently suited to short, bite-sized content rather than traditional, extended videos.

YouTube is Testing TikTok-Style Swipe-Up Gesture for Horizontal Videos

The response to Mehta’s observation has been mixed, with a noticeable lean towards scepticism and frustration. Some consider the experiment as “the worst change ever” in YouTube’s Android app. Some users shared their discontent on social media. One commenter expressed their annoyance by stating, “This is so frustrating. Frustrating enough to drive me to Twitter to see if I’m the only one who’s annoyed.” Another called the situation “genuinely hilarious,”.

The swipe-up gesture’s potential implementation in horizontal videos challenges the traditional viewing experience. Unlike vertical formats, where the swipe naturally complements quick transitions between short clips, horizontal videos often demand more attention and deliberate viewing. Adding a swipe-up mechanic could disrupt the experience, making it harder for users to focus on longer content.

Despite the backlash, it’s important to note that this is not an official update. YouTube has neither confirmed the feature’s development nor provided any comment on its future plans. As of now, it appears to be a limited test on Android devices. It’s unclear whether the company intends to roll it out on a larger scale.

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YouTube’s experimentation with new features isn’t unusual. The platform frequently tests updates to enhance user engagement or streamline the interface. However, not all changes are welcomed by the community. The lukewarm reception to this test highlights the fine balance tech companies must maintain between innovation and user preference.

If YouTube chooses to move forward with this feature, it will likely refine the gesture to cater to both short and long-form video audiences. Until then, the swipe-up experiment remains a contentious topic, reminding us that even small tweaks in user interfaces can elicit strong reactions. Whether this change will be embraced or dismissed as an ill-conceived idea remains to be seen.