YouTube Redesign Moves Subscriptions Tab and Adds Custom Feeds

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YouTube is reshaping its mobile interface on Android and iOS by removing the Subscriptions tab from the bottom bar and introducing custom feeds, 9to5Mac reported. The changes break a nearly decade-long interface layout established in 2017 while bringing prompt-based curation to the app’s home screen.

Interface Changes on Mobile Apps

The app update moves the Subscriptions tab from its fourth position in the bottom bar to the top bar on the Home tab, according to 9to5Mac. “Subs” will sit second, after “Home,” marked by a red underline. That placement disrupts muscle memory built since 2017.

Alongside the moved Subscriptions tab, the top bar now houses dedicated feeds for Live, Music, and Movies and TV. The Movies and TV feed appears only for users maintaining active subscriptions, such as Primetime Channels. The reorganization also removes YouTube's traditional menu drawer entirely.

Prompt-Based Custom Feeds

The interface redesign coincides with the rollout of custom feeds that sync across mobile and desktop apps. 9to5Mac stated that users can tap a plus icon at the top of the Home feed to describe what they want to see in their own words. YouTube provided an example prompt: help me unwind after work with guided meditations under 10 minutes.

These custom feeds appear as top tabs after Home and Subscriptions for quick access. Users can alter any feed using the prompt box located at the top of the view. Free users can save up to 3 active custom feeds, while YouTube Premium subscribers can save up to 8.

Rollout Details and Availability

The new feeds are currently rolling out on mobile and desktop in English to signed-in viewers based in the United States. 9to5Mac confirmed that YouTube plans to expand the availability of custom feeds and top bar changes to more countries going forward.