YouTube already supports certain gesture controls on its mobile app, such as double tapping to the left and right of the screen to fast forward or rewind parts of the video. In a report from TechCrunch, it seems that new gesture controls are in the works for YouTube’s mobile app that will be rolled out next week.
This was confirmed by YouTube who said that these new controls should be added to its mobile app starting next week. These new gesture controls will allow users to move between videos easily, where a swipe to the left will bring users to the next recommended video, while swiping to the right will bring users back to the previous video.
Another feature that YouTube will be adding is the ability to remember where you left off in that particular video while swiping. While YouTube already supports the ability to resume watching, this feature will be linked to the new swiping feature, so users can move in between apps without worrying about having to scrub through the video to look for the part that they left off.
Presumably these changes will make it easier for users to use its app which in turn will boost engagement and the time users spend on it, although a little ironic since YouTube has digital wellness tools designed to prevent users from being glued to the app all day.