YouTube TV Levels Up: Multiview, Redesign, and More Exciting Updates on the Way

YouTube is celebrating its 20th anniversary in style, rolling out a wave of updates across its platforms, with YouTube TV stealing the spotlight. From a game-changing multiview feature to a sleek app redesign, these changes are set to enhance how you watch your favorite content. Here’s a breakdown of what’s coming to YouTube TV, why it matters, and how it’ll make your streaming experience better.

Non-Sports Multiview: Watch More, All at Once

One of the biggest upgrades is the expansion of YouTube TV’s multiview feature, previously a sports fan’s dream for watching multiple games simultaneously. Now, it’s breaking free from the sports arena to include non-sports content. Imagine watching ESPN, the Weather Channel, an episode of Law & Order on USA Network, and Chopped on Food Network—all on one screen. This is a major win for cord-cutters who want to keep tabs on news, entertainment, and more without flipping channels.

• What’s changing? YouTube TV will let you build your own multiview with a “small group of popular channels” at first, with plans to expand to more networks across various genres in the coming months.
• Where? Available on YouTube TV, starting with a limited rollout in the next few weeks.
• Why it’s significant: Multiview for non-sports content makes YouTube TV more versatile, catering to diverse viewing habits. Whether you’re tracking live news, catching up on shows, or mixing genres, this feature maximizes screen real estate and minimizes channel surfing. It’s a step toward personalized, dynamic TV watching, especially for households with varied interests.

YouTube hasn’t shared which channels will be available initially or if any networks have opted out, but the goal is to include a broad range of content. This could redefine how we use YouTube TV for everything from reality TV marathons to live events.

App Redesign: A Smarter, Smoother Experience

YouTube TV’s app is getting a redesign to make navigation and viewing more intuitive. With YouTube reporting that most of its views now come from TVs rather than phones or browsers, this update is perfectly timed to capitalize on big-screen streaming.

• What’s changing? Expect “easier navigation, playback, quality tweaks,” and streamlined access to comments, channel info, and subscriptions. The redesign may take cues from competitors like Netflix, potentially featuring paid subscriptions on the homepage for quicker access.
• Where? Rolling out to the YouTube app for TVs soon.
• Why it’s significant: A cleaner interface means less time fumbling through menus and more time enjoying content. By prioritizing comments and channel info, YouTube is leaning into its community-driven roots, making the TV app feel more interactive. Plus, aligning with Netflix’s polished look could attract users seeking a premium streaming experience.

This redesign reflects YouTube’s shift toward TV-first viewing, ensuring the app feels modern and user-friendly on your smart TV or streaming device.

Other YouTube Platform Updates (That Might Cross Over)

While the multiview and redesign are exclusive to YouTube TV, other YouTube platform updates could enhance the broader ecosystem, potentially impacting how you use YouTube TV:

• 4x Playback Speed (YouTube Premium): Premium subscribers on iOS and Android can now watch videos at up to 4x speed, perfect for speed-watching lectures or reviews. While not confirmed for YouTube TV, this could eventually trickle down to TV app users who want to binge shows faster.
• Voice Reply for Comments: Later this year, you’ll be able to reply to comments with voice input, making engagement easier. This feature, primarily for the main YouTube app, might integrate with the TV app’s new comment-focused design.
• Hidden Features Acknowledged: YouTube is officially highlighting tricks like long-pressing the video player for 2x speed, a sleep timer for bedtime viewing, and keyboard shortcuts. These are already available and could enhance your YouTube TV experience, especially the sleep timer for late-night streaming.

Why These Updates Matter

YouTube TV’s updates are more than just cosmetic—they’re about staying competitive in a crowded streaming market. With Netflix revamping its homepage and services like Hulu and Sling offering flexible live TV options, YouTube TV is doubling down on flexibility, interactivity, and user control. The non-sports multiview feature makes it stand out as a hub for live and on-demand content, while the redesign ensures it’s easy to use on the devices people prefer most: TVs.

For subscribers, these changes mean a more tailored viewing experience, whether you’re a news junkie, a reality TV fan, or someone who just wants a smoother app. For YouTube, it’s a chance to solidify its place as a go-to platform for both traditional TV and modern streaming.

What to Expect Next

The multiview feature will start rolling out in the next few weeks, with the app redesign following soon after. Keep an eye on YouTube TV’s channel lineup to see which networks join the multiview party. If you’re a YouTube TV subscriber, get ready to experiment with custom multiview setups and a fresher interface that makes streaming feel effortless.

Have thoughts on these updates? Drop them in the comments below!