YouTube made significant changes to its website to make it easier for users to find and follow favorite channels. This redesign is the latest step of YouTube to strengthen its position as the top video sharing website.
As part of this redesign, YouTube has replaced its sober white background with a cleaner and simpler consistent gray background. This is the first major redesign since Google bought the site for US$1.65 billion five years ago and it´s clearly aimed at making the video site more “TV-like”.
The website has been redesigned to show three main parts instead of the dispersion of clips in horizontal rows. On the left side of the homepage you can create your own, personal, customizable YouTube Channel line-up. Sign-in, or create a YouTube account. Then you can browse recommended channels; customize your homepage’s feed; even link your YouTube account to social networks, including Facebook.
This change to highlight channels comes after YouTube committed itself to invest US$100 million in a partnership with celebrities, media producers and entrepreneurs.
The videos will be played in the center of the homepage and the selection will change as soon as the user clicks on a different channel included on the left side. The section on the right will recommend videos depending on what kind of videos have been seen in the past.
In addition, Google Analytics will replace YouTube Insight. This new feature will allow users to obtain a more precise understanding of content and audiences and which videos are driving the most views and subscriptions.
Jorge Chavez is Social Marketer at Mijo! Brands in Mexico. Follow him @jorgemijobrands
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