YouTube has announced several new features for its Smart TV apps in a quarterly update for Q1 2025.
The update brings improvements to the YouTube Shorts experience, enhanced channel previews, and new parental control options, making the viewing experience more enjoyable for users.
Improved YouTube Shorts Experience on TVs
Recognizing the need for better viewing experiences, YouTube has revamped the Shorts experience on Smart TVs.
The update introduces a cleaner, more streamlined interface with standardized buttons and a simplified layout on the right side of the screen.
Users can now cast a Shorts clip from their phone to the TV, while the video continues playing seamlessly on the television.
Additionally, multiple dubbed audio tracks are now available in the video player’s menu, offering more options for diverse language preferences.
Full-Screen Channel Previews
YouTube is enhancing its channel header previews, providing users with a full-screen view of the channel’s top video.
This change makes it easier for viewers to dive straight into the content they want to watch. A new “Subscribe” button has also been added to the watch pages of both standard YouTube videos and Shorts.
New Parental Control Features
Parents will appreciate a new “Parent Code” feature that allows them to restrict kids from accessing adult profiles within the household.
This option also limits the ability to watch content through signed-out accounts, providing better control over what kids can view. This feature is available in the Settings page of the YouTube app.
Seamless Sign-in and Account Syncing
For those using Android TV, YouTube now offers a simplified sign-in process. Users can sign in using their YouTube smartphone app, as long as both the phone and the TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Additionally,
YouTube will automatically switch to the account signed in on your phone when casting to a new TV, ensuring consistent watch history and recommendations across devices.
These new features are already live and should enhance the overall YouTube viewing experience on your Smart TV. Whether you’re enjoying Shorts or managing parental controls, the updates aim to improve the functionality and convenience of the app for all users.
