YouTube Removes Subscriptions Tab from Bottom Bar on Mobile, Introduces Custom Feeds

Mobile App Redesign

YouTube is implementing a series of updates to its Android and iOS applications, focusing on a more integrated Home experience. A key change involves the repositioning of the Subscriptions tab, which has been a fixture in the bottom bar for nearly a decade since 2017.

Subscriptions Tab Relocation

The Subscriptions tab, previously in the fourth position of the bottom bar, is now located in the top bar of the Home tab. It appears in the second position after "Home" and is marked with a red underline. This change is expected to alter user muscle memory built over years.

Introduction of Custom Feeds

Alongside the tab relocation, YouTube is launching custom feeds, which are accessible on both mobile and desktop and sync between devices. Users can create these feeds by describing desired topics, channels, or content "vibe" using a "+" button at the top of the Home feed.

These custom feeds appear as top tabs in the main feed, following Home and Subscriptions. Users can modify the feed's content via a prompt box within each feed.

Tiered Access to Custom Feeds

Access to custom feeds is tiered: free YouTube users can save up to three active custom feeds, while YouTube Premium members are allotted up to eight. This feature is initially rolling out to signed-in viewers in the U.S. using English on mobile and desktop, with plans for wider international availability.