In a recent announcement, Google has unveiled a significant upgrade to the YouTube app specifically designed for TV and console users, showcasing its commitment to enhancing user experience across all platforms. These updates aim to streamline content discovery and provide users with a more engaging viewing experience.

The improvements include the introduction of five new shelf types that will appear on the home feed, fundamentally changing how users interact with the app. These newly added shelves are: Continue Your Search, which displays the top three searches of users to facilitate easier navigation; Listen Again, highlighting popular songs that users have previously searched or listened to; and shelves dedicated to Live Performances, Remixes, and Covers. Moreover, a Primetime Channels shelf will showcase content from channels that users have recently searched for or watched, along with a shelf titled From Your Top Channels that aggregates content from their favorite creators.

Additionally, YouTube is embracing the podcast craze by introducing a dedicated podcasts tab within the app. This new feature will allow users to easily find and enjoy their favorite podcasts without having to navigate away from their usual viewing habits. For fans of short-form content, YouTube has also added a Shorts row in the Watch Next feed and a Shorts shelf in the subscription tab, ensuring that viewers have easy access to quick and entertaining videos.

Another notable update is the long-requested feature to loop all content. Previously, this functionality was limited to playlists, but now users can enjoy continuous playback across all content types, enhancing binge-watching capabilities. Furthermore, the app now supports inline previews for channel, subscription, and topic pages, as well as immersive channel previews, making it easier than ever to discover new content.

While these updates are exciting for YouTube enthusiasts, there are still some user requests that remain unmet. Many users are expressing the desire for an option to hide Shorts content, which has become a topic of discussion among viewers. This request comes on the heels of reports that Google is also exploring ways to help curb Shorts addiction within the smartphone app.

As of now, these features are either already available or are expected to roll out in Q2 2025, marking a positive step forward for the YouTube app on televisions and consoles.

Google's attention to improving the console and TV app is commendable, and it will be interesting to see how these changes shape user experience in the coming months.

For those with tips or insights regarding these updates, Google encourages users to connect with their team via email, providing the option for anonymity or recognition.