Google is rolling out the new design of the YouTube mini-player on Android. It has been modified compared to the version previewed in 2024 following feedback from users who did not find it optimal.
Watching a YouTube video on your smartphone does not necessarily require absolute attention. Because a passage interests you less or because a content suggestion catches your eye, you sometimes navigate the streaming platform's mobile application while leaving the current video playing. It then lodges itself in a floating miniature window allowing you to continue watching regardless.
At the end of 2024, Google decided to redesign the YouTube mini-player. Designed to be more practical, it proved quite frustrating to use, with most users criticizing it for taking up too much space on the screen, even in its smallest size. The feedback was so numerous that the Mountain View firm backtracked and returned to the previous mini-player, while it revised its copy. It's now ready.
YouTube's new mini-player on Android offers some thoughtful new options
Previewed in YouTube version 20.19.37 on Android, the new mini-player appears as a rectangle with rounded edges. What's striking compared to the previous attempt is the absence of a navigation bar. Only two buttons, pause and close, are placed in a box at the top left and right of the window. It is also possible to hide the player on one side of the screen, as can be seen in the rightmost screenshot of the image below.
Another interesting new feature: the video automatically pauses when you hide the mini-player like this, while it resumes as soon as it is visible again. However, it seems that this behavior is not yet operational since the video continues to play no matter what. Surely a bug that Google will not fail to fix. The rollout of the redesigned mini-player is underway. At the editorial office, we still see the old one.
We heard your feedback & we’re making some updates to the miniplayer experience.
Now when you hide the miniplayer, your video will be paused & when the miniplayer is visible again, it’ll pick up right where it left off!
The design has been also been given a little refresh 💫 https://t.co/iNH3NAIZXp
— TeamYouTube (@TeamYouTube) May 13, 2025
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