YouTube Music is set to enhance its user experience with a significant redesign aimed at improving search functionality. This update, which is currently being tested, will reposition the Search bar on the Android app, making it more accessible for one-handed use. The change comes as part of a series of updates celebrating the platform’s 10th anniversary, which also introduced features such as the “Taste Match” playlist.
The new design moves the Search bar from its current location in the top-right corner, sandwiched between the notification bell icon and the user profile avatar, to the bottom navigation bar. This adjustment transforms the search process into a two-tap action, effectively replacing the existing “Explore” button while retaining the original Explore page’s functionality.
At the top of the redesigned Search page, users will find a pill-shaped input bar labelled “Search songs, artists, pod…” accompanied by shortcuts for voice and song recognition. The new interface includes sections for New releases, Charts, Mood & genres, and Podcasts. Additionally, there are carousels displaying New albums & singles, Mood & genres, Popular episodes, Trending content, and New music videos.
Currently, the redesign is not widely available. Users will see a prompt stating “Search + Explore,” indicating that they can tap twice to access the keyboard. According to reports from 9to5Google, the keyboard will no longer open automatically, which aligns with the streamlined approach of the new design.
While the exact timeline for the broader rollout of this redesign remains unclear, the improvements are expected to facilitate easier navigation, particularly for those using the app with one hand. Users will also be able to access the Search page from the Samples section, making it a more integrated part of the listening experience.
These enhancements reflect YouTube Music’s commitment to evolving its platform in response to user needs, ensuring that the service remains competitive in the crowded music streaming market. As the redesign progresses, it will be interesting to see how users respond to these changes and whether they enhance overall satisfaction with the platform.
