In a recent experiment, YouTube is testing a layout for its homepage that excludes view counts and upload dates for videos. This new design limits visible information to just the thumbnail, title, and channel name departing from the standard format that includes view metrics and the time since upload.
News of the layout change was first reported by VidIQ in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on October 28, 2024. VidIQ shared a screenshot showing six videos displayed on YouTube’s homepage with only minimal information. This stripped-back presentation removes the view count and the date of upload, two key indicators often used by viewers to judge the relevance and popularity of videos.
The test has generated strong opinions online. Users expressed mixed reactions, with some criticizing the removal of upload dates, which are crucial for viewers seeking the most recent information on a topic. “View counts and dates matter in selecting between videos on the same topic…this isn’t better for viewers or creators,” one user commented. Another user echoed the sentiment, noting, “If I’m looking for up-to-date information on something, I don’t want a 6-year-old video.”
The removal of view counts, too, has been controversial. Tech YouTuber Marques ‘MKBHD’ Brownlee urged YouTube to “stop chasing Netflix and just be YouTube,” suggesting that YouTube should retain its own identity rather than emulating other streaming platforms like Netflix, which traditionally lacks viewer engagement metrics like view counts.
In response, YouTube Liaison Rene Ritchie assured viewers that the platform is investigating the feedback and will provide updates soon. The official TeamYouTube account also responded, explaining that the new layout might be a side effect of certain browser extensions. They suggested users disable extensions to check if the issue persists, noting that any remaining layout inconsistencies should be reported for further investigation.
Some viewers see potential benefits in removing view counts and upload dates, arguing that it could help smaller creators gain traction as viewers might focus more on the content rather than its popularity. Others, however, worry about losing essential context, particularly when it comes to the timeliness of content.
This experiment follows another recent YouTube test: a lower-cost YouTube Premium tier that limits ads on all devices. The two changes reflect YouTube’s evolving strategy to refine its offerings for a broader range of users while grappling with the balance between content accessibility and user preferences.