Unwanted YouTube feature makes videos look way worse

by

As a devoted YouTube enthusiast, I’ve recently discovered an unwelcome change: the platform has stealthily introduced a setting for watching Shorts in landscape mode. Frankly, this innovation is every bit as frustrating as it seems.

Android Authority has highlighted a unique feature named ‘Rotate Shorts’, which can be found under the Accessibility settings within the YouTube app on specific Android devices such as the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

As a thrilled user, when I activate the feature, simply rotating my phone initiates Shorts to stream horizontally, complete with side-fixed controls and a play bar conveniently positioned at the base.

But there’s one big problem with the feature and it makes watching videos a mess.

YouTube’s new Rotate feature raises eyebrows

Short videos are intended to be viewed vertically. When you try to watch them horizontally, it compresses the video into a narrow, inconvenient frame that wastes screen area and spoils the viewing experience. It’s similar to trying to enjoy a movie on a calculator display.

When you disable this feature, Shorts will always appear in portrait orientation regardless of how you hold your device. This is because the auto-rotation function, which normally allows for a switch to landscape mode by tilting your phone, has been turned off, and there’s no button provided to manually force the screen into landscape view.

According to Android Police, the update is being distributed gradually via a server-side update, meaning not all users will have the option to access it immediately. Fortunately, YouTube hasn’t activated Shorts for everyone; they can be viewed only if you choose to enable them within the settings.

There’s some speculation about why YouTube implemented this new feature. One possibility is that it was designed for users with motor difficulties, who often keep their phones in landscape mode while watching Shorts. To avoid constantly turning their heads, they might appreciate a horizontal viewing option. This hypothesis could also explain why the setting is found under Accessibility options.

From my perspective as a fan, for many people, it might seem unnecessary to focus on this feature. However, if you’re into Shorts, I’d suggest keeping them in portrait mode. If you’re truly fond of Shorts, you might want to think about upgrading to a full Premium subscription. Interestingly, the platform that Google owns has decided to show ads on Shorts for those who opt for the less expensive Premium Lite service.

Read More

2025-07-04 22:48