YouTube’s new ‘miniplayer-bar’ lets you read comments as you watch
YouTube is trialling a new ‘miniplayer-bar’ that allows you to continue watching a video even as you scroll down the page to read the (usually terrible) comments.
Similar functionality has been available through the mobile apps for some time, where you can even browse for new videos to watch without taking your eye off your existing content. However, this is the first time such functionality, first spotted by Engadget, has made its way to the browser experience.
Previously, scrolling down to read the comments would see the YouTube video disappear off the top of the page, which feels very old-fashioned now that we think about.
Facebook has had similar functionality for some time now, allowing you to continue scrolling down its infinite feed without taking your eye off its “dank” memes.
Credit: Engadget
Mobile over desktop
It’s been interesting in recent years seeing mobile apps gradually catch up to, and then overtake the functionality of the desktop experience.
But in a world where more than half of YouTube views now come from mobile, it’s only natural that this experience takes priority.
So far the functionality is in its trial phase, but if it works well it should be more widely rolled out soon.
Are you excited about the new functionality? Let us know @TrustedReviews
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
