YouTube adds custom feeds and simplified navigation to homepage

YouTube Restructures Mobile Homepage with Custom Feeds and Simplified Navigation

YouTube is rolling out a major homepage redesign on mobile and desktop that introduces customizable video streams and simplifies top-level menus, Android Authority reported. The update shifts how users discover content by replacing traditional topic chips with user-generated custom feeds, giving viewers direct control over niche topics, hobbies, and moods.

Building Personalized Video Streams Through Custom Prompts

The headline feature of the redesign allows users to build personalized recommendation streams by describing what they want to watch. Instead of relying exclusively on YouTube’s automated suggestions, viewers can tap a plus button at the top of the homepage and type out a specific topic, content type, or mood. According to Android Authority, these custom feeds go beyond basic keyword searches and continuously update as new videos match the prompt.

Viewers can save up to three custom feeds for free, while YouTube Premium subscribers can expand that limit to eight saved feeds. Users can edit original prompts or delete feeds they no longer need, and the saved feeds sync automatically across mobile devices and desktop computers.

Balancing Free Tier Limits Against Premium Perks

The three-feed limit for free accounts creates a direct contrast with the eight-feed allowance granted to paying subscribers.

Aside from custom feeds, the updated Home tab features a simplified top bar that relocates the Subscriptions feed for faster access. YouTube is also introducing dedicated shortcuts for Live streams, Music, and Movies & TV for eligible subscribers.

What Remains Unknown About Global Rollout Timings

YouTube has restricted the initial rollout of custom feeds to signed-in users in the United States who use English-language settings on mobile and desktop devices.