Annoying YouTube Update Detracts from Video Quality

YouTube has recently introduced a new feature called “Rotate Shorts, ”allowing users to view Shorts in landscape mode. While this might initially sound appealing, the reality is quite the opposite.

This feature, first reported by Android Authority, can be found in the Accessibility section of the YouTube app settings on select Android devices, such as the Pixel 9 Pro XL. When activated, simply rotating your device will cause Shorts to display horizontally, complete with side-aligned controls and a scrub bar positioned at the bottom.

Controversial Design Choice: The Effect of Landscape Mode

However, this feature is raising concerns among users for a significant reason. Shorts are specifically designed for vertical viewing. When viewed in landscape mode, the video shrinks to a small, awkward display that not only wastes valuable screen space but also detracts from the overall viewing experience—akin to trying to watch a movie on a calculator display.

For those who prefer the traditional viewing experience, disabling the Rotate Shorts feature ensures that content remains locked in portrait mode, regardless of how the device is held. Even with auto-rotate turned off, users will not find the usual option to manually switch to landscape mode.

YouTube Shorts in landscape mode — Android Authority

It is important to note that Shorts are fundamentally intended for portrait viewing.

According to Android Police, this feature is being rolled out gradually through server-side updates, meaning it won’t be immediately accessible to all users. Fortunately, YouTube has decided not to activate this setting by default; users must manually enable it within their settings.

The reasoning behind the introduction of Rotate Shorts remains ambiguous. One plausible theory suggests that it caters to users with mobility impairments who may keep their phones oriented in landscape mode and are seeking a more comfortable viewing angle for Shorts. This rationale could explain the feature’s placement in the Accessibility settings.

For the average viewer, however, this feature may simply not be worth the hassle. If you enjoy watching Shorts, it’s recommended to keep them in portrait mode. Additionally, for enthusiasts of Shorts, investing in a full Premium subscription might be a wise choice, as YouTube has begun implementing ads on Shorts for users who opt for the more economical Premium Lite service.

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