Web/Mobile App Critique

December 15, 2022

I’ve been using YouTube since shortly after its launch when my Father-In-Law introduced me to the site. I thought it was a great idea at the time, but never knew it would grow into what it has become. In the early years, it was an occasional visit to the site, but I can easily say I am a daily regular. I frequent YouTube for everything from listening to music and watching trailers, to researching training and cooking recipes both with the web and mobile app versions.

I feel the usability of the site is straightforward. Upon initial launch, you are greeted with a search box and recommended videos. This automatically pulls the visitor into either continuing with their intended search or browsing the list of random videos.

As for the design, I think it’s very smart to not only immediately show a list of recommendations, but the page also has a list of buttons across the top with various suggestions. This allows the person to click on a topic to find more related videos. There are also buttons to the left which offer more items such as Shorts (short video clips), subscriptions, a library, and history options. All the items on the web page are clearly visible and not difficult to see.

The functionality of the site is great. You have the option to search for videos using the search box across the top, click on any of the recommended buttons, or take your pick through a list of videos they have provided. If you are willing to take a chance, you can refresh the page and a new set of recommendations comes up. If you click on any topic button, a list of videos specific to that topic will show and highlight the topic button. Once you select a video, you can simply click on it and it will navigate to that video page and start playing, of course not prior to an add or two.

YouTube is far beyond when it was first launched, but I feel there are still opportunities for improvement. My first recommendation would be to cut back on the number of ads while using a non-subscription account. I understand that is their marketing angle, but perhaps follow Spotify and allow for an add-free timeframe after listening for a specific amount of time.

My second recommendation is with their subscriptions. Having tier subscriptions would be my recommendation, as with many other online services. They could cut the number of ads depending on which tier someone subscribes to. Currently, their only options are individual at $11.99 a month, family at $22.99 a month, or student (which I just learned about) at $6.99 a month. For someone who may not use YouTube as often and isn’t a student, paying $11.99 a month might seem a bit high.

My last recommendation would be to allow continuous play while using the mobile app even with a screen lock. I once belonged to a close friend’s family plan which allowed for using the app as well as YouTube music while my phone screen was locked. Once I was removed from the plan, I could no longer do so. This essentially stopped me from using YouTube for playing music and I moved to Spotify, which allows for a lock screen with a free account. Of course, there are still ads, but at least my screen can be off.

All in all, I do enjoy YouTube for what it has become in comparison to 2005 and feel it will only continue to get better. Below are some screenshots of YouTube from 2005 and YouTube today. Also, if interested, there are some links in my references list that discuss the history of YouTube which I found very interesting.

YouTube 2005