TikTok’s “swipe up” functionality has transformed the way we consume video content and is an innovation that other short-video platforms can’t afford to overlook. Instagram’s TikTok competitor, Reels, incorporated the swipe up feature, contributing to its popularity. Similarly, YouTube Shorts has adopted this design detail. Notably, these platforms primarily focus on vertical video formats. Now, there’s speculation that YouTube is testing this gesture in its standard video player, which traditionally features horizontal videos.

YouTube has been called out recently for allegedly ‘hiding’ the skip button on its ads. The latest change was initially noticed by Tushar Mehta, a contributor to Digital Trends, who posted about it on X. Mehta observed this change on the Android app and questioned the logic behind scrolling on a long-form video. Many seem to share his sentiments. The general consensus, based on Mehta’s tweet and an Android Authority article titled “YouTube is testing the worst change ever in its Android app,” is that users are not thrilled with this potential modification.

One user responded to Mehta’s post on X, expressing their frustration and seeking solidarity from others who may also be annoyed. Another user described the situation as “genuinely hilarious,” to which Mehta humorously responded, questioning the high salaries of engineers who implement such changes.

It is important to note that this change is not yet official, and YouTube has not responded to Mashable’s request for comment. As of now, this feature has only been seen in a limited test on Android, and it remains uncertain whether Google intends to roll it out on a larger scale.

For those considering an investment in the tech industry or simply interested in its trends, these developments offer insight into the ongoing evolution of video content consumption. However, the focus of this article is not to encourage or dissuade investment, but rather to keep readers informed of the latest trends in the digital world.