**YouTube May Be Trialing TikTok-Inspired Swipe Actions for Horizontal Videos, and Users Are Not Pleased**
TikTok has revolutionized our video consumption habits, and one standout feature that distinguishes it is the “swipe up” action. This straightforward interaction has become a core element for short-form video applications, prompting other platforms to take note. When Instagram launched *Reels*, its answer to TikTok, it integrated the swipe-up action, which contributed to its rising success. In a similar vein, *YouTube Shorts* also embraced this capability, leveraging the vertical video phenomenon.
Currently, it appears that YouTube could be testing the addition of this swipe action to its primary application for horizontal videos.
Tushar Mehta, a contributor at *Digital Trends*, was the first to identify this possible alteration. He shared his observations on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting that he encountered the feature within the YouTube app on Android devices. Mehta expressed confusion regarding the rationale behind this change, questioning, “Who would want to scroll on a long-form video?” His doubts were mirrored by many on the internet.
The feedback has been largely unfavorable. *Android Authority* even published a piece entitled, *”YouTube is testing the worst change ever in its Android app,”* encapsulating the prevailing mood. One person reacted to Mehta’s post, stating, “This is so frustrating. Frustrating enough to drive me to Twitter to see if I’m the only one who’s annoyed.” Another user described the situation as “genuinely hilarious,” prompting Mehta to respond, “Idk how engineers come up with this to justify their $250k+ salaries.”
At this moment, this swipe action is not an established feature, and YouTube has yet to provide any official statement on the subject. It seems to be part of a limited trial on Android, with no assurances that Google intends to expand its availability.
For the time being, it remains a contentious trial, with numerous users wishing it doesn’t evolve into a lasting adjustment.