October 23, 2026, 3:07 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
A lot is changing on YouTube right now. The video platform is revamping its navigation and homepage while also testing a change with Google Lens. However, not all of these updates are well-received by users.
Subscription Button Disappears from Familiar Spot
Regular YouTube users on smartphones likely know where to find their subscriptions. Since 2017, this section has been located at the bottom of the app’s menu bar. That’s now changing: As reported by “9to5Google,” YouTube is removing “Subscriptions” from this bar and moving it to the top of the homepage. There, “Subs” will appear directly next to “Home.” YouTube tested this change earlier in 2026. It affects the apps for Android and iOS.
The new location is still quickly accessible, but many users might find the change disruptive. Those who have been tapping the subscriptions section at the bottom for years will need to adjust.
At the same time, the top bar is gaining additional fixed sections. It will soon include “Live” and “Music,” among others. “Movies & TV” will appear if a relevant active subscription is present.
Google Lens Gets a New, Unfavorable Spot
While the new spot for subscriptions is part of a larger overhaul, YouTube is testing another change that could be more disruptive in daily use: The button for Google Lens can suddenly appear in the middle of a paused Short video. According to “Android Authority,” this happens on both Android and iOS. Previously, the icon was located in the top menu.
The problem is the new position. The button covers part of the video and is exactly where users might tap to resume a paused Short. However, not every user is seeing the new button yet. The new placement is already causing complaints on social media.
Currently, there is no known way to remove the button. Attempts to revoke YouTube’s camera permissions have not reliably worked, according to “Android Authority.” The company has not yet responded to requests for comment.
YouTube Music Gets a New Interface
Google Turns YouTube Into a Text Chatbot
YouTube Also Revamps the Homepage
A significantly larger change is coming to the YouTube homepage with the introduction of “Custom Feeds.” Instead of relying solely on YouTube’s usual recommendations, users can now create their own video feeds based on their interests.
Users can specify which videos should appear in each feed, such as a particular hobby or topic, or even a desired mood. The created feed will then appear at the top of the homepage and can be accessed at any time. The settings can be changed later, and an unwanted feed can be deleted.
Also of interest: Google is revamping YouTube! Dislike button disappears for some users
However, YouTube sets limits. Users without a paid subscription can save up to three active Custom Feeds. YouTube Premium members can have up to eight. The personal feeds are also synchronized with the desktop version. On smartphones, they replace the previously automatically suggested topic areas.
Personal Feeds Not Available for Everyone Yet
The Custom Feeds are initially launching with limited availability. They are accessible to logged-in users in the U.S. who use YouTube in English. Additionally, playback and search history must be enabled. The feature is available on both mobile devices and desktops. According to “9to5Google,” more countries will follow.
With these changes, YouTube is altering how users navigate the platform in several areas. While the Custom Feeds promise more control over recommendations, the relocation of the subscriptions section will likely require some adjustment. The centrally placed Google Lens button could simply be an annoyance if YouTube decides to roll out the current test more broadly.