YouTube Music rolls out split-view now playing redesign on Android, iOS

At a glance:

• Split-view now playing redesign launched for Android (v9.14) and iOS (v9.15).
• New dual‑pane UI adds larger cover art, icon‑based Song/Video switcher, thicker progress bar and moves lyrics/related sections.
• Swipe up toggles between split view and the classic full‑screen player; the change is delivered via a server‑side update.

What’s new in the redesign

The redesign introduces a dual‑pane layout that shows cover art, playback controls, and the upcoming queue side‑by‑side. At the top, the “Song” and “Video” toggle now uses simple icons instead of text, and the cover art has been enlarged for a more visual experience. The progress bar has been replaced with a thicker container that expands when you tap and scrub, giving clearer feedback on playback position.

Below the main controls, the bottom portion of the Now Playing screen is dedicated entirely to the “Up Next” queue. Users can swipe anywhere on the player—including the very top edge—to slide the interface up halfway, revealing the queue without leaving the current view. A second swipe restores the previous full‑screen design that longtime users may remember.

The redesign also reshuffles secondary features: the “Lyrics” button has been moved to sit just after the thumbs‑up/down capsule, while “Related” content is now accessed by tapping the song title and a right‑facing chevron. Both options remain reachable but no longer occupy permanent space on the primary screen.

How to access the new layout

The update is rolling out as a server‑side change, meaning no manual download is required beyond the standard app update. Android users will receive version 9.14 and iOS users version 9.15. If the new UI does not appear immediately, dismissing the current queue and force‑stopping the app will trigger the refresh.

Once the update is active, simply open any track and you’ll see the split‑view design. To switch back to the classic full‑screen player, swipe up again until the interface expands to fill the screen. This gesture works consistently across both platforms, preserving a unified experience for Android and iOS users.

What this means for users

By consolidating cover art, controls, and the upcoming queue into a single pane, YouTube Music aims to reduce the number of taps needed to manage playback and discover next tracks. The larger album artwork and clearer progress bar improve visual accessibility, especially on larger phones and tablets.

The relocation of Lyrics and Related sections keeps the core listening experience uncluttered while still offering quick access to these features. Early feedback suggests that power users appreciate the ability to swipe anywhere to reveal the queue, a change that mirrors interaction patterns seen in competing music apps.

Overall, the split‑view redesign signals YouTube Music’s continued investment in UI refinement as it competes with other streaming services. The rollout across both major mobile ecosystems ensures that the visual upgrade reaches the broadest possible audience.