YouTube clarifies rumored homepage changes, denies hiding view counts and upload dates

A recent screenshot of the YouTube homepage showing a layout without video upload dates or view counts spread widely on social media this week, sparking discussions about a possible new design test. This image, initially shared by VidIQ on Twitter/X and later circulated by Dextero, led many to believe YouTube was experimenting with removing these metrics. However, YouTube has clarified that the layout is not part of any official testing.

The viral screenshot, viewed over 17 million times, left many users questioning whether YouTube was trying out a new interface that removed key information like upload dates and view counts. However, YouTube quickly responded through its official Twitter/X account, @TeamYouTube, confirming that this design is not being tested. YouTube stated that this change in layout may appear if users are browsing with specific extensions enabled, suggesting that certain browser tools may interfere with YouTube’s default display.

YouTube also encouraged users to report instances where they noticed this design change without using browser extensions, indicating it could help identify any potential technical issues. The platform, however, did not name any specific browser extensions that might trigger the altered layout.

Despite the viral nature of the screenshot, the original source has not been disclosed, making it difficult to determine the exact reason behind this unusual layout display. YouTube’s response emphasizes that the platform is not actively testing a homepage layout that hides video view counts and upload dates, reassuring users that these core features are not being removed from the YouTube experience.