YouTube on desktop now has a comments sidebar, and everyone hates it

What happened

Google previously tested a similar sidebar setup in 2024, then rolled it back amid backlash. YouTube is rolling out another controversial redesign to its desktop interface, once again thrusting the comment section and video details into a dedicated right-hand sidebar while moving recommended videos directly beneath the player.

The redesign shrinks the video player, places comments on the side, and has large thumbnail recommendations at the bottom. Viewers report a cramped watch experience and are turning to custom uBlock Origin filters and browser extensions to restore the traditional YouTube video player interface.

It remains to be seen whether this change will become permanent. Reports across Reddit show multiple users waking up to the drastic layout shift.

Key facts

• Google previously — tested: a similar sidebar setup in 2024, then rolled it back amid backlash