How to Watch videos and manage subscriptions

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The Home screen attempts to make recommendations for you, based on viewing habits. If you initially don’t find anything interesting there, try the Trending tab for popular videos, or search for something specific.

Create a playlist

Tap the + button to bring up the Playlist menu. Here, you can add a video to “Watch Later” or to a specific playlist. Any new playlists created need a name and privacy setting. Access them later from the Account tab.

Access your subscriptions

Scroll up and tap back arrows until you see the main toolbar. Tap the Subscriptions toolbar button. Here, you’ll see the channels you’ve subscribed to, along with lists of featured channels.

Play a video

Tap any thumbnail and YouTube will load the video’s page and begin playback. This screen also houses related videos and information about what you’re watching. Tap the downward-facing arrows to expand text sections.

Make it bigger

Use the button at the bottom right of the overlay to toggle fullscreen mode. Alternatively, tap the downwardfacing arrow (top left) to activate picture-in-picture. Swipe the minimized video rightward to close it.

Manage subs

Change the sort order of subscriptions by using the sidebar menu. Selecting any channel loads its videos, ready for playback. To unsubscribe, simply tap the Subscribed button (with a check mark) at the top right.

Use video controls

Tap the video to view its controls overlay. Play/pause by using the central button, and drag the red timeline bar button to jump to a specific point. (Note that it may take a few seconds for playback to resume.)

Subscribe

If you enjoy someone’s videos, tap Subscribe (next to the channel’s name). At the foot of the screen, you’ll be asked if you want channel notifications. If so, Tap Turn On. Tap Settings to further refine notifications.

Explore a channel

To further explore a channel, tap its icon/”view channel.” You’ll see the channel’s home page, and tabs for uploaded videos and playlists. Select a playlist and tap the + button to add it to your own saved playlists.