Initially launched for computers and smartphones, YouTube has become one of the most popular applications available on televisions and gaming consoles. Users enjoy streaming gaming broadcasts, video tutorials, and YouTube Shorts on larger displays, and a significant enhancement is on the horizon. With the Q2 2025 update, Google has introduced a range of new features for the YouTube app on smart TVs that will become accessible upon updating the application.

Enhancements in YouTube’s TV App

As part of its strategy to promote YouTube Shorts more widely, Google has made adjustments to highlight these short videos on television screens. A designated row for Shorts has been added to the “Watch Next” section and within the subscriptions tab under the “Shorts Shelf.” This move not only elevates the visibility of Shorts but also distinguishes them from longer videos.

Additionally, users can now loop any video directly through the playback settings, a feature which previously could only be accessed via the mobile app for looping playlists. There’s also the introduction of a dedicated podcasts tab, enabling quicker access to podcast videos.

Organizing Content with “Shelves”

A key aspect of this update focuses on the implementation of “shelves,” designed to streamline the search for various types of content. One notable shelf, titled “Continue your search,” showcases the top three searches, making it easier to locate previously viewed videos. This functionality is also beneficial for discovering favorite creators without the commitment to subscribing.

Another shelf, named “From your top channels,” displays videos from the creators frequented most, offering a tailored viewing experience.

For music enthusiasts, new shelves include “Listen again,” which presents frequently played tracks, and “Live performances, remixes, and covers,” allowing users to explore alternate renditions of their favorite songs. The “Primetime Channels” shelf points to content from channels that viewers may have purchased subscriptions to on YouTube.

YouTube has also successfully rolled out Immersive Channel Previews, enabling creators to personalize their channels with fullscreen background visuals in the headers. Furthermore, creators can now monitor TV viewership as a device category in their channel analytics, providing valuable insights into audience behavior.