Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
Tl;
- YouTube updated its signature red to a cooler shade and introduced a red-to-magic gradient, with a view to a fresher and more dynamic look.
- The change solves problems with the old red, which seemed too tough, caused the screen stove and looked orange on some screens.
- Accessibility and ease of use were also important factors in the design team’s thinking.
If you have noticed something slightly different about YouTube Lately, but couldn’t quite put your finger on it, you’re not alone. The platform quietly fine -tuned the iconic red in recent months, and switched to a cooler shade and introduced a redd magazine gradient into the key elements such as the propulsion line.
The change was subtle, but YouTube’s design team took it very seriously. In a deep dive in the decision -making processThey explained how this seemingly less color adjustment was the result of extensive research, accessibility considerations and technical factors.
YouTube’s signature red has evolved several times over the years, but a mixture of practical and aesthetic concerns led to this update. The previous Red, introduced in 2017, had some unexpected problems-it looked too intense in important UI moments, sometimes seemed orange on certain screens, and even helped shield burning on TVs.
By switching to a slightly cooler red, YouTube had aimed at creating a more balanced and accessible appearance while solving these technical problems. “We wanted an evolution, not a revolution,” said Robyn Lee, one of YouTube’s visual designs leads.
In addition to fine-tuning the red one in itself, YouTube also added a red-to-Magent gradient, which now appears in several places across the platform, including the propulsion line and certain UI elements. According to Visual Design Lead Robyn Lee, Magenta represents “Fantasy and Evolution” and was chosen over orange or yellow to provide a fresh but continuous appearance to YouTube’s branding. YouTube’s motion designers also saw it as a way to add more depth and movement, making the interface feel more dynamic.
Accessibility also played a role in processing the colors. Various shades of red and magenta were tested, and motion elements were designed to adapt to different devices to prevent problems with user performance or visual discomfort.