YouTube for iOS Gets 'Dark Theme', Android to Add It Soon

YouTube for iOS has been updated with a dark theme that enables a cinematic experience on iPhone and iPad devices. The new theme is also soon debuting on the Android version of the YouTube app. Notably, the YouTube site on desktops has been supporting the Dark theme since May last year.

To enable the dark theme on an iOS device, tap the account icon from the top-right corner on the YouTube app, select the Settings menu and then toggle the Dark Theme option to on. You can also activate the dark theme on the YouTube desktop version by clicking the account icon, selecting the Dark Theme option, and then toggling the option to on. This new addition is simpler than the original workaround that was debuted in May last year and required users to move to the test site to enable the dark mode.

One of the benefits of the YouTube dark theme is certainly to reduce strain on eyes, especially when watching videos at night. However, it also gives a cinematic feel and helps enhance the battery life on mobile devices. You'll also notice the deep black background if you own an iPhone X that features an OLED display.

The addition of the dark theme has brought the YouTube app for iOS to the list that already includes Twitter, Telegram X, and Pocket among others. Moreover, it comes weeks after the YouTube team upgraded the live streaming experience for creators and viewers by adding a list of new features, including automatic English captions and the ability to replay chats during a live stream.