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YouTube App Adds an Explore Tab

Google combines trending videos and destination pages with creators and artists on the rise recommendations in the latest iOS and Android YouTube app.

 & Matthew Humphries Former Senior Editor

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If you're a regular user of the YouTube app, get ready to start seeing a new tab called Explore.

Over the next few days, Google will be rolling out an update to both the iOS and Android YouTube apps with the new tab present right next to the Home icon. Tapping Explore brings up Trending videos, but also "destination pages for some popular content categories like Gaming, Music, Fashion & Beauty, Learning and more."

The Trending page isn't disappearing, just morphing to become part of the Explore tab. Trending videosform a section within Explore, and a Trending button will be available to tap at the top the tab page, too. So if you enjoy seeing what the latest viral videos are, or like having quick access to the latest movie trailers, music videos, etc. from within the app, the option still remains.

What Explore does unlock is easy access to YouTube's destination pages. For now, the available destination pages include Music, Gaming, News, Movies & Shows, Fashion & Beauty, and Learning, but Google is set to keep adding more. Just like with Trending, each destination page has its own button at the top of the Explore tab for quick access to the latest and/or most relevant videos per category.

One further change Google is introducing relates to creators and artists. Scrolling through Explore feed content will reveal videos tagged "Creator on the Rise" and "Artist on the Rise." They will appear before other trending videos in a bid to make it "easier for you to discover their content and connect with them and their communities!"

If you don't see the Explore tab in the YouTube app just yet, don't worry, you will within the next few days.

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About Our Expert

Matthew Humphries

Matthew Humphries

Former Senior Editor

My Experience

I started working at PCMag in November 2016, covering all areas of technology and video game news. Before that I spent nearly 15 years working at Geek.com as a writer and editor. I also spent the first six years after leaving university as a professional game designer working with Disney, Games Workshop, 20th Century Fox, and Vivendi.

I hold two degrees: a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and a Master's degree in Games Development. My first book, Make Your Own Pixel Art, is available from all good book shops.

My Areas of Expertise

  • PC components and system building
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Software development
  • Storage technology
  • Video games and gaming hardware

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