Rita El Khoury / Android Authority
TL;DR
The YouTube for Android TV app is rolling out a new account switching feature similar to Netflix. The app has a built-in account switcher that eliminates the need to change accounts in Android settings. Additionally, when you launch the app, you are now asked which account you want to use.
Last month, Google announced that there were more than 270 million monthly active Google TV and other Android TV devices, making these platforms one of the world’s largest platforms for watching video. YouTube is one of the most popular ways to enjoy videos on any platform, and Android TV is no different. Because TVs are generally shared devices, YouTube allows you to switch between multiple accounts so everyone can maintain their own subscriptions, viewing history, and recommendations. However, YouTube’s account switching experience on Android TV is a bit clunky, but thankfully that’s changed with the new update.
YouTube for Android TV (not to be confused with YouTube TV) has long had the ability to switch accounts from within the app. To do this, launch the app, use your remote to go to the YouTube menu on the left, move up until you reach the Accounts tab, tap Switch Account, and from the menu that appears on the right Account side must be selected. The YouTube app for Android TV will reload and switch accounts. Here’s how the old exchange went:
YouTube’s existing account switching feature works, but there are some issues. First, you’ll need to sign in to multiple Google accounts from Android TV itself. This means you can’t separate these accounts to just the YouTube app. Earlier this year, a (now patched) vulnerability was discovered that used Google Account credentials stored on an Android TV device to access a user’s Gmail inbox, but apps like YouTube This vulnerability could have been avoided by not relying on global account sign-in. 1st place.
Second, the existing account switcher is a bit slow. Changing accounts requires at least six button presses, which can be annoying if you just want to relax after a long day at work.
I think other media streaming apps for smart TVs, like Netflix, have a much better account switching experience. For example, Netflix’s account switcher is not only integrated into the app itself, but also asks you which account you want to use when you launch it. Fortunately, Google is rolling out an update to YouTube for Android TV that implements Netflix-like account switching functionality.
When I launched the YouTube app on NVIDIA SHIELD this weekend, I noticed that all my accounts were logged out of the app. When you log back in, you’ll now be asked which account to use every time you launch the YouTube app for Android TV. Additionally, you can now switch between accounts without opening Android settings using the Accounts tab. I was also able to log out of my Google Account on Android TV and continue using the same account on YouTube.
YouTube for Android TV’s ‘Who’s Watching’ launch screen YouTube for Android TV’s new native account switcher
Overall, I think YouTube’s new account switcher for Android TV offers a better multi-user experience. I’ve always felt that Netflix, Prime Video, and some other streaming services were better at handling multiple users, but this update narrows the gap between YouTube and the others. YouTube hasn’t announced this new account switching experience yet, but it’s already rolled out to some members of Android Authority staff. If you have this new experience, let us know in the comments section below.
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