YouTube's user interface (UI) is constantly evolving, and while some updates bring improvements, others might leave you yearning for the familiar comfort of the previous design. If you're not a fan of the new YouTube UI and want to revert to the old layout, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through various methods to bring back the classic YouTube look. Let's dive in!

Why Revert to the Old YouTube UI?

Before we get started, you might be wondering why so many people prefer the old UI. Here are a few common reasons:

• Familiarity: We humans are creatures of habit. The old UI is what many of us have grown accustomed to over the years, and change can be jarring.
• Simplicity: Some users find the older interface to be cleaner and more straightforward, making it easier to navigate and find what they're looking for.
• Performance: On older or less powerful devices, the new UI can sometimes feel sluggish. The old UI might offer a smoother, more responsive experience.
• Features: Occasionally, features are removed or altered in UI updates, which can be frustrating if you relied on them.

Whatever your reason, reverting to the old YouTube UI is often possible with a few clever tricks.

Method 1: Using Browser Extensions

One of the easiest ways to revert to the old YouTube UI is by using browser extensions. These handy tools can modify the appearance and behavior of websites, allowing you to customize your YouTube experience. Here’s how to use them effectively.

Installing a Suitable Extension

First, you'll need to find and install a browser extension that specifically reverts YouTube's UI. Some popular options include "YouTube Classic" and "Revert YouTube." These extensions are usually available on the Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, and other browser extension marketplaces. To install, simply search for the extension, click "Add to Chrome" (or the equivalent for your browser), and confirm the installation.

Configuring the Extension

Once the extension is installed, you might need to configure it to ensure it works correctly. Some extensions automatically revert the UI, while others require you to manually enable the old design. Look for the extension's icon in your browser's toolbar. Clicking on it should open a menu where you can select your preferred settings. Make sure the option to revert to the old YouTube UI is enabled.

Potential Issues and Troubleshooting

While browser extensions are generally reliable, they can sometimes cause issues. If YouTube doesn't revert to the old UI after installing the extension, try the following:

• Refresh the Page: Sometimes, a simple refresh is all it takes for the changes to take effect.
• Clear Cache and Cookies: Old cached data can interfere with the extension's functionality. Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can resolve this issue.
• Disable Conflicting Extensions: Other extensions might be conflicting with the YouTube UI reverting extension. Try disabling other extensions one by one to see if that resolves the problem.
• Update the Extension: Ensure that you're using the latest version of the extension. Developers often release updates to fix bugs and improve compatibility.
• Reinstall the Extension: If all else fails, try uninstalling and reinstalling the extension. This can sometimes resolve underlying issues.

By using browser extensions, you can quickly and easily revert to the old YouTube UI, enjoying a more familiar and comfortable browsing experience. This method is user-friendly and doesn't require any technical expertise, making it a great option for most users.

Method 2: Using Browser Developer Tools

For those who are a bit more tech-savvy, browser developer tools offer another way to revert to the old YouTube UI. This method involves manipulating the website's code directly, giving you more control over the appearance and behavior of YouTube. However, it does require a basic understanding of web development concepts.

Accessing Developer Tools

Most modern browsers come with built-in developer tools. To access them, you can right-click anywhere on the YouTube page and select "Inspect" or "Inspect Element." Alternatively, you can use keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl+Shift+I (Windows) or Cmd+Option+I (Mac).

Identifying and Modifying the Correct Elements

Once the developer tools are open, you'll need to identify the specific elements that control the UI. This can be a bit tricky, as YouTube's code is complex and constantly changing. However, a common approach is to look for CSS classes or JavaScript functions that are responsible for rendering the new UI.

For example, you might find a CSS class like .yt-new-ui or a JavaScript function called enableNewUI(). Once you've identified these elements, you can modify them to disable the new UI and revert to the old one. This might involve removing the CSS class or commenting out the JavaScript function.

Injecting Custom JavaScript or CSS

To apply your changes, you can inject custom JavaScript or CSS code into the YouTube page. This can be done using the developer tools' console or by creating a local JavaScript or CSS file and linking it to the page.

For example, to hide a specific element, you can use the following CSS code:

.yt-new-ui {
 display: none !important;
}

To execute a JavaScript function, you can use the following code:

disableNewUI();

Keep in mind that these code snippets are just examples and might need to be adjusted based on the specific elements and functions used by YouTube.

Potential Risks and Considerations

While using developer tools can be effective, it also comes with some risks and considerations:

• Complexity: This method requires a good understanding of web development concepts and can be challenging for beginners.
• Instability: YouTube's code is constantly changing, which means that your modifications might break after an update.
• Security: Injecting custom code into a website can pose security risks if you're not careful. Make sure to only use code from trusted sources.
• Temporary Changes: Changes made through developer tools are typically temporary and will be lost when you refresh the page or close the browser. To make your changes permanent, you'll need to use a browser extension or a userscript manager.

Despite these risks, using browser developer tools can be a powerful way to customize your YouTube experience and revert to the old UI. Just be sure to proceed with caution and only make changes if you're comfortable with the potential consequences.

Method 3: Using Userscript Managers

Userscript managers are browser extensions that allow you to run custom JavaScript code on specific websites. This can be a more flexible and powerful alternative to browser extensions, as it allows you to modify the behavior of websites in a more granular way. Here’s how to use them to revert to the old YouTube UI.

Installing a Userscript Manager

First, you'll need to install a userscript manager extension. Some popular options include Tampermonkey, Greasemonkey, and Violentmonkey. These extensions are available on the Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, and other browser extension marketplaces. To install, simply search for the extension, click "Add to Chrome" (or the equivalent for your browser), and confirm the installation.

Finding and Installing a Suitable Userscript

Once the userscript manager is installed, you'll need to find a userscript that specifically reverts YouTube's UI. Some popular options include "YouTube Classic" and "Revert YouTube." These userscripts are usually available on websites like Greasy Fork and OpenUserJS. To install, simply click on the userscript's installation link and confirm the installation in the userscript manager.

Configuring the Userscript

After the userscript is installed, you might need to configure it to ensure it works correctly. Some userscripts automatically revert the UI, while others require you to manually enable the old design. Look for the userscript's icon in your browser's toolbar. Clicking on it should open a menu where you can select your preferred settings. Make sure the option to revert to the old YouTube UI is enabled.

Potential Issues and Troubleshooting

While userscripts are generally reliable, they can sometimes cause issues. If YouTube doesn't revert to the old UI after installing the userscript, try the following:

• Refresh the Page: Sometimes, a simple refresh is all it takes for the changes to take effect.
• Clear Cache and Cookies: Old cached data can interfere with the userscript's functionality. Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can resolve this issue.
• Disable Conflicting Extensions: Other extensions might be conflicting with the YouTube UI reverting userscript. Try disabling other extensions one by one to see if that resolves the problem.
• Update the Userscript: Ensure that you're using the latest version of the userscript. Developers often release updates to fix bugs and improve compatibility.
• Reinstall the Userscript: If all else fails, try uninstalling and reinstalling the userscript. This can sometimes resolve underlying issues.

By using userscript managers, you can quickly and easily revert to the old YouTube UI, enjoying a more familiar and comfortable browsing experience. This method is user-friendly and doesn't require any technical expertise, making it a great option for most users.

Conclusion

While YouTube's new UI might not be everyone's cup of tea, there are several ways to revert to the old layout. Whether you choose to use browser extensions, developer tools, or userscript managers, you can customize your YouTube experience to suit your preferences. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of each method and choose the one that best fits your technical skills and comfort level. With a little effort, you can enjoy the classic YouTube look and feel once again. Happy browsing!