YouTube has announced a significant change to its viewing experience, giving users more control over the often-cluttered screen at the end of videos. The video-sharing giant confirmed that users will now have the option to dismiss the pop-up panels of suggested content, commonly known as end screens, that appear once a video concludes.
Until now, these recommendations — which typically promote other videos, playlists, or channels — automatically filled the screen and could only be bypassed by clicking elsewhere or waiting for them to disappear. The new feature introduces a small “hide” button located in the top-right corner of the video player, allowing viewers to remove the end screen immediately and finish watching without interruption.
Importantly, the option applies only to the specific video being watched. If users open another video with an end screen, the pop-ups will reappear unless hidden again. For those who want the recommendations back, YouTube has also added a “show” button, restoring the end screen with a single click.
The company said the change was driven by user feedback requesting fewer distractions and more control over playback. While end screens have long been a tool for creators to retain audiences and promote other content, many viewers have expressed frustration at their intrusive nature, particularly when they obscure the final moments of a video.
In addition to the new hide function, YouTube is also simplifying the way viewers subscribe to channels on desktop. The platform confirmed it will remove the “subscribe” button that appears when a user hovers over a channel watermark — the small branding image often displayed in the bottom corner of a video. According to YouTube, the feature has become redundant, as a prominent subscribe button is already located directly beneath every video.
The adjustments reflect YouTube’s ongoing efforts to fine-tune its interface as the platform balances the interests of its massive creator community with the viewing preferences of its more than two billion monthly users. While some creators may be concerned about the potential impact on subscriber growth and video promotion, YouTube maintains that the changes streamline the experience without diminishing essential functions.
By providing more control over end-screen recommendations and removing duplicate features, YouTube is aiming to reduce clutter and improve user satisfaction. The company has not disclosed whether further refinements to end screens are planned, but the move signals a recognition that even small adjustments can significantly shape how audiences engage with content.
