YouTube adds Shorts button to Indian Home Screens

YouTube's new home screen now gives Shorts prominent space in the top bar, making it easier for users to access their Shorts Feed. 

In a blog post, YouTube explained, "We’ll be adding a Shorts icon to the top or bottom row of the mobile app that makes it easier for you to tap and watch Shorts on YouTube. Those who are in the experiment will either see a Shorts icon in place of the Explore tab (with the Explore icon moved to the top row) or will see a Shorts icon in place of the Cast icon in the top row (casting can still be done in the player while watching a video)."

YouTube will be testing this new option with a limited number of users in India using the YouTube app on Android and iOS. While Shorts is still available in limited capacity, YouTube have a specific focus on the Indian market after TikTok being banned since June. TikTok at the time, had acquired 200 million Indian users, leaving a massive gap in the market. Instagram with Reels and YouTube with Shorts are looking to fill it up.