YouTube on desktop now has a comments sidebar, and everyone hates it

Credit: Joe Maring / Android Authority TL;DR YouTube is testing a desktop layout that shifts comments and video details into a right-hand sidebar while placing giant recommendation thumbnails below the player. Viewers report a cramped watch experience and are turning to custom uBlock Origin filters and browser extensions to restore the traditional YouTube video player interface. Google previously tested a similar sidebar setup in 2024, then rolled it back amid backlash.