In recent weeks, YouTube’s Android app has rolled out an intriguing yet somewhat contentious feature known as Auto Zoom. This functionality activates automatically when users switch to landscape mode, seamlessly zooming in on videos to fill the screen. However, this automatic adjustment has led to considerable frustration among viewers, as it often crops out vital content from the edges of the video without any option to disable it in the app’s settings.
Understanding the Auto Zoom Feature
It is essential to distinguish Auto Zoom from the existing “Zoom to fill screen” feature. The latter ensures that videos occupy the entire screen during full-screen playback, but it remains under the user’s control. In contrast, Auto Zoom operates independently, activating inconsistently across different videos, leaving users puzzled about when it will appear.
When Auto Zoom is engaged, a pill-shaped button labeled “Auto Zoom” overlays the video, indicating the change. Users can tap this button to revert to the original view, but the inconsistency of its activation has left many feeling exasperated. While some users report never encountering this feature, others have expressed their annoyance vocally.
Fortunately, there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Recent APK teardown analyses have revealed potential code strings within the YouTube app (version 20.32.32) that suggest Google is working on a solution. The anticipated update is expected to introduce a toggle that will allow users to disable Auto Zoom, providing much-needed relief for those who find the feature disruptive.
According to the layout files, this new option will likely be positioned just below the existing “Zoom to fill screen” setting in the Playback section of the app. While the timeline for this rollout remains unclear, the prospect of regaining control over video playback is a promising development for the YouTube community.
