In recent weeks, many applications have made more or less effective changes in order to offer their users a better experience and, of course, not to lose ground compared to the competition. And YouTube has been one of the most active. After announcing the service’s compatibility with Apple’s HomePod, now YouTube has revealed a new effect that is available on both iOS and Android.

The update is related to the improvement in “Ambient Mode” introduced a year ago. Ambient mode uses a lighting effect to slowly fade out the colors in the background of the screen, allowing you to focus more on your videos. However, when the video went to full screen, it disappeared. Full-screen YouTube videos on Android and iOS now show these ambient colors at the edges of the screen.

How to enable ambient mode?

Follow these steps to enable ambient mode on iPhone and Android:

one. On the play page select Adjustment.

2. To choose Additional settings.

3. Active Ambient mode.

In the images below shared from 9to5Google, The effect can be seen on the Pixel 8 Pro and OnePlus Open foldable device, as well as the iPhone 15 Pro. If it’s not available on your device, it will likely take a few hours to spread to all users.

Turn on OnePlus Full screen ambient mode

Pixel 8 Pro full-screen ambient mode

With this effect, you will be able to see the dominant colors of the edges of the video player with a slight delay, such as a slight glow effect on the left and right.

This only happens when the video isn’t the same aspect ratio as your phone’s screen, but rather a narrower ratio like 16:9 or even 18:9. And with it You will be able to say goodbye to the black bars that appear on both sides when some videos are played in full screen mode.