YouTube has just revealed a number of updates to its video-viewing experience. The addition of the Ambient Mode function is only one example of these alterations. In this article, we will explain what YouTube’s Ambient Mode is and how to turn it on or off.
What exactly is YouTube’s “Ambient Mode”?
Simply said, YouTube’s Ambient Mode is a lighting effect that creates a warm, ambient glow around a video, with hues that often correspond to those shown in the clip. The effect is reminiscent to the emitted light from a television set in a darkened room (which YouTube has said was the inspiration for the effect). YouTube has stated that the addition of Ambient Mode to its dark theme will provide a “more immersive” video-viewing experience. In late October 2022, Ambient Mode was formally launched for use on the web, Android, and iOS.
To really grasp Ambient Mode, one must experience it firsthand. Here’s a glimpse at what a video will look like before and after Ambient Mode is activated, as seen in YouTube’s official announcement of the feature:
The left image shows the video player on a plain black backdrop before Ambient Mode has been activated. On the other hand, when Ambient Mode is used, the top-right video player’s backdrop takes on a soft pink/red tint that echoes the hues in the current video. That’s Ambient Mode, a video-playing mode with a pulsating light that changes color.
Turning on Ambient Mode
YouTube’s Dark Theme is required for Ambient Mode to function. Dark Theme must be activated before this can be done. When you activate Dark Theme, Ambient Mode will also kick in. How to Activate the Nighttime Theme:
In the virtual world:
To access your account, visit YouTube.com and sign in. Then, click the Profile icon, then Appearance, then either Dark Theme or Use Device Theme (if your device currently runs in dark mode).
On mobile devices running Android and iOS:
Launch the program. Once you’ve done that, go to Profile > Settings > General > Appearance > Dark Theme or Use Device Theme (if your device is currently set to use dark mode).
Turning Off Ambient Mode
Although Ambient Mode is designed to be soothing and subtle, it may be disabled if it becomes annoying. It’s mostly the same across web, Android, and iOS to turn off Ambient Mode:
You may adjust the video’s settings by clicking the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen. To toggle Ambient mode on and off, pick it from the menu that appears. (On the web, you’ll see a toggle next to the Ambient mode option.)
Apparently, if you turn off the function for one video, it will be turned off for all videos from that point forward. That being said, if you’d like to see Ambient Mode again, you’ll need to activate it in the same way you disabled it.
