YouTube is in the process of eliminating the “Guest” profile feature from its TV applications, starting with the Apple TV and Roku platforms.
The YouTube application on televisions maintains a consistent design and functionality across multiple platforms; however, Google sometimes implements updates on select versions before expanding them further. The most recent change is the removal of the “Guest” profile.
In the YouTube app for TVs, users can find a profile switcher that simplifies access to channel pages, alternative accounts, and YouTube Kids, following the phase-out of a dedicated app. Previously, there was an option for a “Guest” profile, but this looks to be on its way out.
Currently, users of the YouTube app on both Roku and Apple TV will no longer see the “Guest” profile option. This transition appears to have begun rolling out to users around two weeks ago and seems to be affecting Fire TV devices as well. The updated page now displays any available profiles and provides options to “Add account” or switch to YouTube Kids.
A button labeled “use signed out” is placed directly underneath, allowing viewers to access the YouTube app while not logged into an account. As of now, this change doesn’t appear to impact the Android TV/Google TV app.
In terms of functionality, there are no real changes to the “use signed out” feature. In fact, when users select this option, the app indicates that it is “switching to guest mode” while still saving account information for when they decide to “sign in” later. Thus, this update is more of a visual alteration rather than a removal of features by Google.
The rationale behind this update by Google might not be immediately apparent, yet it likely aligns with Google’s ongoing strategy to encourage YouTube users to create accounts and maintain their watch history. Earlier in 2023, YouTube modified its platform to cease displaying recommendations to users who had their watch history disabled, even while signed in. This policy also applies to those utilizing the service anonymously or through a guest profile.
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Chance Miller contributed to this report.
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