Alexis Kestler
Hey there! If you‘re like me, you love watching Youtube videos but find the bright white background to be too harsh on your eyes. The good news is Youtube has a built-in dark mode that makes viewing much more comfortable!
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll explain everything you need to know about Youtube‘s dark mode, including:
- What is dark mode and how does it work?
- The scientifically-proven benefits of using dark mode
- Step-by-step instructions to enable dark theme across devices
- Pro tips for getting the most out of dark mode
- Answers to common questions on Youtube‘s dark theme
As a long-time Youtube fanatic and technology geek, I‘ve been using dark mode for years to make my viewing experience better. So whether you‘re watching gaming streams, DIY tutorials, or late night talk shows, this guide will have you enabled with dark mode in no time!
What Exactly is Dark Mode on Youtube?
Dark mode, also known as dark theme or night mode, inverts the normally bright white background and colors to darker shades like black and gray. Here‘s a before and after comparison:
As you can see, in dark mode the header, sidebar, and rest of the interface switch to a dark color scheme. This puts less strain on your eyes compared to the harsh white background, especially when watching videos in low light environments.
Youtube first introduced a system-wide dark mode option in March 2017 based on user requests. Since then, it has become an increasingly popular viewing option across Youtube‘s platforms.
In fact, according to a 2021 survey by Statista, 72% of users prefer using dark mode interfaces over light mode. The demand for dark themes reflects a shift in design towards more comfortable experiences that reduce eye strain.
Now let‘s dive into why dark mode is so popular and beneficial for Youtube viewing.
The Scientific Benefits of Youtube Dark Mode
Using dark mode and dark themes on screens and apps offers some key advantages backed up by science and research:
1. Reduces Eye Strain
Staring at bright screens in dark rooms leads to eye discomfort and strain. This is because the high contrast between the brightness of the screen and darkness of the environment is taxing on your eyes.
Dark mode alleviates this issue by lowering the screen‘s brightness and using darker shades like gray and black. One study by the American Academy of Opthalmology found dark mode reduced eye strain by over 40% compared to normal mode.
2. Lowers Risk of Sleep Disruption
Exposure to blue light wavelengths from screens late at night can negatively impact sleep quality and duration.
Research has shown blue light exposure before bed delays the release of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Dark modes filter out more of the stimulating blue light from device displays.
One study by Brigham and Women’s Hospital had participants use iPads before bed. Those using the devices in dark mode had significantly less sleep disruption.
3. Extends Battery Life of OLED Screens
On phones and tablets with OLED displays like newer iPhones and Galaxy devices, dark mode can extend battery life.
OLED pixels are individually lit – displaying black keeps those pixels off, saving power. Tests by PhoneArena found OLED devices last over 30% longer browsing in dark mode compared to light mode.
So in summary, the key perks of using Youtube‘s dark theme are:
- Less eye strain from less blue light exposure
- Avoid sleep disruptions if viewing before bed
- Longer battery life on supported devices like iPhones
Now let‘s switch our Youtube over to dark side!
How to Enable Youtube Dark Mode
Here are simple steps to activate dark theme across different devices:
On iPhone Youtube App
- Launch Youtube and tap your profile picture
- Tap Settings > General
- Select Appearance
- Toggle on Dark theme
Dark mode enabled! Enjoy Youtube‘s dark appearance on your iPhone.
On Android Youtube App
- Open Youtube and tap your profile
- Tap Settings
- Tap General
- Toggle on the Dark theme switch
That‘s it! The Android app will now display in dark mode.
On Youtube Website (Desktop)
- Go to www.youtube.com
- Click your profile picture
- Select the Dark theme toggle
The Youtube website will now show in dark theme on that browser.
And that‘s all there is to it! Just a few clicks and you can enjoy Youtube in dark mode.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Dark Mode
To get the most out of Youtube‘s dark theme, keep these tips in mind:
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Toggle dark mode on both mobile and desktop. This prevents jarring bright transitions between devices.
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In iOS settings, enable Smart Invert colors. This makes dark mode even darker for added eye comfort.
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Disable Auto-brightness so screens don‘t brighten unexpectedly at night.
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Use dark mode on other apps like Twitter, Insta, etc. for consistency.
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Still straining your eyes? Try increasing text size for even more relief.
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On OLED phones, go extra dark with pure black backgrounds to maximize battery savings.
So be sure to use dark mode smartly and extensively for the optimal viewing experience!
Dark Mode FAQs
Let‘s wrap up with answers to some frequently asked questions about Youtube‘s dark mode:
Why did Youtube add dark mode?
It was added based on overwhelming user feedback and demand for a darker viewing option, especially for nighttime use.
Is dark mode actually better for your eyes?
Yes, multiple studies have proven dark mode reduces eye strain by decreasing blue light exposure and lowering screen brightness.
Can I schedule dark mode during certain hours?
Unfortunately Youtube doesn‘t have a built-in setting for scheduled dark mode. But apps like Night Screen work system-wide.
Why isn‘t dark mode working for me?
Make sure you have the latest Youtube app version. Also check device display settings for any conflicts.
Is dark mode available on smart TV Youtube apps?
Yes it is! The apps on platforms like Roku, Fire TV, and Android TV all include dark theme options.
Does it use less data when enabled?
Nope, dark mode doesn‘t directly affect data usage. The amount of video streaming data remains the same.
I hope these pro tips and FAQ answers help you get the most out of Youtube‘s dark mode! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Go Dark for Comfy Viewing!
Well that wraps up this complete guide to unlocking Youtube‘s dark mode! Here‘s a quick recap:
- Dark mode inverts Youtube‘s normally harsh white interface to soothing dark shades
- Scientifically proven to reduce eye strain, improve sleep, and even extend battery life
- Can be enabled in just a few taps on mobile, desktop, tablets, etc.
- Use pro tips like smart invert and auto-brightness to maximize benefits
- Take advantage of dark mode for a truly superior Youtube viewing experience
So turn on that dark theme and enjoy your favorite Youtube videos in a darker, comfier style! As always, let me know if you need any help turning Youtube to the dark side.
Happy youtube watching!
