Samsung’s One UI 8.5 Beta Gets a Key Upgrade for Video Lovers

Samsung has updated its One UI 8.5 beta software. The update refines the YouTube experience within the Now Brief feed. This change is live now for Galaxy S25 beta testers. It makes discovering content much faster and more visual.

The tweak is part of Samsung’s ongoing beta testing program. The company uses this to gather user feedback before a full public release. This specific improvement addresses how users find and watch recommended videos directly from their home screen.

From Short List to Expansive Carousel

The previous YouTube card in Now Brief showed a simple vertical list. It displayed only two video recommendations at a time. The new design uses a horizontal, swipeable carousel layout.

This new format can show up to ten video suggestions. Each video now features a larger, more prominent thumbnail image. According to screenshots shared by Samsung Mobile, the difference in information density is immediately clear.

This change significantly enhances the utility of the Now Brief feed. Users can quickly browse many more topics without opening the YouTube app. It turns the feed into a powerful tool for personalized video discovery.

Broader Rollout and Feature Refinement Expected

Currently, the One UI 8.5 beta is exclusive to the Galaxy S25 series. Samsung typically expands beta programs to more devices like foldables and older flagships. This staged approach helps stabilize the software.

Analysts note this focus on Now Brief aligns with making phones more context-aware. The feed aims to surface relevant information before users even search for it. A better media experience is a core part of that strategy.

For Galaxy users, this signals a continued investment in software that gets smarter over time. The final public release of One UI 8.5 will likely include this and many other polished features.

This subtle but significant redesign of the YouTube card demonstrates Samsung’s focus on refining the user experience within its One UI 8.5 update, making content discovery seamless and engaging.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the One UI 8.5 beta?

The One UI 8.5 beta is a limited early-access program for Samsung’s next Android-based software. It lets users test new features before the official public release and provide feedback directly to Samsung.

Which phones can get the One UI 8.5 beta?

Right now, only the Galaxy S25 series is eligible for the beta. Samsung is expected to expand the program soon to recent foldables like the Z series and last year’s flagship S models.

What changed with YouTube in Now Brief?

The video recommendations changed from a two-item vertical list to a horizontal carousel. This new layout can display up to ten videos with much larger preview images for easier browsing.

How do I enable YouTube in my Now Brief feed?

Open Now Brief settings and tap “Content to include.” Then, enable the YouTube toggle. If you have multiple Google accounts, you can select which one to use for personalized recommendations.

When will One UI 8.5 be released to everyone?

Samsung has not announced a final release date. A stable public rollout usually follows several weeks of beta testing across multiple device models.