Tired of the Algorithm? YouTube Now Lets You Build ‘Custom Feeds’

YouTube is fundamentally changing how users discover content with a new “custom feeds” feature, allowing viewers to dictate their recommendations rather than relying entirely on the platform’s traditional algorithm. Instead of clicking predefined topic categories, users can now type specific prompts—ranging from niche hobbies to current moods—to generate dedicated, continuously updating video channels tailored exactly to their interests.

Creating a custom feed involves tapping a new “plus” button at the top of the homepage and entering a description. These personalized feeds remain pinned to the top navigation bar for easy access and can be refined or deleted at any time. Google has tiered the feature based on account status:

• Free users can save up to three custom feeds at a time.

• YouTube Premium subscribers can create and maintain up to eight custom feeds.

The standard algorithmic homepage remains available as the default viewing option.

This update arrives alongside a broader visual redesign of the YouTube app. The traditional topic chips are being completely phased out in favor of these custom feeds. Additionally, the top navigation bar has been streamlined; the Subscriptions tab has been relocated to the top, joined by dedicated, quick-access shortcuts for Live content, Music, and Movies & TV.

The custom feeds and redesigned interface are currently rolling out to logged-in users in the United States, with a wider global release planned for the future.