Here is my initial assessment
The new layout is more pleasing to the eye and visual as one would expect a video channel to be, but the functionality in creating and customizing it could be better.
For this reason, I want to share my experience to better prepare you when you get ready to change your YouTube channel over to the new design. Once you know the pros and cons, you can be thinking about how to design your header, how to position it, and which video to feature. These details will matter. I've used screen shots below to give you an idea of what I'm talking about.
When you decide to switch over, go to YouTube One channel. Click the blue button, Get the New Design. The next thing you will be asked to do is upload your Channel Art. The overall dimensions must be 2120 x 1193 pixels. It will not allow you to upload an image smaller than this, so be sure to design your art to these specifications.
Once you upload your Channel Art, YouTube will show you how your image appears across multiple platforms. (See Below) Here is where things get a little confusing and frustrating. They provide a blue button at the bottom of the screen that says Adjust the Crop. It opens another screen showing a transparent box over the image with four retangle corners. It gives every impression that you CAN crop the image, or move the rectangle over your preferred area, but it doesn't budge. I tested it on both my laptop and a desktop. Same result.
Whatever image you choose, know that it must be full size, but concentrate on the center rectangle horizontal piece of the design. Just know that if you're image is setup at 2120 x 1193 pixels, there is no cropping or adjusting it. I don't even know why they have that button there. It's a false impression of customization. For a better understanding of these dimensions, go to the Channel Art Guidelines.
As a result, I managed to get the main part of my banner image showing, but only the bottom portion of the earth. The positive thing about this layout is that YouTube provides live links to your website, blog and a few social media links on top of this main image in the bottom right corner. Below is what it now looks like until I change it again. You will be allowed to choose a video you want to feature. Some people are choosing their most recent video, while others are creating a video that explains who they are, what they do, and what their channel is all about.
To the right of the featured video are smaller thumbnails of your most recent activity, such as videos you've watched, liked or uploaded. Below that are horizontal thumbnails of your various playlists.
Have fun creating your new YouTube channel design and making the most of it. Feel free to post your comments or questions. What are your thoughts about YouTube's latest design?
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