The Verge reported on August 23 that an upcoming YouTube TV feature called Mosaic Mode will allow users to watch 4 channels at the same time.
Mosaic mode is reminiscent of a similar feature that already existed with Sony's now-defunct PlayStation Vue service. Specifically, YouTube TV will be added some other new features such as optimization for YouTube Shorts or TikTok-like short-form video services.
The YouTube Shorts interface on smart TVs will remove traditional coil bars, while the like and dislike buttons will be refined for more efficient use.
The reason Google is developing these features is to prevent TikTok's penetration of smart TV space. Known as a more mobile service, the TikTok app is now available on a range of smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Google and Amazon.
TikTok's limitation when used on TV is that users need to search for it manually. In contrast, the advantage of YouTube is that it is pre- won on many TVs, so with new features, customers can completely experience watching short-form videos like TikTok right on Youtube TV.
Although Mosaic Mode was previously announced to be for Google TV and Android TV hardware manufacturers, because Google wants to keep its services consistent on different hardware, this feature will likely only appear on Samsung and LG non- Android smart TVs.
