YouTube locks sidebar on mobile ads, removing close option

YouTube has removed the “close” button on sidebar panels in some horizontal video ads on mobile, making the ad’s sidebar — often used for shoppable products or sitelinks — permanently visible during playback.

Why we care. The change means users can no longer dismiss the sidebar to view the ad full-screen, leaving part of the video blocked by the fixed panel. That could impact both viewer experience and ad creative performance.

The difference:

• Old layout: Users could tap an “X” to close the sidebar and focus on the main video.
• New layout: The sidebar remains locked, displaying additional ad content throughout.

The source. The update was first spotted and shared by founder of Adsquire, Anthony Higman on X, who noted the shift in mobile ad presentation.

The bottom line. YouTube’s tweak gives advertisers more persistent visibility — but at the cost of a less immersive mobile viewing experience.