Feature Request: Enable a media minimal video player view similar to YouTube or Crunchyroll on smartphones.

[Airbender 128]

Hello All, 

I noticed a really cool feature that seems to be exclusive to YouTube and Crunchyroll. When using a smartphone, the media player defaults to a minimal screen size, but the user has the option to expand it to full screen for a more immersive viewing experience. By default Emby goes to play the video on  full screen. if i do not make sense please see this very short video of what i am trying to communicate here in this request. 

 

 

Here is screenshot as well:

https://imgur.com/a/NTXXzOn

The reason behind this feature request is that the minimal video player view is incredibly useful when I'm driving or multitasking. It allows me to easily skip content, read episode information, and keep track of what I'm watching without needing to switch to full screen. I’ve been using this feature on YouTube 100% of the time, as I rarely watch media on a big TV or tablet. even when i am on my phone i never watch anything on full screen. I truly believe adding this functionality would be a great upgrade and enhance the overall user experience.

 

If this does not make sense please let me know and i can do my best to explain better 

[Luke 42077]

Hi, I can understand for general multi-tasking, but how is a smaller video player useful when driving?

[Airbender 128]

When I'm driving, I usually listen to educational videos, and the minimum view feature is incredibly helpful for switching between classes or videos. In this mode, I can see all the chapters at a glance, making navigation much easier.

Another major benefit is quick access to the video player settings, allowing me to change the playback speed from normal to 1.5x or 2x, so I can get through longer videos faster. I've been using this feature since at least 2016, if not longer.

But this request isn't just about driving—it's useful for many other tasks like doing the dishes, cleaning the house, and more. I even use it for work, where I create how-to videos and refer back to them later. Having this type of view is incredibly convenient in so many situations.

Also i quick glance at the information of the video in this type of view since most of meta data is presented very well. One can even give thumps up or down or write comments and read the title of next chapter or video 

I can keep going on and on about this. 

Here is example 

https://youtube.com/shorts/0EcYpnN0LNA?si=p-119Y1oFwJkmdpw

Edited February 2, 2025 by Airbender

[Luke 42077]

OK yes that makes sense. Thanks for the feedback.

[Airbender 128]

Thanks for understanding. So typically what is the process of features request approval and possibly development? Just curious if this will ever make it to emby client? 

Please advise 

[Luke 42077]

Hi, we are actively monitoring this for more community feedback. Thanks.

[Airbender 128]

Thanks 

[waqarf 1]

That’s a great idea — a minimal video player like YouTube or Crunchyroll would make watching on smartphones much smoother. If you’re into anime streaming, you can also check out the Crunchyroll Premium MOD APK for a clean, ad-free viewing experience.