Fullscreen isn't always fullscreen, especially on your smartphone. As screens get taller and bezels get slimmer, more phones end up with an aspect ratio that doesn't match most YouTube videos. Luckily the video-sharing app has a nifty workaround to fill your screen.
First, open the YouTube app for iPhone or Android and find a video to play. This trick doesn't work on YouTube in your mobile web browser, so you must use the official app. Next, play the video and rotate your phone into landscape mode. Although the video is technically in fullscreen, there will most likely be black bars surrounding the sides of the video.
- Don't Miss: Get YouTube Premium Features on iPhone for Free


Now, to make the YouTube video fill the entire screen, simply pinch out with two fingers. A "Zoomed to fill" bubble will appear at the top, confirming that your video is now filling the screen on your phone. Pinch in with two fingers to go back to the original video size.

Keep Your Connection Secure Without a Monthly Bill. Get a lifetime subscription to VPN Unlimited for all your devices with a one-time purchase from the new Gadget Hacks Shop, and watch Hulu or Netflix without regional restrictions, increase security when browsing on public networks, and more.
Other worthwhile deals to check out:
1 Comment
This is confusing. If the video is in fullscreen and you click to zoom in, it now displays in widescreen but cropped. I don't know why you would do this as it degrades the image significantly. It's better to just view it in its native fullscreen than force a crop or stretch in widescreen.
Share Your Thoughts