What TV-viewing front end did YouTube launch in June 2009?

The TV-viewing front end YouTube launched in June 2009 was YouTube XL.

YouTube XL was designed for viewing and browsing videos on television screens rather than on a conventional desktop display. Its interface was adapted for larger screens and remote-style navigation, making it suitable for stationary game consoles with web browsers, including the Nintendo Wii.

The service reflected YouTube's early effort to move beyond computer monitors and into living rooms. At the time, dedicated smart-TV apps and modern streaming-device ecosystems were not yet as widespread, so a simplified web front end could bridge the gap between online video and television hardware.

YouTube XL should not be confused with YouTube Leanback, another television-oriented interface associated with the company's later living-room strategy. YouTube Gaming was a gaming-focused service, while YouTube Go was a mobile app aimed at lower-connectivity markets. The name “XL” pointed to the enlarged, television-friendly presentation rather than to a separate video category.