Yes. This just began today, even though I've had watch history off for a long time, such a long time that I don't recall turning it off.<p>Out of curiosity, I briefly turned watch history back on and "Home" (the YouTube page that shows a mix of content you've viewed and content YT hopes you will view) returned to normal. Then I switched it back off, reloaded "Home" and got a blank page with a plea to enable watch history.<p>It seems as though YouTube tracks and records users' activity on the site regardless of whether or not they assent to having their watch history recorded, but wants users to explicitly assent to being tracked and having their activity recorded before YT will provide their (marginally useful in my experience) 'personalized recommendations'.
I just noticed this today and think it is great. Now there is even less reason to browse Youtube videos unintentionally. I don't see why they even allow you to turn watch history off if they want the website to rely on it.<p>Not complaining though. This is nice.
I got this as well. Even though I'm avid youtube user, I'll be not turning my history on. Thankfully, the Subscription page has videos of channels I subscribe to - so that's good enough for me.