Changes are afoot at YouTube.

Perhaps the most significant one is that users now have the ability to instantly record videos by using Flash software and Web cams. The site also is offering a new user interface that cuts the number of tabs at the top of the screen down to four--videos, categories, channels and community.

YouTube is also now offering "Test Tube," an area on the site reminiscent of Google's Labs, which allows users to test features in alpha development. Currently under the Microscope on Test Tube is YouTube Streams, which allows multiple users to watch the same video at once, while sharing a chatroom.