YouTube Introduces New Mobile-Based Playback Features and Creator Tools
YouTube is rolling out a new set of features for better mobile-based playback, song search, and creator-friendly tools, including a feature that will highlight the “like and subscribe” buttons when a creator utters those words.
Easier Playback Speed Control: The company is making it easier for users to increase playback speed. With the new update, users can just tap and hold anywhere on the player to increase the speed to 2x, and once they reach the part they want, they can let go.
Improved Scrub Bar Navigation: Additionally, when seeking to go back or forward in a video during the scrub bar, YouTube will indicate the starting point with a vibration, making it easier to navigate to a particular section.
Stable Volume Feature: Google is introducing a feature called stable volume, which can be toggled through the playback settings menu, to reduce sudden differences in volume within a clip. This feature was initially launched in test mode on several platforms in July.
Song Search by Playing, Singing, or Humming: In August, YouTube started testing a feature that allows users to find a song by humming the tune. With the new set of updates, users will be able to find a song not just by humming, but also by playing or singing.
Screen Lock Feature: For YouTube users accessing the service through the mobile and tablet apps, the company is rolling out a screen lock feature to avoid accidental taps. To unlock the screen, users can simply tap and hold onto the lock icon.
Introducing the “You” Tab: YouTube announced that it is merging the Library tab and account page into a new “You” tab. This new tab will include previously watched videos, playlists, downloads, purchases, along with account and channel information. The page also allows for quick account switching.
Animated “Like and Subscribe” Buttons: YouTube is transforming the popular creator request to “hit like and subscribe” into a feature. When the person in the video utters these words, the platform will highlight the corresponding buttons with a visual cue. YouTube has not specified if users will be able to disable this feature, as it could potentially be distracting to constantly view the animation that highlights the subscribe button.
Enhanced Creator Engagement: To help creators engage with their viewers, YouTube will continuously rotate top comments on videos. Additionally, for new videos, there will be a new animation and live video count update for the first 24 hours.
Improved Video Description Menu for Smart TVs: Google is updating the video description menu to provide additional details on smart TVs. Instead of taking over the whole screen, important information such as the video description, comments, and the subscribe button will be neatly tucked into a vertical menu accessible when users tap the video title.
YouTube’s Focus on Playback and Search Enhancements: With these new features, YouTube has shifted its focus back to playback and search enhancements. In recent months, the company has been concentrating on rolling out AI-powered and Short-focused features such as video summaries, Collab and Q&As, and a TikTok-styled short video feed. Last month, it also added creator tools to help them find the right music for their videos and easily add dubs.
