YouTube is unveiling a comprehensive set of updates, with a total of 36 new features and design enhancements. These updates cover various platforms, including the web app, smartphone app, and smart TV software. While each individual feature may not be revolutionary on its own, collectively, they promise to enhance the user experience. Let’s explore some of the more noteworthy changes.
Video Playback Speed:
YouTube now makes it easier to accelerate video playback for users who can’t get enough of fast-paced content. By simply holding your finger down on the video, the playback speed will automatically increase to 2x. This feature is available on web browsers, tablets, and mobile devices. It is particularly useful for quickly scanning through a video for specific content.
Bigger Preview Thumbnails
The app is introducing larger preview thumbnails to aid navigation. Additionally, a new haptic feedback feature vibrates when you hover over the initial starting point, ensuring you never lose your place. This is especially beneficial for touchscreen navigation on smartphones and tablets.
Lock Screen Tool
A new lock screen feature prevents accidental interruptions while watching videos on your phone or tablet. This feature is a lifesaver for those who like to watch YouTube content while on the move, such as during walks or workouts. It ensures that your video won’t unexpectedly switch to something else in your pocket or bag.
Stable Volume
Finally, YouTube has added a stable volume feature, which ensures that video loudness remains consistent, preventing abrupt fluctuations. This feature is automatically enabled with the update.
‘You’ Library Tab
The library tab has been rebranded as “You” and offers more comprehensive information than before. It provides access to your previously watched videos, playlists, downloads, and purchases, all conveniently located in one place. This change applies to both web and mobile app versions.
Design Enhancements
Several updates pertain to design elements, such as on-screen visual cues when creators ask for subscriptions, complete with dopamine-boosting animations when you “like” a video. There’s also a new animation that tracks view and like counts in a video’s first 24 hours. Some design improvements extend to the smart TV app, including a new vertical menu, video chapters, a scrollable description section, and more.
This YouTube update is being rolled out gradually, and it may take a few weeks to reach all users worldwide. The popular streaming platform also hints at more features to come, including a revamp of the YouTube Kids app.
YouTube consistently evolves its core features to enhance user experiences. In the past year, this has included features like enhanced 1080p playback for web users and the introduction of AI-enhanced creator tools, among other updates. The ever-changing landscape of social media calls for continuous evolution and innovation.
