YouTube continues to enhance the user experience by rolling out new features for its Premium subscribers. While the free version of YouTube offers a robust platform, a Premium subscription provides several additional perks, including ad-free viewing, video downloads for offline playback, and access to YouTube Music Premium. A notable advantage for Premium members is early access to new features, giving them a chance to try out and benefit from the latest innovations before they become widely available. Today, YouTube has unveiled five new features for Premium subscribers, with two being rolled out immediately and three available as experimental features. Here’s a detailed look at what’s new.
Jump Ahead
Following successful testing, YouTube is launching the Jump Ahead feature. This innovative tool uses AI to analyze the “best” parts of a video based on where most viewers tend to scrub. Now, when you double-tap the player window to skip ahead 10 seconds, you can opt to “Jump Ahead” to these highlighted segments. Initially available on Android, this feature will soon be accessible to iOS app users as well.
Picture-in-picture for YouTube Shorts
Picture-in-picture (PIP) allows users to watch videos while navigating other apps, and this functionality is now extended to YouTube Shorts for Premium subscribers on Android. This addition might be particularly useful for slightly longer Shorts, although its necessity for 15 to 30-second videos remains to be seen.
Smart downloads for Shorts (experimental)
As an experimental feature, Smart downloads will automatically save new Shorts to your smartphone, ensuring you can watch them with or without an internet connection. It’s likely these downloaded Shorts will also support PIP mode.
Conversational AI (experimental)
YouTube is reintroducing its conversational AI to Android devices. With an “Ask” button appearing beneath videos, users can interact with the AI to ask questions and request similar content, even during video playback. While it may not revolutionize AI interactions, it’s a fascinating experiment that adds another layer of engagement.
New watch page UI (experimental)
Premium subscribers using the YouTube web app will notice an experimental new watch page designed to simplify the discovery of new videos and interaction with comments. Although details are sparse, this update promises to enhance user navigation and engagement.
How to opt-in to YouTube experimental features
To explore these experimental features, as well as any other ongoing tests, Premium subscribers can visit YouTube’s “New” webpage and opt-in. This proactive approach allows users to experience and provide feedback on the latest developments directly from YouTube.
These additions reflect YouTube’s commitment to continually improving its platform, ensuring that Premium subscribers receive the best possible experience.
