YouTube To Soon Roll Out Smart Downloads Feature For Shorts: Report

The Shorts that a user would've viewed recently may take some time to appear in the Downloads section.

This new YouTube feature can be helpful when the user is going to a place where connectivity might be an issue. ( Image Source :Unsplash/@Azamat E )

YouTube is testing a range of new features at regular intervals to enhance user experience. Recently, YouTube has been experimenting with a new feature to download Shorts automatically for YouTube premium users to view offline later. The Shorts Smart Downloads are primarily based on the watch history of a user. It is in a way akin to downloading long-form videos on the platform. As per reports, this new feature can be helpful when the user is going to a place where connectivity might be an issue.

The Shorts that a user would've viewed recently may take some time to appear in the Downloads section. This new feature will be released on select Premium accounts after July 15. YouTube additionally said that the Jump Ahead feature allows users to jump to the best part of a video. It is also available to Premium subscribers in the US on Android.

YouTube said, "When you double-tap to skip ahead, you'll see a 'jump ahead' button that'll take you right where you want to go."

Use Of AI

The video streaming giant, YouTube, is set to use AI and viewership data for the successful deployment of this feature. YouTube Premium users will be able to see the 'Jump Ahead' button if they double tap on the right side of a video. YouTube is also adding a picture-in-picture feature for Shorts. This will help users continue watching videos while they multitask. 

The company has announced it is testing a conversational AI assistant for Android users in the US. This tool, accessible via the "Ask" option under select videos, can "answer questions, suggest related content, and more, all without interrupting your playback experience." Additionally, the company is experimenting with a redesigned Watch Page on the web.