In a bid to enhance user experience, YouTube is rolling out a comprehensive set of updates and features. The video streaming giant, owned by Google-parent Alphabet, has introduced a significant array of "three dozen new features and design updates" spanning various platforms. The platform's latest offerings include improved volume controls, smoother video seeking, and a more seamless process for liking videos and subscribing to content creators. Additionally, YouTube is introducing a new "You" tab, housing user account details and a comprehensive watch history.
Matthew Darby, the Product Management Director at YouTube, shared insights in a recent blog post. He revealed that the platform has introduced a feature known as Stable Volume, designed to eliminate the abrupt volume fluctuations that have long plagued users. This feature, enabled by default and already rolling out to users, can be accessed within the video settings menu under Additional settings > Stable volume.
Effortless video seeking is another aspect of YouTube's revamp. While watching a video in portrait or landscape mode, users can simply tap and hold the right side of the screen to initiate double-speed playback until they release their touch.
Furthermore, users will now be able to navigate through the video seek bar more seamlessly, with haptic feedback guiding them back to the point they were previously viewing. Mobile and tablet users can also 'lock' their screens to prevent inadvertent touches during video playback.
When video creators prompt viewers to like and subscribe during playback, visual cues and interactive animations will accompany the relevant buttons. Additionally, YouTube has implemented real-time video count updates during the first 24 hours following a video's upload.
Notably, YouTube is debuting the You tab, positioned in the lower right corner of the screen, replacing the previous Library tab. This tab will house a user's previously viewed videos, playlists, downloads, and purchases. It will also provide access to account settings and channel information.
Android users are also in for a treat with the ability to search for songs by singing, humming, or playing them directly within the YouTube app. This AI-powered feature, already available in the Google app, enables swift song identification. It is set to arrive on the YouTube app for Android smartphones in the coming weeks.