YouTube is rolling out a series of new features for its Premium users, including smart downloads, picture-in-picture mode for Shorts, and an expanded rollout of its “Jump Ahead” feature for easier navigation through videos.
Previously, YouTube allowed background play and picture-in-picture mode for long-form videos, enabling users to watch content while browsing other apps. Now, this functionality is being extended to Shorts, beginning with Android users.
Another addition is the “Jump Ahead” button, which appears when users double-tap to skip through a video. This feature allows YouTube to jump to the best parts of a video, determined by a combination of viewer data and machine learning. After being tested last month, it is now being made available to all Android users in the U.S., with an iOS rollout planned in the coming weeks.
In addition to these updates, YouTube is introducing several experimental features for a limited time. One such feature is a conversational AI tool that was first tested last year. This tool allows users to ask the chatbot questions related to the video or request to watch suggested content. This feature is being reintroduced for Android users in the U.S.
Furthermore, YouTube is adding smart download support for Shorts. Based on recent viewing history, YouTube will automatically download short videos for offline viewing. The platform is also testing a redesigned watch page on the desktop.
Earlier this year, YouTube announced that it has more than 100 million paid users globally across its Premium and Music services.
These new features aim to enhance the viewing experience for YouTube Premium users, offering more flexibility and convenience in how they consume content on the platform.
Main Image: ZDNet
