YouTube has just announced a series of exciting updates and design changes that will enhance the user experience for both mobile and web users. These changes range from improved audio controls to better video navigation, and even tools for content creators.
Here are some of the main ones:
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Enhanced Audio Control
For mobile device users, YouTube is introducing a "stable volume" feature. This automatically evens out volume levels, preventing those jarring volume fluctuations that can disrupt your viewing experience.
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Speed Up Videos with Ease
Do you enjoy watching videos at double speed? YouTube is making this easier than ever. Simply press and hold anywhere on the video player, and the playback speed will automatically switch to 2x. Release your finger, and it reverts to the standard speed. This feature is available on web, tablets, and mobile devices.
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Lock Screen to Prevent Interruptions
Ever had your video interrupted by accidental taps on your phone or tablet? YouTube has a solution. With the new lock screen feature for mobile and tablets, you can lock your screen to avoid unwanted interruptions.
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Organize Your Content in One Place
The Library tab and account page have been merged into a single "You" tab. This unified hub allows you to access your previously watched videos, playlists, downloads, and purchases, all while managing your account settings and channel information. You'll find the "You" tab where the Library tab used to be, on web, mobile, and tablets.
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Search by Voice or Song
Finding a song stuck in your head is now easier than ever. You can search for a song by playing, singing, or humming it. Using AI to match the sound to the original recording, this feature will be available on Android devices in the coming weeks.
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Enhanced Interaction with Creators
YouTube is introducing animations that add more life to the video-watching experience. When creators ask viewers to "like" or "subscribe," visual cues will appear on those buttons in sync with the video. For new video uploads, a real-time animation will display view and like counts during the first 24 hours.
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Improved Smart TV Experience
YouTube has been modernizing the Smart TV experience. Now, viewers can access video details through a new vertical menu on Smart TVs. This menu offers quicker access to video descriptions, comments, the subscribe button, and video chapters.
These updates will roll out gradually to users worldwide over the coming weeks.