YouTube wants to solve a problem for users, who enter the platform and don’t know what to see. It will do so through a function, which is in development, to show videos randomly.
This tool, known as “Play Something,” promises to reduce search time by offering a personalized experience based on the user’s preferences and previous interactions.
According to reports from 9to5Google and users in Reddit, YouTube is testing the “Play Something” button in its mobile app, a feature that aims to address this issue.
This button, similar in concept to Netflix’s eponymous feature, uses an algorithm that selects videos for users based on their history and preferences. The main idea is to save time and facilitate access to relevant or interesting content.
The button appears floating in the interface of the application. Its design is minimalist with white text on a black background, accompanied by a play icon.
According to tests carried out, pressing the button starts the automatic playback of a video in the vertical player of Shorts, although it is not limited exclusively to this format. In fact, it also includes regular YouTube content, adapted to that same vertical interface.
The player has large buttons on the right for like, dislike, comments and sharing, while at the bottom there is a slider bar to explore the timing of the video. This design seeks a simple user experience compatible with fast consumption, characteristic of today.
Notably, the button disappears when the mini-player is active, suggesting that its purpose is aimed at starting new viewing sessions, rather than integrating into regular browsing.
This feature is not completely new, since YouTube He would have begun experimenting with it in 2023, although in more rudimentary versions. Now, with version 19.50 for Android, Users in countries such as Brazil have reported the appearance of the button, indicating a progressive deployment in testing phases.
The introduction of this FAB (floating button) represents a significant step in the design and functionality of the application. Its floating location makes it accessible and relevant to YouTube’s main purpose: consuming content quickly and easily. In addition, the button takes into account the user’s preferences, a fundamental aspect to differentiate this experience from a completely random playback.
The idea of a play button random is not exclusive to YouTube. Netflixfor example, launched its own version under the name “Play Something”, with the aim of recommending movies or series based on viewing habits.
On the other hand, platforms like TikTok They also use custom algorithms, but with a focus on infinite scrolling. YouTube’s proposal, on the other hand, aims to offer a structured experience within a video, adapted to the specific needs of those looking for “background” content or simply want to explore without commitments.
For the first time, YouTube has implemented a automatic dubbing for your videos, facilitating access to content in different languages. This feature allows English videos to be heard in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and other languages. However, original videos in languages other than English can only be dubbed into English.
This is how automatic dubbing works in the application:
- Play a video in English in the mobile app or on the web.
- Go to the ‘Settings’ option (gear icon).
- Select ‘Audio Track’ and choose ‘Spanish’.
The tool is currently available on some YouTube Partner Program channels, with plans to gradually expand. Creators do not need to manually configure their videos, as YouTube generates the dubs automatically, offering options to review or delete them if necessary.
This initiative, developed with technology from Google DeepMind y Google Translateseeks to break down linguistic barriers with more precise and natural dubbing, expanding the possibilities of learning and entertainment for users around the world.
