YouTube has been pushing users to subscribe to YouTube Premium lately, and the biggest selling point for most people is the ad-free YouTube experience, which means you can watch without ads even if you don’t use an ad blocker, but YouTube has recently been cracking down on the use of ad blockers.
But YouTube appears to be realizing that it’s not just an ad-free experience that will attract potential premium paying subscribers.
YouTube is reportedly negotiating AI music deals with major record labels
Youtube Announced A slew of new features were announced for YouTube Premium subscribers this week. These updates include the Jump Advance feature, new picture-in-picture options, and a number of “experimental” features. Additionally, YouTube also teased upcoming updates, including new subscription plan options. Let’s take a closer look.
One step ahead
YouTube has always allowed you to skip to any part of a video in the YouTube player, and now if you’re a YouTube Premium subscriber, it’s even easier to skip to parts of videos that are popular with a wide range of YouTube viewers.
and One step aheadYouTube Premium subscribers can simply double-tap on the right side of a YouTube video and click the “Jump Ahead” button that appears. YouTube will then automatically direct users to the most-skipped parts of the video. YouTube says the feature is made possible by internal viewing data and AI. But be careful: Not all videos will have the feature, according to YouTube.
Picture in Picture YouTube Shorts
Picture-in-picture videos are nothing new for YouTube, but apparently until now users haven’t been able to use the picture-in-picture option in YouTube Shorts.
Currently, short-form videos on YouTube can be watched in picture-in-picture while users multitask within other apps. Unfortunately, this new YouTube Premium feature appears to be available only on Android devices.
Mashable Lightspeed
Who wants to watch YouTube Shorts in picture-in-picture format for less than a minute? This new feature seems to autoplay YouTube Shorts while users are using other apps on their Android devices. For video addicts who watch videos passively, this could be a killer feature.
New “Experimental” Features
In July, YouTube will be giving YouTube Premium subscribers the chance to try out three upcoming YouTube updates before anyone else.
Until July 15, YouTube Premium users can join a test of Shorts Smart Downloads, which will allow you to automatically download recommended YouTube Shorts videos to your device so you can watch them offline. This test is currently only available on Android devices.
YouTube is also testing an Android-only feature called Conversational AI within the Android YouTube app. Premium users can “ask” the AI about a particular video they’re watching. Based on the user’s prompts, the conversational AI will provide answers and recommend content as the video plays. YouTube Premium subscribers can try out the feature until July 31, and YouTube is asking users for feedback on whether the AI is providing useful information.
For YouTube Premium users who own devices other than Android, YouTube is testing a redesigned watch page. The new watch page displays the title and description of the YouTube video, along with any comments left on it, in a new sidebar on the right. The new watch page focuses on video content and a selection of recommended video content that appears right below the video player. Premium subscribers can try out the new watch page until July 8th.
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By going to youtube.com/newYouTube Premium users can opt in and test these features now.
More YouTube Premium updates coming
in Another article When we asked about YouTube Premium updates on the YouTube Help forum, the company hinted at upcoming updates, which include enhanced premium controls and download options.
YouTube also said it is considering adding premium plan options for its users. YouTube said it will “expand our existing services to more regions” as well as introduce entirely new plans. The post further stated that the company is “exploring ways” for premium subscribers to share their “benefits” with their friends.
YouTube could be looking at a family plan or a multi-member option, or it could be talking about something entirely different – and with YouTube’s renewed focus on YouTube Premium, we might find out what they’re talking about soon.
