What to know

  • YouTube celebrates its 20th anniversary with new Premium features for subscribers.
  • Premium users can now create personalized radio stations using the Ask Music feature.
  • Mobile Premium users gain access to faster playback speeds, up to 4x.
  • TV and app interfaces are being improved for easier navigation and better access to features.

YouTube has reached its 20th anniversary, marking two decades since the platform's first video, 'Me at the zoo,' was uploaded. To commemorate this milestone, YouTube is rolling out several new features for Premium and YouTube Music subscribers, aiming to enhance the user experience across devices.

One of the most notable additions is the Ask Music feature. This allows Premium and YouTube Music users to create personalized radio stations by describing their mood or preferred music genre. The feature is currently available in English on iOS and Android devices in select countries, with plans to expand to more languages and regions in the future.

The playlist generated by Ask Music is tailored to the user's listening history, providing a more customized music experience.

Another significant update is the introduction of expanded playback speeds for Premium users on mobile devices.

While regular users can play videos at up to 2x speed, Premium subscribers now have access to speeds up to 4x. This gives viewers more control over how they consume content, making it easier to watch lengthy videos in less time.

YouTube is also focusing on improving the viewing experience on smart TVs. A revamped interface will soon offer easier navigation, enhanced playback controls, and quicker access to comments, channel information, and subscriptions. These updates are scheduled to roll out during the summer of 2025.

For YouTube TV members, a new multiview feature is being introduced. This will allow users to customize their viewing experience by watching multiple channels simultaneously, starting with a selection of non-sports content.

The feature will be available to a small group of popular channels initially, with plans to expand access over the coming months.

Additional features include the ability for creators to reply to comments with voice messages, which will be rolled out to more users later in 2025. There are also hidden tools for users, such as long-pressing the video player for quick speed changes, screen locking to prevent interruptions, and a sleep timer for bedtime viewing.

These updates reflect YouTube's ongoing commitment to evolving its platform and providing more value to its subscribers as it enters its third decade.

Via: GSM Arena