YouTube is currently testing a new “Play Something” button in its Android app to enhance content discovery. This feature allows users to play a randomly selected video with a single tap, streamlining the process of finding new content.
What Is the “Play Something” Button?
The “Play Something” button appears as a floating action button above the app’s bottom navigation bar. By tapping it, users can immediately start watching a randomly chosen video, eliminating the need to scroll through recommendations.
How Does It Work?
When activated, the button launches videos in the portrait-oriented YouTube Shorts player, regardless of whether the content is a Short or a standard YouTube video. This means that even traditional videos are displayed in a vertical format, which may not be ideal for all content types. Users have expressed a desire for future updates to support full-screen playback for regular videos.
Development and Future Potential
YouTube has been experimenting with this feature for over a year, testing various designs, including a “Play Something” banner and a simple button resembling a black-and-white YouTube logo. The current floating action button is considered the most refined version to date. However, there is no confirmed timeline for a global rollout, and it’s uncertain when or if this feature will be available to all users.
As YouTube continues to innovate, the “Play Something” button represents a significant step toward enhancing user experience by simplifying video discovery. Keep an eye on your app for this feature—it could change how you find and enjoy content on YouTube.
summary
YouTube is testing a “Play Something” button in its Android app that lets users instantly play a random video with a tap. Located above the bottom navigation bar, it plays content in the Shorts player format. While still in testing, users hope for future updates to allow full-screen viewing of regular videos. The feature is part of YouTube’s ongoing efforts to enhance content discovery, but its rollout timeline remains uncertain.
