YouTube is currently testing a new feature aimed at improving the user experience when it comes to content discovery. The ‘Play Something’ button, spotted on the Android app, appears as a floating button just above the bottom bar. When tapped, it automatically selects a video for users to watch, akin to Google Search’s ‘I’m Feeling Lucky’ feature. This initiative aims to assist users who struggle with decision fatigue when choosing what to watch on the platform.
This feature, which has been in beta testing for some time, still operates similarly to earlier versions. The button triggers YouTube Shorts, but it does not discriminate between Shorts and standard horizontal videos, potentially causing some inconsistencies in how the content is displayed. However, if YouTube moves forward with a full rollout, it is expected that these issues will be addressed.
While the concept is not entirely new, with streaming platforms like Netflix having previously offered a ‘Surprise Me’ feature to suggest random content, YouTube’s implementation of the ‘Play Something’ button could bring fresh value to users. In contrast, Netflix quietly removed its ‘Surprise Me’ button in 2023, as it was found to not significantly enhance the user experience, with Netflix asserting that most users already knew what they wanted to watch.
As YouTube continues to refine this feature, it could offer a new and convenient way for users to discover content, particularly for those who feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of options available.
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