YouTube is experimenting with a new floating “Play Something” button in its Android app, designed to select a video for users automatically, as reported by 9to5Google. Positioned just above the bottom navigation bar, this button offers an effortless way to discover content with a single tap, letting the app choose a video for you.
How the Button Works
The “Play Something” button uses the portrait-style YouTube Shorts player to display videos. This format accommodates both vertically formatted Shorts and standard YouTube videos. While this approach aims to streamline video presentation, it may not suit all content types, and users might hope for improvements before the feature rolls out widely.
Testing and Previous Versions
This latest iteration builds on earlier tests conducted by YouTube over the past year. Previous versions of the feature included a “Play Something” banner and a minimalistic button resembling a black-and-white YouTube logo. These attempts reflect YouTube’s ongoing efforts to create a seamless random video selection tool, appealing to users looking for quick, curated entertainment.
The “Play Something” concept may sound familiar to some users because of Netflix’s earlier venture into random video selection. Netflix launched its version, initially called “Play Something,” in 2021. The feature was later renamed “Surprise Me” before being discontinued in 2022. YouTube appears to be building on the idea, aiming to provide a better, more engaging user experience tailored to its video platform.
Randomized content selection features like “Play Something” cater to users who feel overwhelmed by endless choices or simply want to enjoy videos without actively browsing. YouTube’s iteration could serve as an effective tool for content discovery, introducing users to creators or topics they might not otherwise encounter.
As YouTube continues refining the feature, the final version may offer additional options or improvements to better align with user preferences. Whether it’s through improved video formatting compatibility or added personalization, the “Play Something” button could become a valuable addition for casual viewers seeking a more laid-back browsing experience.