YouTube is testing a Play Something button for instant video action

YouTube’s place among streaming services is a bit unique, with its user-generated content representing arguably the most diverse collection of videos the world has ever seen. And while that means there will almost always be something new right up your alley to check out, the sheer number of viewing options available can feel a bit overwhelming. Today, we’re taking a look at an app tweak in development that may offer an easy solution the next time you can’t decide what to watch.

Subscriptions, offers and only between starts autoplay and forgetting about it, it’s not like we’re exactly aching for options to get new YouTube videos right in front of our eyes. But Google is toying with the idea of ​​a more open option to get a new video playing with as little friction as possible.

YouTube has tested the Play Something Floating Action Button (FAB). 9 to 5 Google. The button in its current form is located at the bottom of the screen, and tapping it will enter the Shortcut player and immediately start serving you content. The site notes that you can still get normal length (and aspect ratio) YouTube videos here, even in this player format.

Google is kicking around this idea as usual, and various applications have been revealed during testing. A Reddit user in May 2023 jinajcole “Play Something” banner was found and published that November Android Police Although he dropped the “play something” brand, he saw a new FAB doing the same thing. This final test phase brings all previous ideas together in one form.

While it feels like the most mature stage of Google’s testing so far, it’s hard to say exactly when or if it might be ready to become a proper YouTube feature. Will Google continue to experiment occasionally as it ponders the future of Play Something? Will it be visible in YouTube labs for testers to join the test? At this stage, we’ll be happy to see if Google decides to proceed one way or the other.