YouTube is introducing several new features, many of which are inspired by user feedback. First, users will now have the ability to fine-tune playback speed in increments of 0.05 (compared to the current 0.25 increments), with a maximum speed still capped at 2x.
The platform is also rolling out its sleep timer to all users, allowing you to set the timer to stop playback after 10, 15, 20, 30, or 45 minutes, one hour, or at the end of the current video. This feature was previously exclusive to Premium users.
Later this year, iOS users will see improvements in browsing in landscape mode, and the in-app miniplayer is now resisable and moveable.
Users can create collaborative playlists and design custom thumbnails using their own photos or generative AI. You’ll also be able to vote on videos in playlists later this year.
YouTube is adding badges to both YouTube and YouTube Music apps on mobile, starting with a few options, like being one of the first paid channel members or completing quizzes correctly.
These updates are rolling out across web, mobile, and YouTube Music, so be sure to keep the YouTube app updated if you want to try these new features.