YouTube gets shared playlists and a sleep timer in latest update

Google recently announced a major update for the video platform YouTube, which is intended to appeal to both normal users and content creators. It includes over two dozen new functions aimed at improving the YouTube experience and responding to the wishes of the community. Some of these changes are already starting now while others will be rolled out gradually. These are the most important new features.

Further reading: I block every ad on YouTube and I’m not ashamed of it

New miniplayer

One important improvement is the new miniplayer for the mobile YouTube app, which allows you to watch videos and navigate the app at the same time. The miniplayer is customizable and can be moved around, which is particularly useful for managing the queue while watching a video, for example. But other applications are also conceivable.

Adjustable playback speed

For some time now, it has been possible to adjust the speed of a video being played on YouTube. However, this was only ever possible in fairly large steps of 0.25 to 2x speed. YouTube now offers more finely adjustable playback speeds that can be set in 0.05 increments. According to Google’s blog post, this is a feature offered at the request of the community. This allows all users to watch videos at their preferred speed.

Shared playlists

For better interaction between users, playlists can now be easily created and customized together. Friends and family can simply be invited via a link in the app or browser version. It will soon be possible to use a QR code on the TV.

At a later date, it will also be possible to vote on the addition of videos. For example, fans of a YouTuber will be able to create a playlist with their favorite videos, which will be managed by the YouTuber.

New user interface on televisions

Google is also adapting the user interface in the YouTube TV app. This includes a new “cinematic” look and improvements for interacting with short videos.

Sleep timer

Those who frequently use YouTube to switch off will benefit from the introduction of a new sleep timer. This automatically stops playback after a certain time. Until now, the feature has only been tested with YouTube Premium subscribers, but it will now be available to everyone.

Collect badges

Users now have the opportunity to collect badges in the YouTube and YouTube Music app. They serve as a reward for interactions or supporting creators and can be presented to other users.

Further new features

The new functions will be available on mobile phones, on the web, on TVs, and in YouTube Music. YouTube also plans to introduce even more innovations and customizations in the coming weeks.

This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC-WELT and was translated and localized from German.

Author: Laura Pippig, Staff Writer, PC-WELT

Laura is an enthusiastic gamer as well as a movie and TV fan. After studying communication science, she went straight into a job at PCMagazin and Connect Living. Since then, she has been writing about everything to do with PCs and technology topics, and has been a permanent editor at our German sister site PC-WELT since May 2024.