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YouTube introduces a new “Play Something” feature on its mobile application, which seeks to simplify content discovery. The button is being developed for Android now to improve user experience by reducing endless scrolling and providing instant video recommendations.
The “Play Something” button is designed as the floating action button (FAB) of a white text color with the play icon placed on the black background. When tapped, it opens videos right in the Shorts player interface. Notably, the button is for short content and plays back regular YouTube videos in a portrait format.
This player layout consists of large buttons for liking, disliking, commenting, and sharing. A timeline scrubber bar at the bottom of the videos allows users to jump to different areas easily. The feature is to be left alone when the app’s mini player is on, indicating that its purpose is to start new content from the main interface.
The new button looks similar to Netflix’s “Play Something” button unveiled in 2021. Netflix’s feature presents the spectator with random programs or films of his/her choice, which is expected to save time for decision-making. YouTube’s version seems similar in that one can ask for related videos for a random selection period in line with the user’s preference.
Unlike Netflix, however, YouTube randomizes Shorts and regular videos, meeting the different habits of users. Such integration could make the feature popular as it will attract people who have been using the short-form and those who still use traditional videos.
A Reddit user identified the “Play Something” button for the first time within the YouTube Android application in version 19.50 in May 2023. Reports show that the feature has been under development since 2022. Although YouTube has not yet issued an official statement of widespread implementation. The feature is continuously being tested, revealing that the company is working on it to be ready for a broader market.
This feature complements what YouTube has been doing for users—improving interaction with personalized content and easy recommendations. Therefore, the “Play Something” button might enhance patient and longer user times if it eliminated the time spent mindlessly scrolling through the feed.
