YouTube is experimenting with a new feature called “Play Something” in its Android app. This feature lets users play a random video by tapping a floating button located just above the app’s bottom navigation bar, according to The Verge.
How “Play Something” Works
The button launches videos in the portrait-oriented YouTube Shorts player, regardless of whether the content is a vertical YouTube Shorts video or a standard YouTube video. Once activated, the video plays in a mini-player with large buttons on the right for actions such as liking, disliking, adding comments, and sharing. The floating “Play Something” button disappears when the mini-player is active.
One limitation noted during testing is the mismatch between the video’s format and its orientation. It is hoped that by the time the feature officially launches, YouTube will ensure videos play in a format matching their content and orientation.
Past and Current Testing
YouTube has been testing variations of this feature for over a year. Previous implementations included a banner labeled “Play Something” and a standard button with a black-and-white YouTube logo. While this feature remains in testing, we’ll keep you updated on its availability and improvements.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time a streaming platform has explored a random video shuffle feature, reminds NIXSolutions. Netflix introduced a similar feature called “Play Something” in 2021, later renamed “Surprise Me,” but ultimately discontinued it last year.
YouTube’s approach to the “Play Something” feature may provide a unique way for users to discover content, offering convenience and spontaneity within the app. For now, we’ll keep you updated as YouTube fine-tunes and potentially rolls out this feature to a wider audience.