YouTube updated their platform to include new features across all devices. This includes a completely updated collaborative playlist feature, as well as QR codes and new thumbnail options.
YouTube are trying hard to keep up with Spotify and TikTok, who always seem to be adding new features. They aren’t falling behind, though. The long-form, short-form, video, music and more platform are working hard to bring users the latest technology.
Some users may have already noticed a new collaborative playlist option. This feature allows users to share playlists with friends and family via unique links and QR codes. Users can also build playlists and vote on their favourites.
The playlist feature seems to be stemmed from Spotify’s Jam function. Spotify previously added a collaborative playlist feature called Jam which was an extension of their already existing product, Blend. Blend allowed the creation of playlists based on listening habits.
If a friend was into Country music, while another liked Jazz, Spotify Blend would combine their listening styles and make a playlist they could share. Jam then came along to extend from this and offer users more options when it came to collaborations.
Customise playlists on YouTube
YouTube Music will see updates too. There will be options to customise each playlist’s thumbnail. Personal photos can be uploaded, while there will also be a graphics album containing images for users to choose from. Users can even use AI to generate an image.
We should soon see a voting system added to YouTube. This will allow users to rank videos within playlists and get involved in a community. Playback speeds have been adjusted. Now, videos can be altered in 0.05 second speeds rather than 0.25.
There will be a new mini-player for mobile users. Let’s face it, the majority of users are probably on mobile now. The mini-player will be adjustable via resizing, so users can still browse other apps on their smartphone while watching a video.
YouTube copy Spotify’s sleep timer
The platform is also adding a Sleep Timer. This feature is designed for every user. It was first tested on premium users and was so successful, they introduced it to everyone. Spotify introduced this option back in August 2022.
Sleep Timer will allow users to set their own restrictions. It will prompt users when it’s nearing time for bed, allowing them the chance to wind down without screens. It’s not new knowledge that too much screen use before bed can affect sleep, so YouTube are acting on this.
There will even be a badge system for YouTube and its music platform. In the same way Facebook has Top Fans, YouTube will have similar for being a top listener. All badges can be viewed on a person’s profile under their You section.
“We’re starting with just a few at launch, with badges that celebrate unique-to-YouTube milestones, such as being one of the first set of paid members of a creator’s channel, or correctly completing quizzes”
YouTube
All this comes not long after YouTube released their Communities feature. Instead of releasing all features at once, the platform has broken it up slightly, which is brilliant for keeping themselves relevant and in the headlines.
While competition will continue between rival platforms, YouTube users can enjoy these new features. They bring a little more personality with the varied customisation features. While also keeping in line with current trends and themes.
