YouTube Premium is rolling out a suite of new features and benefits designed to enhance the viewing experience for its paid subscribers. From picture-in-picture for Shorts to AI-powered music discovery, these additions aim to provide even more value to those who opt for an ad-free YouTube experience.
Multitasking with Shorts
One of the most anticipated updates is the arrival of picture-in-picture mode for YouTube Shorts on iOS devices. This allows users to continue watching Shorts while using other apps, perfect for those who like to multitask or stay entertained while on the go. Additionally, a Smart Downloads feature for iOS will automatically save recommended Shorts for offline viewing, ensuring you always have something to watch even without an internet connection. Android users can also look forward to faster playback speeds of up to 4x for Shorts, enabling quick and efficient content consumption.
Bundling with Google One
A new partnership with Google One in the US offers a cost-effective way to bundle services. Subscribers can now get a discount when they combine YouTube Premium with a Google One Premium plan or higher. This provides ad-free YouTube viewing, 2TB of cloud storage, and other perks at a reduced price. However, existing YouTube Premium subscribers will need to cancel their current plan to take advantage of this bundle.
AI-Powered Music Exploration
The “Ask Music” feature, which utilizes conversational AI to create custom radio stations based on user descriptions, is expanding to Android devices in the UK and Ireland. This interactive tool allows users to describe the kind of music they want to hear and receive tailored recommendations without interrupting their listening experience.
Jump Ahead on the Web
A popular feature from YouTube Mobile is making its way to web browsers. The “jump ahead” feature allows users to skip to the most popular parts of a video, often bypassing sponsored segments. This provides a more streamlined viewing experience and gives users greater control over their content consumption.
Enhanced Audio Quality
For audiophiles, YouTube Premium is introducing higher quality audio at 256kbps for music videos. This delivers clearer and richer sound, enhancing the enjoyment of music content on the platform.
Try New Features Now
YouTube is encouraging users to explore these new features and is offering a selection of them for users to try out. These may vary from user to user, but include options like the jump ahead feature and enhanced audio quality.
With this wave of new features, YouTube Premium is solidifying its position as a premium entertainment service, offering a compelling alternative for those seeking an ad-free, feature-rich YouTube experience.
