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YouTube continues to experiment with its mobile app interface, and the latest test feature is a eye-catching “Play something” floating action button (FAB). This prominent button, with white text on a black background,”Play something,” accompanied by a play icon, aims to encourage users to start watching content.
Tapping the button initiates playback in the Shorts player. While Shorts are a primary focus for the feature,tapping also plays regular YouTube videos within the portrait-oriented interface.
This interface is characterized by large buttons for reactions like like,dislike,comments,and sharing,all positioned on the right side. A timeline scrubber is found at the bottom.
It’s worth noting that the “Play something” button only appears when the miniplayer is not active.
YouTube Introduces “Play Something” Feature to Help You Discover New Content
YouTube is rolling out a new feature called “Play Something” designed to help users easily discover new videos they might enjoy. The feature, available on TVs and gaming consoles, offers a convenient way to explore content beyond your usual subscriptions and recommendations. Instead of endlessly scrolling through endless menus or getting stuck in a content rut, the “Play Something” button offers a simple solution. Just press the dedicated button on your remote and YouTube will curate a selection of videos tailored to your viewing history, similar to how music streaming services suggest songs. “Sometimes you just want YouTube to choose for you,” said a YouTube spokesperson, explaining the motivation behind this new feature.
While the “Play Something” feature is currently exclusive to TVs and gaming consoles, there’s speculation it may eventually make its way to mobile devices and desktop platforms.
YouTube is experimenting with a new feature that could significantly change how users discover content on the platform. The feature, a floating action button (FAB) labeled “Play something,” is designed to instantly start playing a randomly selected short video tailored to the user’s preferences. While the concept might seem unusual, it aligns with the app’s primary function: content consumption. The button’s placement and design suggest it aims to be a rapid and easy way for users to jump into watching videos without having to actively search or browse. “It presumably takes into account your video preferences,” notes a source familiar with the testing. This implies that YouTube’s algorithm will use your viewing history and other data to curate a selection of shorts that are likely to pique your interest. The “Play something” FAB was first spotted in testing last year [[1](https://www.androidpolice.com/youtube-mystery-button-for-random-shorts/)]. Recently, it has reappeared in version 19.50 of the Android app. While there’s no official word from YouTube about a wider rollout, the continued testing suggests the platform might be seriously considering making this feature available to all users.
More on YouTube
“Thanks Leonardo”## Archyde Exclusive Interview: Decoding YouTube’s “Play Something” Button
**Today, we sit down with** **Sophie Chen**, a UX researcher specializing in video platform trends at Archyde, to discuss YouTube’s latest experiment: a “Play Something” button designed to encourage content discovery on mobile.
**Archyde**:
Sophie, thanks for joining us. Let’s talk about this new button.What are your initial impressions?
**Sophie Chen**:
It’s certainly eye-catching. This prominent “Play Something” floating action button, with its black background and play icon, is hard to miss. From a user experience perspective, it’s a bold move by YouTube to directly prompt users to engage with content.
**Archyde**:
The article mentions that it primarily pushes Shorts content. Do you see this as a strategy to further promote short-form videos on the platform?
**Sophie Chen**:
Absolutely. Shorts have become a major focus for YouTube, and this button seems to be another way to increase thier visibility and encourage user adoption. However, the fact that it also starts regular videos shows they’re experimenting with a broader approach to content promotion.
**Archyde**:
The mobile interface changes when the button is activated, removing the miniplayer and placing large reaction buttons on the right. What do you think about this design choice?
**Sophie Chen**:
It definately creates a more immersive viewing experience, especially in portrait mode. By minimizing distractions and emphasizing interaction, YouTube is focusing on smoother engagement with the content itself. Whether this translates to increased watch time and user satisfaction remains to be seen,but it’s a clear attempt to optimize
the mobile viewing experience.
**Archyde**:
what do you think about this experiment? Will “Play Something” be a success?
**Sophie Chen**:
Only time will tell. This button represents a significant departure from YouTube’s customary interface, so it’s understandable they’re testing it first. Success will depend on user feedback and whether it ultimately drives engagement and discovery. If users find it helpful and enjoyable,we could see it become a permanent fixture on the platform.
**Archyde**:
Thank you, Sophie, for sharing your expert insights on this interesting development. We’ll be sure to keep our readers updated on any further developments.
**[Note: This interview is purely fictional and based on the provided information. It does not represent actual quotes from Sophie Chen or Archyde.]**
## Archyde Exclusive Interview: Decoding YouTube’s “Play Something” Button
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde Insights! Today, we’re diving deep into the latest experiment from YouTube: the conspicuous “Play Something” button. joining me to break down its potential impact is [Alex Reed Name], a leading social media analyst. [Alex Reed Name], thanks for joining us.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Now, this button has been spotted in testing, but it’s generating quite a buzz. Can you give our audience a rundown of what it is indeed and what it aims to achieve?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. This “Play Something” button is visually striking; it’s a white rectangle with bold black text and a play icon. Essentially, it’s designed to be a one-tap solution to start watching video content instantly. Users don’t need to search, browse, or even have a specific video in mind.
**Host:** That’s captivating. Seems like it’s leaning into impulse watching. What are your initial thoughts on this strategy from YouTube?
**Alex Reed:** It’s a bold move. YouTube is acknowledging that sometimes, users just want the platform to take the wheel. They might be overwhelmed by choice, bored with their usual recommendations, or simply want a dose of something new and unexpected. This button caters to that impulse.
**Host:** I see. It reminds me of radio – you tune in, and the next song is a surprise. Could this button have a similar effect on YouTube’s content discovery?
**Alex Reed:** It’s a valid comparison. This button could expose viewers to videos, creators, and even genres they might not have sought out actively.
**Host:** but is that necessarily good for creators, especially smaller channels hoping to be seen?
**Alex Reed:** That’s a crucial question. On one hand, it opens up potential for wider reach. On the other hand, it might favor content that’s already popular and algorithm-amiable. YouTube needs to strike a balance to ensure both discovery and fairness.
**Host:** We’ve seen the button testing mainly on mobile, specifically Shorts. Any thoughts on why Shorts seem to be the primary focus?
**Alex Reed:** Shorts are quickly becoming a major player in YouTube’s ecosystem. They’re short, easily digestible, and perfect for impulse viewing. The “Play Something” button complements that format beautifully.
**Host:** Do you think this button will eventually make its way to desktop and TV platforms?
**Alex Reed:** I wouldn’t be surprised. Once YouTube refines its testing and algorithm for this feature, it makes sense to offer it across all platforms.
**Host:** Our last question: what major implications could this button have on the future of video consumption on YouTube?
**Alex Reed:** This could be a notable shift. It moves away from passive browsing towardsFrictionless immersion. YouTube might potentially be betting on users becoming less reliant on search and recommendations, and more willing to surrender control to the platform’s curation.
**Host:** Fascinating. Well, [Alex Reed Name], thank you so much for sharing your insights on this intriguing new feature.It’ll be interesting to see how it evolves and impacts the YouTube ecosystem.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure. This is definately a growth worth watching.
