YouTube copies Netflix's old 'Play Something' button in new test

YouTube is testing a new "Play Something" floating action button, borrowing a now-defunct Netflix feature of the same name. It works in much the same way, playing a random video that's likely based on your previous selections, 9to5Google reported. 

Hitting the button starts a video in the Shorts player, but content isn't limited to Shorts, as it will also play regular videos in a vertical format with black bars at the top and bottom. As with any Shorts video, there are buttons to the right for like, dislike, comments and sharing. You can only play one video using the button, as the interface closes when a Shorts video opens. 

The new feature looks like a way for YouTube to keep viewers engaged, particularly in the Shorts platform. The platform has previously tested similar features including a "Play Something" banner. Netflix retired the feature (later called "Surprise Me") two years after launching it due to low usage. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/youtube-copies-netflixs-old-play-something-button-in-new-test-130017283.html?src=rss https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/youtube/youtube-copies-netflixs-old-play-something-button-in-new-test-130017283.html?src=rss
Created 4mo | Dec 30, 2024, 1:10:04 PM


Login to add comment

Other posts in this group

How to watch the Android Show ahead of Google I/O 2025

Google's annual I/O developer conference is coming on May 20, and for the first time, there's two major events you'll want to watch to stay on top of all the updates the company's making to its sof

May 9, 2025, 4:40:14 AM | Engadget
ChatGPT Deep Research can now connect to GitHub

ChatGPT is bringing its Deep Resear

May 8, 2025, 11:50:19 PM | Engadget
Microsoft says it hasn't raised Surface prices

Microsoft hasn't secretly raised Surface prices, as earlier reports claimed. Instead, it has removed the base models of the Surface Pro 13-inch and Surface Laptop 13.8-inch from Microsoft.com, acco

May 8, 2025, 11:50:18 PM | Engadget
GoldenEye 007 and Quake join the World Video Game Hall of Fame

The World Video Game Hall of Fame welcomed its 2025 inductees today. The Strong National Museum of Play

May 8, 2025, 11:50:18 PM | Engadget
Meta will test video ads on Threads

Instagram's Threads app began

May 8, 2025, 9:40:15 PM | Engadget
The best last-minute Mother's Day gift: Gadgets and subscriptions mom will love

It's getting down to the wire to snag a Mother's Day gift that will arrive on time. But luckily, as of this writing, more than a few of these gifts will arrive before Sunday for Amazon Prime member

May 8, 2025, 9:40:14 PM | Engadget
Palworld removes Pal gliding as it continues its legal battle with Nintendo

Nintendo's lawyers have killed another Palworld

May 8, 2025, 9:40:13 PM | Engadget