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
Creato 17d | 30 dic 2024, 13:10:04


Accedi per aggiungere un commento

Altri post in questo gruppo

LG Display's new OLEDs are even brighter and more power-efficient

LG Display is introducing its 4th-generation OLED TV displays today, which manage to not only be brighter than what it

16 gen 2025, 03:50:05 | Engadget
Tubi will livestream the 2025 Super Bowl for free in 4K

The Super Bowl tends to be a cultural moment, even for people who don't know an extra point from a safety. This year, if you want to see the whole program, including the halftime show by Kendrick L

16 gen 2025, 01:30:09 | Engadget
How to watch the Samsung Galaxy S25 Unpacked event

We're nearly a month into 2025, and it's time for another flagship smartphone announcement. Samsung's

15 gen 2025, 23:20:14 | Engadget
Google brings real-time information from The Associated Press to Gemini

Google is partnering with The Associated Press to bring real-time information from the news agency to its Gemini app, the search giant

15 gen 2025, 20:50:18 | Engadget
God of War Ragnarök headlines the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog additions for January

Sony is set to freshen up the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for Extra and Premium subscribers with a

15 gen 2025, 20:50:17 | Engadget
FTC sues John Deere over ‘unfair corporate tactics’ and ‘high repair costs’

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has

15 gen 2025, 20:50:16 | Engadget
The Acura RSX calls dibs on Honda's proprietary Asimo OS

Honda has announced that its first original EV design, the

15 gen 2025, 18:31:07 | Engadget