YouTube is experimenting with a new feature called the Play something button, designed to randomly select videos for users. We’ve spotted this floating button on the Android version of the YouTube app where it floats just above the bottom bar. The button taps a video, to play a video that is simple and spontaneous.
This concept has the ring of Google’s “I’m Feeling Lucky” button where users are invited to uncover content they might not otherwise search for. This latest iteration of the Play something button represents YouTube’s ongoing effort to give users a fresh way to engage with its vast library of videos.
How the Feature Works
The Play something button reportedly integrates with YouTube Shorts, the platform’s vertical video feature. It seems, in reports, the button uses the Shorts player to show both vertically formatted Shorts and regular YouTube videos in any aspect ratio. This makes it more easy to shuffle though content but it might seem strange to the traditional video oriented users in a portrait.
Video on YouTube might soon default to playing the footage correctly, in landscape. The button for now presents a quick way to find new content without needing to scroll or search through lists manually.
Inspired by Netflix’s Shuffle Feature
If the Play something button sounds familiar, it’s because streaming platforms like Netflix have tried similar features in the past. In 2021, Netflix released a video picker named “Play Something,” (later) rebranded as “Surprise Me.” The feature was retired however because users did not seem to show interest.
Where YT goes a little differently is by approaching it through its distinct Shorts player and things running smoothly within the app. YouTube is banking on their massive user base to try targeting where others have failed with a floating action button.
Previous Versions of the Button
This isn’t the first time YouTube has tested the Play something button. The platform has tested out different versions in the past year, including a banner atop the home screen and a static black and white button labeled similar to the YouTube logo. These early attempts assisted YouTube in developing the feature to be a little easier to use and interact with.
This is a huge step forward — it’s more accessible, and more intuitive. The button is, conveniently, positioned just above the bottom navigation bar and is easy enough to see and use, so for people who’d like a bit more of a dynamic video watching experience the button is a great addition.
What Users Can Expect
With the Play something button, YouTube aims to solve the common dilemma of decision fatigue. Instead, users are able to just press a button and have YouTube do all the work. The advantage of this feature is that it is especially good for people who don’t care much about finding good content, but instead want to wander around in what’s available.
But the feature is still in testing mode and some users have bemoaned the reliance on the Shorts player. If YouTube can address these issues and optimize the experience for both Shorts and standard videos, the Play something button has the potential to become a popular tool for discovery.
The Future of Spontaneous Viewing
The Play something button reflects YouTube’s broader strategy to enhance user engagement through personalization and spontaneity. YouTube uses the offer by letting the user have an easeful exploration of the contents, both for the loyal viewer and the casual seeker of contents.
But over time, the feature could expand the ability for users to adjust the shuffle experience in the way that they want, based on categories, genres, or creators. With this we’d be able to make the button even more versatile and appealing to everyone.
