YouTube Trials ‘Play Something’ Feature For Random Video Selection

YouTube is testing a new feature designed to enhance the mobile app experience, particularly for users who are undecided about what to watch next. The feature, known as the floating “Play Something” button, has been spotted in the Android version of the app. It allows users to instantly play a random video with a single tap, according to The Verge.

Positioned just above the app’s bottom bar, the floating button offers a convenient way to discover content without sifting through endless recommendations. Tapping it triggers the app to automatically select and play a video, creating a more spontaneous and seamless viewing experience.

Unlike earlier versions, this button leverages the portrait-oriented YouTube Shorts player to display videos. Whether the selected video is a regular YouTube upload or a Shorts clip, it is optimized for the Shorts player, ensuring compatibility with a vertically oriented interface.

While the format works well for short-form content, users are hopeful that future updates might support full-screen displays for standard videos as well.

YouTube has been experimenting with various iterations of this random video selector for over a year, including features like a “Play Something” banner and a button styled like the black-and-white YouTube logo. However, the floating button represents the most polished version to date.

The feature is still in the testing phase, and it remains uncertain if or when it will see a full rollout, according to The Verge.