Google is currently testing a new shuffle button on the YouTube app for Android.
Remember Google’s “I’m feeling lucky” button? This allowed direct access to a web page based on the request made, without going through the search results box. The new “Play Something” button works in a bit the same way… minus the request!
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A new-new button
If you have a feeling of déjà vu, it’s because Google has actually been testing this feature for over a year. The Web giant is searching and has not yet found the right formula to arouse the curiosity and spirit of adventure of its users. What if this time it was the right one?
Some Internet users report that their YouTube application (on Android smartphone) presents a new floating button at the bottom right of the interface when they are browsing the home page. Called “Play Something”, it allows you to instantly launch a video that YouTube considers to meet your tastes and habits.
The video is then displayed in a vertical interface, borrowed from YouTube Shorts – short, TikTok-style videos from YouTube. On the other hand, these are indeed “traditional” videos, among which you can then navigate in scrollant vertically in the interface.
YouTube wants to reinvent itself
It remains to be seen whether the results of this new test will be sufficiently conclusive for Google to give the green light to its global deployment on all versions of the application.
One thing is certain, the web giant’s video platform is not resting on its laurels, and is working hard to reinvent itself, while TikTok is eating away, day after day, at precious market share – and the attention of consumers. Internet users.
New features which also have to deal with Google’s war on ad blockers, with the aim of boosting subscriptions to the YouTube Premium formula which allows, among other things, to download videos locally and access YouTube Music.
