YouTube is introducing a series of new features, many of which are small but useful additions aimed at enhancing the user experience. Among these, one of the most notable updates is a more precise playback speed control, a feature that will likely appeal to those who prefer to customize how quickly or slowly they watch videos. Previously, playback speed adjustments were limited to increments of 0.25, but with the new update, users can now fine-tune the speed in increments of 0.05, offering more flexibility. Despite this improvement, the maximum playback speed remains capped at 2x, though there’s hope that future updates could allow for even faster speeds.

Another enhancement rolling out is an upgraded miniplayer. This new version will make it easier to multitask while watching videos by allowing users to resize and move the video window around the screen. This means that you can continue watching a video while browsing for other content or exploring additional information in the background, creating a more fluid and versatile viewing experience.

Playlist functionality is also getting an upgrade, particularly in terms of collaboration. Users will soon be able to create collaborative playlists by sharing a link, and in an upcoming feature for TVs, a QR code can be scanned to join in. This could be a fun way to collect videos with friends or organize content for group viewing. Later this year, YouTube will introduce a feature where users can vote on the videos included in a playlist, allowing for interactive ranking and decision-making, which could make watching videos with friends more engaging.

Additionally, for those who enjoy watching YouTube videos before bedtime, a new sleep timer feature will prove useful. This feature allows users to set a timer that will pause the video after a predetermined time, ranging from 10 minutes to an hour. You can also set the timer to stop playback at the end of a video. Initially available as a Premium subscriber experiment, this handy sleep timer will now be accessible to all mobile users, making it easier to unwind with videos without worrying about falling asleep while they keep playing.

Overall, these updates aim to make YouTube more versatile and user-friendly, offering features that cater to a wide variety of viewing preferences and needs.