YouTube testing “Play Something” feature and AI “restyle” tool for Shorts

YouTube is reportedly rolling out a new feature called “Play Something” for its mobile app, which aims to enhance user experience by automatically playing suggested videos based on individual preferences. According to reports, the feature is available in the latest beta version of the YouTube app for Android and is represented by a floating action button. When users open the app, the “Play Something” button appears in place of the minimized video player. Tapping the button initiates playback of a video that YouTube has selected, considering the viewer’s previous interactions and viewing habits.

The video player that pops up is in portrait orientation, similar to YouTube Shorts, but unlike Shorts, it plays full-length YouTube videos. The interface includes typical functions like Like, Dislike, Comment, and Share buttons on the right side of the screen. If a minimized video player is already active, the “Play Something” button will not be accessible, which means users must be on the main screen to use it.

This new feature is aimed at making video discovery more efficient by quickly serving up content that aligns with the user’s interests, removing the need for extensive browsing. It is currently in the testing phase, with plans to gather user feedback before a wider release.

In a separate development, YouTube is also experimenting with a creative feature for its Shorts format. The platform has introduced a new AI-powered “restyle” tool under its Dream Track initiative, which allows creators to modify licensed audio tracks for their videos. This feature enables creators to alter the genre or style of a song while preserving the original vocals and lyrics.

At present, the “restyle” feature is available to a limited group of creators, offering them the ability to create unique audio tracks tailored for YouTube Shorts. This new tool aims to give creators more flexibility and creative freedom when incorporating music into their content.