Pune, 18th July 2023: YouTube, owned by Google, has announced that it is currently testing a new feature that will allow users to watch videos at 2x speed. This feature aims to make it easier and more convenient for users to adjust the playback speed without having to go through additional steps.
According to the company, users can simply long-press anywhere on the video player while watching a video to automatically increase the playback speed to 2x. Although this feature is still in the testing phase, YouTube Premium members will have access to it until August 13.
The introduction of this feature is a response to the current process, which can be frustrating for users who want to increase the playback speed. By providing a simple long-press option, YouTube aims to enhance the user experience and make it more efficient to enjoy content at a faster pace.
In addition to the playback speed feature, YouTube mentioned another testing feature that focuses on improving video previews. The platform has enlarged the preview thumbnail that appears when users move forward or backward in a video. This enhancement aims to make it easier for users to pinpoint specific moments in a video that they want to watch.
YouTube Premium members will also have access to this enlarged preview functionality until August 13.
Previously, YouTube announced the testing of a lock screen feature designed to prevent accidental taps that could pause, skip, or disrupt videos. This feature, initially available to Premium users until July 30, has now been extended until August 5.
Moreover, YouTube has been experimenting with a three-strikes policy for users employing ad blockers. Viewers with ad blockers enabled are prompted to either allow ads on YouTube or consider YouTube Premium. The company stated that ad blockers violate YouTube’s Terms of Service, and this experiment is part of their ongoing efforts to address the issue.
As YouTube continues to test and introduce new features, it aims to provide users with an enhanced viewing experience while maintaining adherence to its policies and Terms of Service.
