Google has introduced a host of new features for YouTube Premium subscribers. These new tools include multiple experimental features such as high-quality audio, faster playback, a partnership with Google One, and expanding the availability of some existing features to more regions. According to the company, these new updates are aimed at enhancing the user experience and making the YouTube Premium subscription a comprehensive entertainment solution.
Let’s take a quick look at what’s new for YouTube Premium users.
YouTube, in its official blog post, revealed that it is now making experimental tools more accessible to Premium users. With the new update, users can now try multiple features simultaneously via youtube.com/new, unlike earlier, when YouTube allowed only one feature to be tested at a time. The new features now available for paid users include:
Faster playback speeds: One of the most notable updates is the introduction of precise playback speed controls on mobile devices. The feature allows users to fine-tune playback speeds up to 4x offering users better control over their viewing experience.
High-quality audio: For music lovers, YouTube has introduced high-quality 256kbps audio for music videos. This update will now offer users a richer, more immersive listening experience with enhanced clarity and depth.
Picture-in-picture for YouTube Shorts on iOS: This feature will now allow users to multitask by watching Shorts while using other apps simultaneously.
Smart downloads for YouTube Shorts on iOS: Premium users are also getting the ability to automatically download recommended Shorts for offline viewing.
Jump ahead on YouTube web: Previously available only on mobile, this feature is now accessible on the web. It lets users skip directly to the most engaging parts of a video.
With these updates, YouTube aims to offer users a more personalised and enhanced viewing experience on the platform.
Exclusive bundle with Google One
In the U.S., Google has introduced a bundled subscription option that combines YouTube Premium with a Google One Premium plan for its paid users. This bundle includes ad-free YouTube, 2 TB of cloud storage, and additional Google One perks at a relatively lower cost.
Expanding availability of popular features
YouTube has also announced the expansion of some fan-favorite tools to new platforms and regions:
Ask Music: YouTube will soon expand this AI-powered feature, in the UK and Ireland. Once available this feature will allow users to create personalized radio stations based on prompts like “upbeat workout tracks” or “relaxing jazz.”
Conversational AI on iOS: YouTube will soon roll out access to its conversational AI assistant for iOS. This tool will provide users with answers to video-related questions, recommends related content, and more—all without interrupting playback.
