YouTube rolls out small updates, including adjustable playback speed

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

YouTube just announced around two dozen tweaks and updates to the mobile app, the web player and the TV app. Many of these updates are on the insignificant side, so let’s go over the ones that are likely to change how people use the service.

Speed changes are becoming far more specific. It will now be possible to change the playback speed in the fine increments of 0.05. Before this modification, adjustment options have been restricted to be set at 0.25 intervals. True story. I used to watch YouTube in the slowest speed of 0.75 of a complete year and even when people speak at a normal fluency, it overwhelms me. Good times!

Mobile’s miniplayer is getting some updates. The viewer will be able to expand and shrink the player and also drag it to whatever location they wants. YouTube says that this is particularly useful for those who enjoy seeking more videos to add to their lists while already watching a certain video.

More like this

• Tayo Aina, foremost Nigerian Youtuber explains 12 easy steps to establish a successful YouTube channel
• Burna Boy, Ayra Starr appear on Obama’s summer playlist
• YouTube is building tools to detect face and voice deepfakes
• Yul Edochie says God has called him into ministry
• Kanayo O Kanayo addresses YouTube movie producers, tackles modern thespians ‘with no sense of purpose’

Playlists are getting a 21st century update. There is a new feature in co-op – a playlist. Users can send out a QR code or a web link to invite friends and family to assist on a certain playlist. There is soon going to be a voting button regarding the line up, so that “you and your friends can create the best line-up.” YouTube has even started offering custom thumbnail for these playlist, you see.

You will remember that the company trialed the Sleep Timer with its Premium users this year; well, it is now opening it up to all Standard YouTUbe users. This is the very definition of what it aims to be; a website specializing in upskilling its readers. In case you are one of those people who enjoyed listening to interviews such as Noam Chomsky in 1995, this feature will make sure that YouTube shuts down at some point.

To accommodate Shorts, YouTube TV is receiving a new interface because this stuff doesn’t always work well with TVs. Interestingly though, for today’s Shorts can run up to three minutes, so they do not quite live up to their name.

Last but not the least, the platform is now introducing badges for both YouTube as well as YouTube music. Ketchum says it best – gotta catch em all or something along those lines. While most of these tools start launching today it will take several days for your specific YouTube account to get updated. You know the drill.