YouTube is introducing five new features to its paid subscription tier, YouTube Premium, in an effort to provide added value and entice users to subscribe on a monthly basis.
One of the new features is a queueing system that is now available for phones and tablets, after being tested until the end of January. While the YouTube website on computers already had this feature for all users, it is now exclusive to Premium subscribers on the mobile app. With the queueing system, users can create a list of videos to be played, add new ones to it, and rearrange the order of videos in the queue.
Another addition for Premium members is the ability to host Google Meet sessions where all attendees, whether they are Premium or free users, can watch YouTube videos together. This feature is currently available on Android devices through Meet Live Sharing, and will soon be enabled for FaceTime users on iOS via SharePlay.
YouTube Premium also now allows users to continue watching videos from where they left off, even if they switch between devices. This feature is now live on Android, iOS, and the web, providing a seamless viewing experience across different devices.
Additionally, Premium members can benefit from Smart Downloads, which automatically adds recommended videos to their library for offline viewing. This feature is useful for users who may have forgotten to download videos for a trip or offline use. It’s worth noting that Smart Downloads have been available to Premium members for some time now.
Lastly, in the coming weeks, YouTube on iOS will roll out an enhanced bitrate version for 1080p HD resolution videos exclusively for Premium members. Although 1080p HD resolution will still be available to all users, this enhanced bitrate version is expected to offer improved clarity and detail, particularly for videos with a lot of motion.
In conclusion, YouTube Premium is introducing several new features to enhance the subscription experience for its users. From queueing systems to improved video quality, these additions aim to differentiate the paid tier from the free version and provide added value to subscribers.
