YouTube is rolling out a substantial update that offers users innovative ways to search for and manage content on its platform.
The most prominent change is the official introduction of the “search by song” tool. Users can now look up songs simply by humming, singing, or playing a tune directly into YouTube. This feature functions similarly to Shazam, where you can point your phone’s app toward the source of a song, and it will record it. YouTube’s version utilizes AI technology to match the input with the original recording. This feature was initially in beta back in August and now is officially released with the same functionality.
To use “search by song,” you first activate Voice Search on YouTube and then switch to the Song recorder. You can “play, sing, or hum” the tune for about three seconds into your phone’s microphone, and relevant official music content will appear on the screen. Initially, this feature will be exclusive to Android phones and is set to roll out in the coming weeks. There is no official word on when it will become available on iOS.
The remaining features in this update are more widely available. Notably, a new section called the “You tab” is introduced, which combines a user’s account page with their Library tab, providing a one-stop location for configuring profile settings, finding downloads, and accessing previously watched videos. This eliminates the need to switch back and forth between sections.
The YouTube player is also getting some additional controls. On mobile, a “Stable Volume” toggle switch is being added to mitigate jarring volume differences, which is particularly helpful for content with inconsistent audio. Additionally, a “lock screen” feature is introduced, preventing unwanted interruptions by locking a smartphone or tablet’s display.
Lastly, the YouTube player offers a “Press to 2x” feature that allows you to instantly double the playback speed by pressing and holding on the player. This feature is accessible on web, mobile devices, and tablets.
These updates will be gradually rolled out to users around the world in the coming weeks. The company also hints at bringing modern design elements to other parts of YouTube, including the YouTube Kids app. If you’re planning to travel soon, it’s advisable to check out TechRadar’s list of the best YouTube proxies for 2023, as not all global regions provide access to the platform.
