Google is broadening the reach of YouTube Premium. This means more devices can now enjoy features like faster playback and high-quality audio. Many users subscribe to YouTube Premium mainly to watch ad-free videos and listen to YouTube Music. However, there are also features that cater to power users, giving them more control over how they watch and listen.
One of the standout updates is faster playback. Users can now adjust the speed in increments from 0.5x to 4x on Android, iOS, and the web. This option was initially limited to mobile apps. Also, there’s a new capability to automatically download Shorts for offline viewing, available on both iOS and Android after it first appeared on Android. Additionally, YouTube’s Jump Ahead feature, which lets you skip to important moments in a video, is now available on smart TVs and gaming consoles.
On the music side, Google has made improvements to audio quality. When watching music videos, users can now select a “High” setting to enjoy audio at a 256kbps bitrate. This enhancement is also available for “Art Tracks,” or videos of songs that don’t have an official music video. Initially, this quality option was exclusive to the YouTube Music app but has now expanded to both YouTube and YouTube Music on Android and iOS.
Despite these updates, the main appeal of a $13.99-per-month YouTube Premium subscription remains unchanged. However, it’s a positive step for Google to unify the user experience across devices.
Recent stats show that YouTube Premium has attracted over 80 million subscribers worldwide, reflecting the growing demand for ad-free content and enhanced features. Experts suggest that this expansion aligns with broader trends in media consumption, where people increasingly favor on-demand content without interruptions.
Social media buzz around these updates has been largely positive, with users expressing excitement about the new audio quality and playback options. This engagement underlines the platform’s commitment to improving user experience.
For more detailed insights on digital media trends, you can check out the Pew Research Center.
Source link
YouTube Music, YouTube, Google, audio quality, YouTube
