YouTube Premium has introduced a number of new features to its premium and free users.
The $11.99 monthly subscription ad- free version had recent additions like the ability to continue watching videos from where you left off on any device and a ‘smart downloads’ feature that automatically saves recommended videos for offline access.
New features on the premium plan now includes;
- Higher quality video for web and iOS users.
An enhanced bitrate version of 1080p HD video quality will be rolled out to premium subscribers on iOS and then to the Web users in the coming weeks.
While all YouTube users continue to have access to 1080p, the enhanced 1080p quality settings according to YouTube will make videos look “extra crisp and clear.” This is a plus for videos with lots of movements. Like gaming videos and sports.
- 2. Support for co-watching videos on FaceTime through Apple’s SharePlay.
The support for Apple’s SharePlay was first introduced at Apple’s worldwide Developer Conference in 2021, and has been supported by other video services including Disney+, Hulus, HBO Max,and TikTok.
YouTube however is limiting the access to paying subscribers only.
- 3. Controls for managing queues on mobile devices.
Another new feature Youtube rolled out is more controls over your queue as a YouTube Premium subscriber.
This means Premium users will be able to add videos to their queue when watching on phones and tablets. While YouTube free users can save videos to playlists, including “Watch Later,” queuing lets users control what video they want to play next during their current viewing session.
The new additions announced will be more front – and – center to the viewing experience.
Unlike the earlier features that subtly run in the background almost unnoticeable by the end user, the effect of the newly added features will be right in the user’s face.
The new features are aimed at attracting and retaining subscribers, as many users do not know what else is special about YouTube Premium apart from removing ads from YouTube.
