YouTube announced in 2026 a set of platform updates covering playback controls, sleep timers, playlist features, and interface changes across mobile and TV, with the company citing user feedback as the primary driver behind the changes.
The most immediate change is the expansion of the sleep timer to all users. Previously limited to Premium subscribers, the feature lets viewers set playback to stop after 10, 15, 20, 30, or 45 minutes, or after one hour. Users can also choose to end playback when the current video finishes.
YouTube is also adjusting how playback speed works. Users can now fine-tune speed in increments of 0.05, replacing the previous 0.25 increments. Playback still tops out at 2x speed, but the finer control gives users more precision over how they watch content.
Several other updates are either live or scheduled to arrive later in the year. Improvements for landscape mode browsing on iOS devices are set to roll out later in 2026. The in-app mini-player has been redesigned to be both resizable and movable. Users will also gain the ability to create collaborative playlists and customize thumbnails using personal photos or generative AI tools.
YouTube plans to introduce voting capabilities on videos within playlists. The platform is also adding achievement badges in the YouTube and YouTube Music mobile apps, recognizing milestones such as being an early paid channel member or completing quizzes.
On the television side, YouTube is adding visual changes aimed at a more cinematic feel, including design touches described as “new pops of pink.” When users visit a channel page on a smart TV, videos will automatically play as teasers to preview a creator’s content.
Source: Tech