Google is changing the way it tests experimental YouTube features among users. Going forward, only Premium subscribers will be able to test out upcoming YouTube features before they roll out to everyone. Google previously picked random users to beta test new YouTube features.
“For a limited time, Premium members can try out new features that we’re working on. Share your feedback to help us build a better YouTube,” YouTube’s updated experimental page reads. You’ll be prompted to sign up for YouTube Premium if you try to join these experiments from a non-Premium account. It appears all Premium subscribers can now get early access to upcoming YouTube features.
Of course, people won’t be signing up for YouTube Premium just to take part in experiments. However, with more features on offer for paying users, it would likely tempt some users to pay for the service.
YouTube Premium costs $11.99 per month and offers an ad-free video experience, the ability to download videos, and background play, including when the screen is locked. It also bundles YouTube Music Premium.
YouTube makes experimental features exclusive to Premium subscribers
Google is currently testing three new YouTube features that would be rolling out to users in the coming months. One of those is voice search support on desktop. This is currently available only on mobile devices but is coming to Chrome soon.
Google is also adding an ability to watch a video right from the YouTube home screen. This is an iOS-only feature that allows users to watch the full video with sound controls and seeking ability. These two features are available for testing until October 20th, 2020.
Lastly, YouTube is adding support for Spanish, French, and Portuguese languages for filtered topics. This experimental feature is available until October 27th, 2020. However, as you just read, you’ll need a YouTube Premium subscription to test it out.
It’s unclear why Google is making this change in its beta testing policy, though. Perhaps picking beta testers at random wasn’t fruitful enough for the company. Or the company perhaps believes Premium users are more likely to provide feedback on new features as they are already paying for the service and would want to gain new features earlier than non-paying users.
Also, you probably already know that Google is replacing Play Music with YouTube Music on Android smartphones. The transition is already underway and Google’s latest move could be a way to entice people to sign up for YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium.