YouTube is rolling out Playables for its premium users, available on both the app and web platforms. As the name suggests, YouTube Playables features a collection of playable arcade games within the YouTube platform, running on the cloud. This means you can enjoy these mini-games without the need to download anything onto your device.
Previously, it was anticipated to roll out by at least March 2024. However, the feature has arrived early and at the best time, coinciding perfectly with the post-Thanksgiving holiday period. The feature comes next to the recently launched AI-powered summarizer and recommendations.
YouTube launched Playables for Premium subscribers
YouTube Playables is exclusively available to its Premium subscribers. If you are a Premium subscriber, you may have already received a notification about this new feature. To explore this functionality, open the YouTube app or visit the web, navigate to the Explore tab, and access the arcade games. Alternatively, you can visit youtube.com/playables, and ensure that the feature is turned on.
Notably, the YouTube premium subscription starts at $13.99 per month for single-account users. It allows ad-free video streaming on the platform, the ability to store videos offline and play videos in the background. Additionally, YouTube Music Premium comes tagged along with the premium subscription.
The in-app games come at zero cost, and it’s quite a fun ride
There are a variety of games available with the new update. It ensures that there’s something for every player to enjoy whether they prefer the quick-paced action of Angry Birds Showdown or the strategic thinking of Solitaire.
Action enthusiasts can enjoy games like Angry Birds Showdown, Stack Ball, Color Rush, and Cube Tower. Card game aficionados can delve into Solitaire, Klondike, Spider Solitaire, and Hearts. And for those seeking arcade classics, there’s Snake, Bubble Shooter, Pinball, and Billiards. With over 37 games in total, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
This is kind of like what Netflix tried before, but YouTube is not sure if it will keep it. They’re testing it until March 28, 2024, and then they’ll decide if they want to keep Playables.