YouTube is testing a new floating “Play Something” action button, borrowing a now-defunct button Netflix function with the same name. It works the same way: it plays a random video, likely based on your previous selections. 9to5Google reported.
Clicking the button will start a video in the Shorts player, but the content is not limited to Shorts as regular videos will also play in portrait mode with black bars at the top and bottom. As with any Shorts video, there are Like, Dislike, Comment, and Share buttons on the right. You can only play a video with the button because the interface closes when a Shorts video is opened.
The new feature appears to be a way for YouTube to captivate viewers, especially on the Shorts platform. The platform has previously tested similar features, including a “Play Something” banner. Netflix The function has been discontinued (later called “Surprise Me”) two years after release due to low usage.
