YouTube is rolling out a suite of new features and experimental perks exclusively for its Premium subscribers. These enhancements aim to elevate the viewing experience, offering greater convenience and access to cutting-edge AI-driven features.
One of the most notable additions is the “double-tap to skip” feature, allowing users to quickly jump to the most engaging parts of a video using AI and viewer data. This feature is currently available for Android users in the US, with iOS availability planned in the near future.
Android Premium subscribers can now also enjoy Shorts in picture-in-picture mode, enabling multitasking while watching short-form videos.
Furthermore, Premium users gain early access to YouTube’s experimental features, including smart downloads for offline viewing of Shorts and a conversational AI experience that can answer questions and suggest related content without interrupting video playback. This AI feature is currently limited to US users and English videos with an “Ask” button.
Premium subscribers can also explore YouTube’s redesigned watch page for the web, making it easier to discover related content.
YouTube Premium, offering ad-free viewing, offline downloads, Music Premium, and other benefits, recently surpassed 100 million subscribers. This move to enhance the Premium experience comes as YouTube continues its efforts to attract more paying users, including measures to curb ad blockers and limit access for ad-blocking apps.