YouTube is testing a new floating “Play Something” action button, borrowing from a now-defunct Netflix feature of the same name. It works in much the same way, playing a random video that is probably based on your previous selections, 9to5Google reported.
Pressing the button starts a video in the Shorts player, but the content is not limited to Shorts, as it will also play normal videos in vertical format with black bars at the top and bottom. As with any Shorts video, there are buttons on the right to like, dislike, comment, and share. You can only play a video using the button, as the interface closes when a Shorts video is opened.
The new feature seems like a way for YouTube to keep viewers engaged, particularly on the Shorts platform. The platform has previously tested similar features, including a “Play something” banner. netflix removed the feature (later called “Surprise Me”) two years after its release due to low usage.
