YouTube is taking its mobile app experience to the next level with the introduction of a "Play something" Floating Action Button (FAB) in its latest testing phases. After a series of design updates and feature enhancements, this addition aims to streamline content consumption and make it easier for users to discover new videos.

The "Play something" FAB is aesthetically appealing, featuring prominent white text on a bold black background. Once you tap the button, it triggers a video to play in the Shorts player—not just confined to YouTube Shorts, this feature also allows access to regular video content in a convenient portrait view. The interface is user-friendly, showcasing large buttons for liking, disliking, commenting, and sharing on the right, alongside a timeline scrubber at the bottom to navigate through the video.

Interestingly, when the miniplayer is activated, the Play something button will disappear, which minimizes distractions and allows for a more immersive viewing experience.

This concept of a FAB is more than just a design choice; it aims to enhance user engagement by simplifying the way viewers access their preferred content. Although YouTube has been experimenting with this feature since last year, the most recent updates pertain to version 19.50 for Android.

In addition to the new button, YouTube is consistently working to enhance user experience across its platform, including recent updates such as the rollout of the Google Cast and YouTube app for Rivian EVs, parental control features for kid access, and customizable playback speeds for better viewing preferences on the web.

Stay tuned for more exciting changes as YouTube continues to innovate and adapt to the needs of its global audience!