YouTube is copying Netflix’s old “Play Something” button in a new test

YouTube is testing a new floating “Play something” action button, borrowing one that no longer exists Netflix feature With the same name. It works in much the same way, playing a random video clip likely based on your previous choices. 9to5Google I mentioned.

Pressing the button will play a video in the Shorts player, but the content is not limited to Shorts, as regular videos will also play in a 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 play only one video using the button, as the interface closes when you open a Shorts video.

The new feature appears to be a way for YouTube to keep viewers engaged, especially on the Shorts platform. The platform has previously tested similar features including a “playing something” banner. Netflix Retirement feature (later renamed “Surprise Me”) two years after its release due to lack of use.