YouTube’s new premium feature enhances video discovery with a recommended queue

YouTube is introducing an experimental feature designed to make its Premium subscription even more enticing. With this latest update, Premium subscribers can now enjoy recommended videos directly within their current watch queue, eliminating the need to return to the homepage to discover new content. This move aims to keep viewers engaged for longer, giving them more options without interrupting their viewing experience.

Currently available only for Android users, the feature can be accessed through YouTube’s "Try experimental new features" tab, found under Settings > Try experimental new features. Premium subscribers can enjoy this addition until April 7, 2025, after which the feature will be revisited and refined based on feedback.

To use the feature, viewers simply add a video to their queue, then revisit it to find a set of personalized recommendations. Users can customize their queue by tapping the three dots next to a video to move it to the top or bottom of the list.

This new feature builds on YouTube’s existing “Recommended downloads” function, which suggests videos to download based on users' viewing habits. Now, it brings that functionality directly into the browsing experience, allowing viewers to dive deeper into content they might not have discovered otherwise.

YouTube continues to enhance its Premium offering, which already includes ad-free viewing, background play, and access to YouTube Music. This update is another step in improving the overall experience, ensuring that subscribers get even more value from their monthly R72/m investment. However, there is a potential downside: with these features designed to keep users hooked, some might find it harder to break free from the platform.

This new feature is a clear example of YouTube's commitment to adding value for its Premium users, but it also hints at the platform's growing desire to keep people watching for longer stretches of time. Whether it succeeds in enhancing the Premium experience or just leads to more doomscrolling remains to be seen.