YouTube released a recent update designed to improve the way users interact with the platform on connected televisions. The new feature allows viewers to use their smartphones to manage the content displayed on TV sets with access to the service.
This functionality has the potential to drastically simplify browsing and interacting with videos, eliminating the need for traditional remote controls or video game joysticks to access different functions and choices. The change expands usability and comfort for millions of homes, which no longer need specific equipment to enjoy YouTube.
YouTube stated that the preference for watching the platform’s content on television is a recurring fact, but that some actions such as typing comments, accessing descriptions or subscribing to channels proved complex when using a conventional remote control. The company explained: “Many of you have told us that your TV is your favorite place to watch YouTube, but some features like typing comments, reading a description, or subscribing to a channel can be cumbersome when using just a standard remote. This update lets you make the most of interaction features (like comments and descriptions) without interrupting the content playing on your TV.”
The application’s new connection option will guarantee simultaneous access to several tools, such as inserting comments and recording likes on videos. Furthermore, users will be able to subscribe to different channels while following the programming shown on television.
YouTube announced that viewers will have the ability to continue using other functions of the application while the content is playing on the TV, such as searching for specific videos or watching short clips. There will also be an option to stream videos to the big screen directly from the home page.
“Just tap the three-dot menu next to the title of any video and select ‘Play on another device,’” YouTube said about the mirroring functionality.
YouTube has added an important feature: users will no longer need to share the same Wi-Fi network or manually connect their phones to televisions to watch content on both devices simultaneously.
Viewing content on connected TVs represents a strong growth catalyst for YouTube, with more than a billion hours of video being watched daily by people on their home televisions.
In line with this strategy, YouTube recently introduced several new features for CTV (Connected Television), including the ability to watch podcasts, account blocking tools, and channels that operate as TV stations, presenting a continuous schedule of videos from a single channel.
The company has also continually expanded access to its search features that use artificial intelligence on smart TVs.
While voice search is already available to those who have smart TVs with microphones built into their remote controls, this new update will allow significantly more users to take advantage of these advanced functions without relying on the latest models of smart devices.
The option to use smartphones as a control represents a resource of great value for viewers. Considering the continuous increase in the audience watching YouTube videos on their televisions, the platform sees this improvement as a natural and strategic step.
