YouTube, which is owned by Google, is constantly developing new features. It’s fairly common for these features to be rolled out to a small group of users before being made available to the general public. Video chapters and picture-in-picture mode are two of the features that have been beta tested by a small number of users. You can also join the group that is testing these experimental features.
We will explain how to test experimental features. It is a fairly simple procedure, but you must be a YouTube Premium subscriber.
What are YouTube experimental features
In simpler terms, an experimental feature in YouTube is one that is rolled out to a small group of users to test and measure how they react to it, and then improvements are
made based on the feedback. Among these features are search, video sharing, and advertisements.
It is similar to beta testing a feature, with the exception that there may not be multiple betas of it as in the actual beta testing process. For a limited time, the video streaming platform also allows testing of these experimental features.
“We’re always experimenting with ways to help you more easily find, watch, and share the videos that matter most to you. From time to time, you may notice some of these changes. We’ll consider rolling out features more broadly based on your feedback from these experiments,” YouTube explains.
How to participate in testing experimental feature
• The first step to participate is to sign-in to your Google Account and purchase a premium. These experiments are only available to Premium members and some of them are available only for a limited time.
• You will need an active YouTube Premium membership to participate in experiments. YouTube subscription starts at Rs 129 per month for YouTube and YouTube Music. You can also choose an annual plan for Rs 1,290, a family plan (allows up to 6 people) for Rs 189 per month or a student plan for Rs 79 per month. If you already have a Premium
subscription, then you are ready to go.
• When you are a YouTube subscriber, sometimes you will see a banner that will invite you to test a feature. If you want to try it out, tap Try it out.
• You can also choose an experimental feature test. Open Settings by tapping your profile picture on the top right corner of the screen. Tap “Your Premium Benefits” and scroll down to “Try experimental new features”.
• Use the feature for some time and give feedback. You can also join research studies to give more feedback or choose not to try a feature at all.
• If you have chosen to go ahead, YouTube will also send you reminder messages to submit feedback, especially when the experiment is coming to an end.
• If you want to leave an experiment, select the Turn Off button next to the experiment. Experiments can only be turned off while you’re a Premium member.
• The experimental feature will automatically disappear on the scheduled end date whether you have submitted your feedback or not.
According to YouTube, if a study (based on your feedback) is a good fit for your profile, you will be served a follow-up questionnaire. After completing the entire study, you will be given a gift card as a token of appreciation for your time.
There may be times when no experimental features are available for testing. It should also be noted that not all experiments will be made available online.
