YouTube Premium is stepping up its game with a massive wave of new features that enhance how users watch, listen, and interact with videos across platforms. These upgrades aim to bring consistency to the Premium experience on Android, iOS, the web, smart TVs, and even gaming consoles.
Faster Video Playback with 4× Speed
For years, YouTube has allowed up to 2× playback speed for all users. Now, Premium subscribers can watch videos at up to 4× speed, making it easier to binge lectures, tutorials, or long podcasts in half the time. This feature is perfect for power users who want more control over how quickly they consume content.
Improved Audio Quality for Music Lovers
Music videos on YouTube Premium are also getting a boost. Subscribers can now enjoy higher-quality audio at 256 kbps, a level previously reserved for YouTube Music. This upgrade brings more clarity and depth to music streaming directly on the main YouTube app.
Jump Ahead Expands to More Devices
One of YouTube’s most useful tools, Jump Ahead, lets viewers skip to the most-watched segments of a video. While it was initially available on mobile and desktop, Premium members will now get this feature on smart TVs and gaming consoles, making it much easier to navigate long videos on bigger screens.
Smart Downloads for Shorts
YouTube Shorts are also part of the upgrade package. Smart Downloads, which automatically saves recommended Shorts for offline viewing, was first launched on Android. Now, this feature is being extended to iPhone users, ensuring uninterrupted access to content even without internet.
Picture-in-Picture Mode for iOS Shorts
Android users have enjoyed Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode for Shorts for a while, allowing them to multitask while watching. With this update, iOS users are finally getting the same feature, giving them more flexibility while browsing or using other apps.
Why These Upgrades Matter
These upgrades highlight YouTube’s strategy to add more value to Premium subscriptions and standardize features across all platforms. By improving speed, audio quality, navigation, and multitasking, YouTube is making sure Premium feels worth the monthly cost.
