YouTube is currently testing a new feature exclusively for YouTube Premium subscribers, aimed at enhancing the viewing experience.
The feature, called Lock Screen, is designed to prevent accidental taps from interrupting videos. This testing phase will run until July 30th, 2023.
Lock Screen essentially disables touch input while a video is being watched in full-screen mode, ensuring that unintended taps do not pause, skip, or disrupt the playback. The feature is available for both Android and iOS users. However, it’s important to note that this is an invite-only test. If you are selected to participate, you will receive an invite notification on the YouTube home screen within the Android and iOS apps.
YouTube Premium offers an array of benefits, such as an ad-free viewing experience and the ability to download videos for offline viewing. Currently, YouTube is providing a three-month free trial of YouTube Premium, granting users ad-free YouTube and offline video downloads during this period. This offer is particularly enticing for those who are fed up with advertisements on the platform, as Google has recently become more vigilant in detecting and blocking ad-blocker extensions.
In addition to the Lock Screen feature, YouTube Premium subscribers also gain access to a free subscription to YouTube Music, expanding their options for ad-free music streaming.
If you enjoy watching YouTube content and wish to enhance your viewing experience by avoiding interruptions caused by accidental taps, now might be an ideal time to consider subscribing to YouTube Premium.