YouTube Is Testing 'Lock Screen' Feature To Let Users Get Rid Of Accidental Touches, But Only These Users Can Use It

JE Technology Desk: Popular video streaming app YouTube regularly experiments with new features to enhance the user experience. In the latest update, the company is testing an option to lock the app interface while watching a video on YouTube. The Lock Screen option will be live for experimentation until July 30 on Android and iOS for Premium users.

The feature will help users avoid accidental touches that interrupt the video viewing experience on YouTube. It is currently in the experimental phase and is available for Premium users.

Also Read: YouTube News: 'Playables' To Let Users Play Games on Android, iOS Devices; Details Inside

"Lock Screen disables touch input while watching a video so that accidental taps do not pause, skip or disrupt the video," YouTube shared on its experiment page.

Lock Screen on YouTube: How To Use?

Step 1: Click on a video of your choice on YouTube

Step 2: After the video starts playing, switch screen orientation to landscape or view the video in full-screen mode

Step 3: Tap on the 'gear' icon placed at the top left of the interface

Step 4: From the available options, select 'Lock Screen'

You can unlock the video controls option by tapping on the video and then tapping the lock button. Invited YouTube Premium users using an Android or iOS device to access the app can experiment with the feature now. According to TechCrunch, the option is similar to what Netflix introduced in 2020. Besides new features, Premium users get an ad-free video-watching experience, high-quality download options and more exclusive benefits.

The company was also in the news for testing an online gaming option within the platform, reported the Wall Street Journal. As per the report, the company is inviting its workforce to check out 'Playables', a subset of YouTube, which currently has gaming titles like Stack Bounce. After the feature availability, users will be allowed to play games on their mobile browsers from the YouTube platform. Moreover, in a recent update, the company is also testing a "three strikes policy" for users who use ad blockers. You can read more on this here.