YouTube Music is making it easier for users to start radio, discover new music and see when they’re on shuffle
New features aim to enhance the music streaming experience on YouTube Music and make it more rewarding for fans and artists alike.
YouTube Music is getting a little easier to use, according to 9to5Google– and the changes might be more helpful than you think. The platform is in the process of rolling out multiple small but handy updates that improve how listeners interact with shuffle, repeat, radio, and music discovery.
These changes build on recent additions to YouTube Music which include shareable lyrics, and updates to its Now Playing screen.
Updated shuffle and repeat buttons
Ever found yourself unsure whether shuffle or repeat was actually turned on? You’re not alone. YouTube Music’s previous icons design relied on a slightly bolder style when toggled on, which many users found too subtle to be helpful.
Now, YouTube Music is adding an accompanying white dot underneath shuffle and repeat icons when they’re active. It’s a simple design change, but one that makes the buttons much clearer and should solve a long-standing annoyance for users.
Image credits: 9to5Google
The feature isn’t widely rolled out yet, with 9to5Google finding it in a server-side update with YouTube Music 8.26 on Android.
A new way to start radio
YouTube Music is also adding a faster way to launch a radio station. Building on its existing radio builder tool, a new “Make a quick start radio” feature on the Home screen lets users select up to eight artists and hit “Play now” to instantly generate a custom radio station. You can still add songs and albums during playback by tapping the “More” option in the top right.
For artists, this could help push discovery further. With fans more easily spinning radios built around their music, there’s a better chance your music could be surfaced to new ears who are into your kind of music.
“Releases for you” tab
Currently being widely rolled out is the “Releases for you” section. Found at the bottom of album pages on Android, iOS, and web, it offers users personalised suggestions for other new music they might enjoy.
It works in a similar way to Apple Music’s existing “You Might Also Like” – and that’s no bad thing. It not only helps listeners find more of music that they may love, but also gives artists another way to grow their reach.
While none of these are massive headline-grabbing features, they certainly enhance the YouTube Music experience. They help solve small frustrations, make discovery easier, and ensure that both fans and artists get more out of the platform.