In 2025, YouTube’s TV app will introduce two key features to improve user interaction and enhance the viewing experience.
New Ways to Interact on YouTube TV
YouTube’s CEO, Neal Mohan, revealed the platform’s plans to expand interactivity within its TV app. The first feature allows users to interact with videos using their phones. This “second screen experience” enables viewers to comment or make purchases while watching on their TV.
Although some may find this distracting, the addition acknowledges how common multi-screen habits are in households today. With people often browsing or texting while watching, YouTube’s new features cater to this behavior, allowing for seamless interaction across devices.
- Second screen experience: Use your phone to comment or shop while watching YouTube on TV.
- Watch With feature: Creators can offer live commentary and reactions during events.
Watch With Feature: Real-Time Commentary for Creators
The second feature, “Watch With,” focuses on content creators. This feature allows creators to provide live commentary during events, like sports broadcasts. The feature builds on last year’s experiments with NFL coverage, allowing viewers to engage with real-time reactions.
This shift caters to the growing trend of live-streamed content and enhances the connection between creators and audiences during live events.
YouTube’s Expanding Role in Streaming
As YouTube celebrates its 20th anniversary, the platform continues to evolve. Most YouTube users in the US now access the platform via smart TVs. This shift in viewing habits is significant, as YouTube is now a major player in the streaming landscape, surpassing Netflix in viewing time on televisions.
- AI advancements: YouTube integrates AI tools for video creation and personalized viewing experiences.
- Increased podcast popularity: YouTube is also becoming a dominant source for podcasts in the US.
YouTube’s expansion into AI and live content will continue to solidify its position as a cultural hub. Despite challenges like AI-generated content, YouTube remains an integral part of the streaming experience, offering everything from educational videos to live sports events.
Key Takeaways:
- YouTube TV’s new features, like the “second screen experience” and “Watch With,” enhance interaction for both viewers and creators.
- YouTube dominates TV viewing time in the US, surpassing Netflix in terms of total watch time.
- AI tools are increasingly shaping the YouTube experience, from video creation to personalized content.
