YouTube’s Experimental Innovations

YouTube is testing a series of new features to improve user experience. The most notable among these features is Shorts Smart Downloads.

What is Shorts Smart Downloads?

With the latest feature being tested by YouTube, you will now be able to automatically download Shorts videos to your device. Premium users can sign up for the Shorts Smart Downloads feature from the Experimental Features page until July 15. This feature will only be available for Android devices.

How to Activate Smart Downloads?

To enable Smart Downloads, you need to tap on your profile picture in the YouTube app, then the gear icon, and click on ‘Background & Downloads.’ You will find a toggle switch for Smart Downloads. You will now be able to see the videos automatically downloaded to your device in the ‘Downloads > Smart Downloads’ section.

Other Innovations

• YouTube continues to improve the Smart Downloads feature it introduced to Premium subscribers last April.
• Users can now adjust the amount of storage dedicated to Smart Downloads and choose the download quality.
• YouTube is also testing a new desktop user interface, Hype, community notes, channel QR codes, and other features.
• The platform is fighting against third-party ad-blocking applications and working to enhance user experience.