For podcasters worried about an episode that runs long, maybe the solution is in hand from YouTube. The video streamer is testing a new feature that will allow YouTube Premium subscribers to play video at four times the normal speed. That is double the current offering, which allows users to listen at twice the normal playback rate.
The four times speed playback will only be available when someone is watching a podcast on an Android or iOS mobile device. And in a testament to its experimental nature, the test is set to wrap up Feb. 19.
The test comes with some risks. YouTube must decide whether users want to listen to podcasts and other content at that pace, but also whether it is comprehendible. There is also the question of whether it will have an impact on the effectiveness of advertising, since listeners can use the speed-up feature to quickly race past commercials.
YouTube is also testing a new jump ahead feature for web users. The new button says it gives Premium viewers “more control over their viewing experience” and “enables viewers to get to the content they care about faster.” It is a shorter-term test, however, only available through Wednesday (Feb. 5). Among the other features that YouTube is also testing is a higher-quality audio level, giving users 256kbps sound through Feb. 22.
Two other features being tested will only be accessible on iOS devices. One will allow Premium users to keep watching Shorts when switching apps in picture-in-picture. Another allows users on iOS devices to have recommended Shorts automatically downloaded to their devices. Both will be tested through Feb. 19.
YouTube says viewers watched over 400 million hours of podcasts monthly on living room devices last year. Asked whether users tend to listen to more podcast clips or the full episode on YouTube during a December webinar, Steve McLendon, YouTube Product Lead for Podcasts, said full-episode listening “is probably the majority of watch time” but pointed out that some podcasters have had “incredible success” offering highlights on YouTube Shorts. Looking ahead, YouTube has several things on the drawing board, according to McLendon, who said the focus will include how people discover new shows.