The Now Playing interface on YouTube Music has recently undergone a revamp, and it’s now available on both iOS and Android. One notable update is the inclusion of a social twist—you can both read and leave comments directly on the Now Playing screen, a feature previously confined to playlist sections.
Screenshots revealed by 9to5 Google indicate that some of these comments could be relics from years past. It appears Google is pulling these observations and hot takes from corresponding YouTube videos, and whether that’s a blessing or a curse is a matter of personal opinion (we’re leaning towards curse).
This modernized look is being implemented in phases, so don’t fret if you’re not seeing it just yet. But the updates don’t stop at just adding a comment section. The cover art now dominates more screen real estate, and song titles along with artist names are neatly aligned to the left of your screen. Also, there’s a brand-new button carousel at the bottom that makes it easier than ever to engage with the app. This includes options for commenting, thumbing a song up or down, adding it to a playlist, sharing the vibe, downloading for later, and launching a radio station. These buttons bear a striking resemblance to those found under YouTube’s video player and are now more conveniently located, eliminating the need for that extra tap.
So whether this new comment feature will become a breeding ground for insightful music discussion or just another space for trolls to roam free is still up in the air. But hey, at least now you can argue about whether that new indie track is groundbreaking or just noise without ever leaving the app.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about YouTube Music Now Playing Update
What devices are compatible with the new YouTube Music Now Playing update?
The new Now Playing update on YouTube Music is available for both iOS and Android devices.
What’s the most notable feature of the new Now Playing update?
The most eye-catching change is the introduction of a comment section right on the Now Playing tab, allowing users to read and post comments directly while the song is playing.
Were comments previously available anywhere on YouTube Music?
Yes, prior to this update, comments were only available in the playlist sections of the app.
Where are the comments on the Now Playing page coming from?
According to sources like 9to5 Google, some of the comments appearing on the Now Playing page may be sourced from related YouTube videos, and they could date back several years.
Are there any other changes to the Now Playing interface besides the comment section?
Yes, the update also brings about larger cover art and repositions song titles and artist names to the left of the screen. There’s also a newly introduced button carousel for quick access to various actions like liking, disliking, and sharing the track.
Is the updated design available to all users immediately?
No, the new design is being rolled out gradually, so you may not see the changes right away.
Are the new action buttons similar to any existing buttons?
The new action buttons at the bottom of the Now Playing tab look very similar to the buttons you would find below a standard YouTube video player.
Will the new comment feature be a game-changer or a troll magnet?
Ah, the million-dollar question! The jury’s still out on whether this new feature will cultivate insightful musical discussions or just become another playground for internet trolls.
More about YouTube Music Now Playing Update
- 9to5 Google’s Initial Report
- YouTube Music’s Official Blog Announcement
- TechCrunch on App Updates and User Experience
- The Verge’s Take on Social Features in Music Apps
- CNET Review of YouTube Music
9 comments
Look, I’m all for social features, but what’s next? Stories? Live streams? Sometimes less is more, ya know?
Woah, comments on the Now Playing page? That’s either gonna be epic or a total disaster lol. Can’t wait to argue abt my fave tracks tho!
Larger cover art is sweet! Now I can actually see the details. But comments… eh, could go either way, I guess.
Larger cover art? Finally, some good news! But do we really need a comment section? Youtube comments can be a wild place, man.
Comments from years ago? Lol, that’s gonna be a trip down memory lane… or maybe a nightmare. Either way, I’m curious.
seriously, a comment section? Cuz that’s what we all asked for, right? sarcasm intended. At least the new buttons look cool.
Im not sure how I feel bout this. I mean, I rarely even look at the Now Playing screen. Too busy jamming out haha.
Ugh, they’re trying to make YouTube Music into a social media platform now? Plz, just stick to good tunes and user-friendly design.
Comments on a music app? Seriously? What’s the point? Might as well add a like and follow button too. Oh wait…