YouTube Introduces Sleep Timer Feature for Late-Night Viewing Convenience

YouTube is currently experimenting with a feature aimed at enhancing user convenience during late-night viewing sessions. This new capability, referred to as Sleep Timer, is designed to allow users to automatically pause playback, making it easier for them to drift off without concern. As part of a limited trial, the platform will evaluate user feedback before making a decision to roll it out for everyone. Additionally, YouTube is exploring an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) tool powered by Gemini, which will assist content creators in generating video outlines from text prompts and providing suggestions for titles and thumbnails.

According to a recent update on their website, YouTube has begun testing the Sleep Timer feature. The description highlights that this capability allows users to set a timer that will pause the video after a specified period of time.

Utilizing this feature is simple. Users can access the YouTube app on their mobile device or via the web platform on a computer, and then head to the settings menu by selecting the gear icon located in the top-right corner of the video interface while a video is playing. It is essential to be logged into an account to make use of this feature.

Once in the settings menu, the options available for the Sleep Timer will allow users to select pause intervals of 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, or 60 minutes. There is also a choice to cease auto playback after the video finishes. It is important to note that this feature is exclusively accessible to YouTube Premium subscribers.

As this is an experimental feature, users must first enable experimental options to access it. Premium members can do this by visiting Settings on the YouTube homepage and opting to try new experimental features. However, it is worth mentioning that this feature will only be available until September 2.

The introduction of the Sleep Timer feature is likely to be appreciated by those who enjoy watching videos before bedtime but prefer not to leave them running all night, which could drain battery life. In India, a YouTube Premium subscription starts at Rs. 129 per month for a monthly plan, while a standalone one-month subscription is priced at Rs. 139. An annual subscription is offered at Rs. 1,290.