YouTube is experimenting with a new 'Play something' feature, a floating action button that lets users start a random video playback instantly, as per a recent report by tech news platform 9to5Google.

The button, spotted in version 19.50 for Android, features white text and a play icon on a black background, which launches videos in a portrait-oriented player, says the report.

While the button uses the Shorts-style interface—with oversized like, dislike, comment, and share buttons—it can play both regular YouTube videos and Shorts. A timeline scrubber at the bottom of the screen allows users to navigate the video, adds the report.

Notably, the floating button disappears when YouTube's miniplayer is in use. The feature is believed to personalise video recommendations based on viewing habits, aligning with YouTube's core aim of connecting users to relevant content, suggests 9to5Google.

YouTube has been testing similar iterations of this feature since last year, with this latest version focusing on integrating Shorts and standard videos into a unified experience. It remains unclear if the feature will undergo significant changes before a wider release.