YouTube is expanding its "Playable" feature to Android, iOS, and web platforms. The rollout follows an initial testing phase that began last year. The updated Playable now offer users an interactive and enjoyable way to experience lightweight games directly within the YouTube app, enhancing the platform's entertainment offerings.

Figure 1. YouTube Has Introduced a Feature Allowing Users to Play Games Directly Within Its Mobile App.

YouTube Playable are a new feature that provides free-to-play, lightweight games integrated within the YouTube app. These games can be accessed on both the YouTube mobile apps and the desktop web version, requiring no additional downloads or installations. According to Google, the new Playable offer a "fun, interactive way to experience YouTube," adding a new dimension to the platform.[1]

Figure 1 shows YouTube has introduced a feature allowing users to play games directly within its mobile app. at present, YouTube offers more than 75 games through YouTube Playable, spanning various categories to appeal to diverse interests. Popular titles include "Angry Birds Showdown," "Cut the Rope," and "Trivia Crack." The games are categorized into Action, Sports, Brain & Puzzle, Arcade, RPG & Strategy, Board & Card, Trivia & Word, and Simulation genres.

How to Use Playable

To start playing Playable, you can find these games on the YouTube Home page in a dedicated carousel. The feature is also accessible through the new Playable destination page, which can be reached via the Explore menu under the Podcasts hub. Once on this page, users can browse and select from a variety of games. Clicking on any game card will launch the gameplay instantly.[2]

Above each game, the interface includes controls for exiting, muting or unmuting audio, saving the game progress, and accessing additional options via an overflow menu. For YouTube Premium users, videos can continue playing in the background with game audio muted. Non-premium users will experience the game audio by default.

Availability and Supported Devices

As of now, YouTube Playable are being rolled out experimentally to select users in the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Australia. The feature is expected to expand to more users in the coming months. While not all users in these regions may immediately see the Playable section on YouTube, some can still access them through unique shareable links for each game.

YouTube Playable Supported Devices

To enjoy YouTube Playable, users need the latest version of the YouTube app and a supported device. The specific requirements are as follows:

• For Android devices, users need the YouTube app version 18.33 or higher, running on Android S and above, or Android O, P, Q, R on 64-bit or high-memory 32-bit devices.
• For iOS devices, users need the YouTube app version 18.33 or higher, running on iOS 14 and above.
• Desktop Web: Supported on Chrome, Safari, and Firefox browsers.
• No additional hardware or software is needed, but a stable Wi-Fi connection or data plan is required to play these games.

Reference:

1. https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/youtube-playables-are-now-available-for-android-ios-and-web-users-here-is-how-to-use-2545274-2024-05-29
2. https://www.techopedia.com/news/youtube-now-lets-you-play-games-directly-in-the-mobile-app

Cite this article:

Gokila G (2024), YouTube Has Introduced a Feature Allowing Users to Play Games Directly Within Its Mobile App, AnaTechMaz, pp.17