High-quality audio, faster playback: What’s new for YouTube Premium subscribers

**High-Quality Audio, Faster Playback: What’s New for YouTube Premium Subscribers**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 27, 2025, 11:36 AM*

YouTube has announced a range of exciting new features exclusively for its Premium subscribers. Initially teased earlier this year, these updates are now rolling out across Android, iOS, and web platforms, promising an enhanced viewing and listening experience.

One of the most notable additions is the ability to increase playback speeds up to 4x, adjustable in fine increments of 0.05x. Previously accessible only through youtube.com/new, this feature is now fully integrated directly into the YouTube app and website, making it easier than ever to speed through your favorite videos.

**Enhanced Audio Streaming**

YouTube Premium subscribers can now enjoy high-quality audio streaming at 256kbps right within the main app on Android and iOS. This upgrade applies to official and premium music videos as well as Art Tracks, mirroring the quality found on YouTube Music.

**New Features for Smart TVs and Gaming Consoles**

For users watching on smart TVs and gaming consoles, YouTube has introduced “Jump Ahead,” a handy feature that lets you skip directly to the most interesting or key moments in a video, ensuring you never miss out on the best parts.

**Updates to Shorts for iOS Users**

YouTube has also enhanced its Shorts experience for iOS users by adding Picture-in-Picture mode and Smart Downloads. Picture-in-Picture allows you to continue watching Shorts in a small floating window while you browse other content on your device. Meanwhile, Smart Downloads automatically saves your favorite Shorts based on your viewing history, letting you enjoy them offline without any hassle.

These updates collectively enhance the YouTube Premium experience, providing users with greater control, improved audio quality, and smarter video playback options across devices. Stay tuned as YouTube continues to refine and expand its offerings for premium subscribers.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/youtube-premium-subscribers-get-4x-playback-speed-boost/story