3,000+ Users Hit By YouTube Autoplay
Android users slammed by paused videos playing automatically after hours, causing awkward public moments and jump scares
YouTube's new autoplay behavior on Android is triggering thousands of users, who are complaining about paused videos starting to play automatically when they relaunch the app after several hours. Over 3,000 users have confirmed the issue on a YouTube Help thread, highlighting the widespread discontent with the new feature.
The issue affects both YouTube Premium and non-paying users, and is not limited to YouTube videos, as some users have reported that YouTube Shorts also auto-play when the app is launched. Users are complaining about the issue on Reddit, with many sharing their frustration and seeking a solution.
The issue is causing problems for users, including awkward public situations and jump scares when they least expect them. Some users are using YouTube to fall asleep and are being woken up by the auto-playing videos. The issue is not exclusive to YouTube, as other apps like Spotify are also experiencing performance issues on Android.
## What's happening YouTube has not confirmed whether the new autoplay behavior is a bug or an intended feature. The company has a history of pushing Shorts in various ways, including dedicating top rows on the YouTube home page to Shorts and showing them as recommendations under long-form videos.
## Why it matters The issue is significant because YouTube is one of the most widely used entertainment apps, and users expect it to play videos to their liking without force-feeding what it deems popular. The new autoplay behavior is seen as an annoyance by many users, and the fact that it cannot be turned off is exacerbating the problem. As YouTube continues to push Shorts and other features, it's essential for the company to listen to user feedback and address issues like this one to maintain a positive user experience.
The issue is also a reminder that even small changes to an app's behavior can have a significant impact on user experience. As YouTube and other companies continue to experiment with new features and behaviors, it's crucial to test them thoroughly and gather user feedback to ensure that they meet user needs and expectations.
