YouTube regularly experiments with new features on its premium tier, with its latest test featuring a sleep timer that pauses videos after a set period of time. It's nothing spectacular, but it could be useful for people who like to fall asleep to long podcasts or white noise playing in the background.
Youtube Premium users can enable this timer from this page on desktop or via the “Settings > Try experimental new features” option on mobile.
Then, the video player[設定]On the menu[スリープ タイマー]Options will appear. You can set the timer to pause the video after 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60 minutes, or until the video ends.
When YouTube playback is paused, a pop-up will appear asking if you want to extend the timer if necessary.
Image credit: Screenshot from TechCrunch
YouTube is a bit behind its competitors in adding the feature: Spotify has had a sleep timer for a while, and TikTok last year began testing a feature that prompts you to sleep based on a preset bedtime.
YouTube's experimental features page states that the sleep timer feature will be available until September 2nd, but hopefully the streaming platform will make it permanent and extend it to free users as well.
YouTube's previous experiments have included an AI assistant that answers questions about videos and a lock screen feature to prevent accidental taps.