YouTube is rolling out a new feature that makes it easier for users to control and interact with videos playing on a television through their smartphones.
Under the new system, a phone and TV no longer need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Instead, users can pair the devices by signing in to the same Google account on both devices, according to information shared through YouTube’s Help forum.
Phone Becomes a YouTube Companion
The smartphone will now function as a “companion” rather than simply serving as a remote or casting source.
When a YouTube video is playing on a TV and the YouTube app is opened on the connected phone, users will see a companion panel. The panel provides playback controls and can also be reopened through the device icon at the top of the YouTube app’s home screen.
Users will be able to use their phones to like videos, write comments and subscribe to channels while continuing to watch the content on their TV.
Search and Watch From Your Phone
The update also allows users to search for other videos or watch Shorts on their smartphone while a separate video continues playing on the TV.
Google said users had reported that activities such as commenting, reading video descriptions and subscribing to channels could be difficult when using a TV remote.
The feature is now being rolled out and is expected to become available to all users soon.