YouTube is testing a new feature that lets you view comments timed to the exact moment you’re watching in a video. To find out if you’re part of the experiment, visit the comments section on YouTube’s iOS or Android app, tap the Sort button, and look for the “Timed Beta” option.
Details are scant; there is no word on whether this will become available on the web, as well. It’s also unclear exactly which videos are part of the trial, making it nearly impossible to know whether you’re one of the lucky users with access. On one hand, the feature could help avoid spoilers when you’re scrolling through comments. On the other hand, it could overwhelm videos with spam.
YouTube said it will “consider rolling this out more broadly” based on feedback. There is, of course, no guarantee it will become a permanent feature, and it could change in scope considerably before it does. Users can already timestamp video comments, adding a direct link to a specific point—making it easier to navigate a video or simply highlight a particular moment.
“YouTube product teams are constantly testing out new tools and features to help you find, watch, share, and create content more easily,” according to the company’s Help page. “If you ever notice that YouTube looks a bit different for you than it does for your friend or family member, you’re likely seeing one of these experiments.”
The streaming platform recently began experimenting with hiding the dislike count on videos, allowing people to give content a thumbs down without the public knowing. Creators, meanwhile, can still see the exact number of likes and dislikes in YouTube Studio.
