YouTube Music has begun testing a much-needed feature that could revolutionize how users navigate their music collections. The streaming platform is rolling out a new playlist search function designed to help listeners find specific tracks without endless scrolling through lengthy playlists.
What Is the New Find in Playlist Feature?
The newly introduced "Find in playlist" option allows users to search for songs by name directly within their playlists. This tool appears in the three-dot overflow menu on playlist pages, positioned conveniently below the "Shuffle play" option for easy access.
To use this feature when available, users simply need to open a playlist in YouTube Music, tap the three-dot menu icon, select "Find in playlist" from the options, type the name of the desired song, and select the track from search results to begin playback immediately.
Limited Availability and Current Restrictions
Currently, the feature rollout is quite restricted. The "Find in playlist" function was first spotted on the YouTube Music app version 8.45.3 for iPhones and remains unavailable on Android devices according to TOI Tech Desk confirmations.
Even among iPhone users, access is limited due to Google's A/B testing methodology. This means only a select group of users with the appropriate app version can currently access the feature, while others may not see it even after updating to the latest version.
Another important limitation involves playlist types. The search function currently works only within standard playlists and does not support radio playlists saved in user libraries, requiring manual scrolling for those collections.
What This Means for YouTube Music Users
This development represents a significant quality-of-life improvement for dedicated YouTube Music subscribers, particularly those who maintain extensive music libraries. The ability to quickly locate specific tracks within large playlists could save considerable time and enhance the overall user experience.
While there's no confirmed release date for Android users or broader availability, Google's gradual rollout pattern suggests the feature may expand to more playlist types and platforms in the coming weeks or months.
For now, iPhone users should check their YouTube Music app periodically to see if they've been included in the test group for this convenient new playlist navigation tool.
