YouTube Music has rolled out a highly anticipated feature called "consistent volume" for its users on Android and iOS devices. This feature, first introduced in the main YouTube app in 2023 under the name "Stable Volume," aims to enhance the listening experience by normalizing the volume across different tracks, thereby reducing the jarring shifts in loudness that can occur when transitioning between songs of varying production levels.
The consistent volume feature is particularly beneficial for playlists where genres can vary significantly, helping to avoid the discomfort of being jolted by a loud rock anthem immediately following a soft acoustic ballad. This smoother transition not only enhances the overall enjoyment of music but is also safer for users' ears, especially for those who frequently listen with earbuds or headphones.
To access this new feature, users need to navigate to the Settings menu on their devices. Unlike the main YouTube app, where the feature can be toggled directly within the video player, YouTube Music requires users to go to Settings and then to Playback. The rollout of this feature is happening in phases, meaning it may not be available to all users immediately, particularly those who are not on version 8.15 of the app.
This long-awaited addition comes after years of user frustration with inconsistent volume levels in YouTube Music. While the video platform benefited from volume normalization earlier, music listeners had been left waiting for a similar enhancement. Google has acknowledged this issue and is now addressing it with the consistent volume feature, which works effectively between tracks while maintaining the quality of individual songs.
In addition to the consistent volume feature, YouTube Music has also introduced another handy function: the ability to double-tap on album art to like a song. However, this feature has its quirks; tapping the center of the album art will like the song, while tapping the sides will still perform the familiar skip forward or backward functions. Although this gesture may feel somewhat awkward for one-handed use, it aligns with popular touch gestures seen on platforms like TikTok, suggesting that Google is banking on users' muscle memory to drive engagement.
For users who are not seeing the consistent volume feature in their YouTube Music app just yet, they are not alone. The phased rollout means that some users will have to wait a little longer to experience this enhancement. With the growing demand for consistent audio quality in streaming apps, YouTube Music's new feature is a significant step forward in improving user satisfaction.
Overall, the consistent volume feature is a welcome addition for music lovers who have been longing for a more seamless listening experience. By normalizing the volume across tracks, YouTube Music is addressing a long-standing issue that has affected many users, making it easier to enjoy playlists without the constant need to adjust the volume. As YouTube continues to innovate and enhance its music streaming service, users can look forward to even more features that prioritize their listening experience.
