YouTube Premium Unveils 30+ Exclusive ‘Playables’ Mini-Games for Subscribers

YouTube is expanding its games ambition by rolling out access to a set of online games for Premium users after first testing them with select users back in September. The Google-owned company has started notifying Premium users that they can start trying out more than 30 mini-games. Users can play the games instantly and don’t have to download anything. The games can be played on Android, iOS, and desktop. To get started, users can find a “Playables” shelf by scrolling on Home or through a “Playables” link in the Explore menu on desktop and mobile.

The selection of games includes titles like Daily Solitaire, The Daily Crossword, Angry Birds Showdown, Merge Pirates, Farm Land, Words of Wonder, Endless Siege, 8 Ball Billiards Classic, and Brain Out. The games may not always be available, as YouTube notes that the games are playable until March 28. YouTube often tests some new features with Premium users before deciding to release them widely. Or, YouTube may be giving Premium users access to the games to soften the blow of its recently increased subscription fee.

YouTube, Netflix, and TikTok are all expanding their reach into the gaming world, with Netflix building out its gaming catalogue and TikTok testing HTML5 mini-games. YouTube is experimenting with new generative AI features, including an AI conversational tool that answers questions about YouTube’s content and a feature that summarizes topics in the comments of a video. Additionally, YouTube launched more features for Premium users, including enhanced bitrate version of 1080p HD to more devices, the ability to continue watching YouTube across different devices, badges showcasing achievements, and new offers on the Premium benefits page.