YouTube is changing how people cast videos from a phone to a TV. The new system does not require both devices to be on the same WiFi network.
The update was announced on YouTube’s support forum on September 1. It makes the connection between phone and TV more seamless when the same account is linked on both devices.
The New Casting Rules
Previously, casting required the phone and TV to share a WiFi connection. That is no longer true. Now, as long as the same account is signed in on both, the process works across different networks.
Users can also look through YouTube on their phone without stopping the video on the TV. That means a person can watch two videos at once — one on each screen.
A New Button for play
YouTube replaced the old casting button with a “Play on different device” choice. The change gives users a clearer way to send content to their TV.
Team YouTube called the update “a huge upgrade.” The team also noted that users can now comment on and like videos from their phone, and those actions will show up on the TV screen.
Fixing Old Complaints
The old system had clear problems. Many users reported lag during casting. Accidentally moving the app away on a phone would stop the video on the TV.
The new setup lets phone use continue without halting the TV video.
Other Recent YouTube Changes
This is not the only update YouTube has made lately. At the end of August, the company changed how views work on long-form videos.
Now, a viewer does not have to watch a long video all the way through for it to count as a view.
Comparing the Old and New Systems
| Feature | Old System | New System |
|---|---|---|
| WiFi | Same network needed | No same network needed |
| Phone use | Halts TV video | Does not halt TV video |
| Button | Old casting button | “Play on different device” |
| Phone actions | Not stated | Comment and like from phone |
Testing New Feeds
YouTube has also been testing prompt-based feeds. These feeds give users more control over their home page content.
The tests are separate from the casting update.
The Bottom Line
YouTube is making TV viewing easier. The new system removes the WiFi limit and stops phone use from killing TV play.
The changes were announced on YouTube’s support forum. For anyone who casts videos regularly, the update is worth trying.
Source: dexerto.com