YouTube app users frustrated over missing "Add to Queue" feature

For many YouTube users, the ability to add videos to a queue for continuous viewing is a crucial part of the streaming experience. The feature, which allows users to seamlessly line up videos to watch next is a staple for those who use YouTube on their mobile devices to cast videos to their TVs. However, recent developments have left some users puzzled and frustrated. The convenient pop-up box that allowed viewers to either play a video immediately or add it to their queue has disappeared, sparking widespread complaints.

Firstly, there’s confusion over whether “Add to Queue” is now a premium feature. Several YouTube users recently discovered that this function, which was previously accessible to them, is in fact exclusive to those with a YouTube Premium subscription. This revelation has caused frustration and confusion among non-premium users who feel they are being forced to pay for such a basic feature that should be free.

Well, ICYMI, YouTube introduced the “Add to Queue” option on Android and iOS last year as a premium feature, but it remains free of charge for web users. YouTube support has reiterated this on X when asked about it, noting that only premium subscribers can queue songs in a playlist.

But amidst this confusion, even YouTube Premium subscribers are reporting issues with missing the “Add to Queue” option on mobile. Despite paying for the service, some users have found that the feature has recently disappeared for them. This inconsistency has led to speculation that the change might be a bug rather than an intentional update.

Traditionally, when a user tapped on a video while casting to their TV, a pop-up box would appear, offering the option to either “Play” the video immediately or “Add to Queue.” However, this pop-up box has recently disappeared for some users, replaced by a behavior where tapping a video immediately starts playback, disrupting the queue. Below is a screenshot showing the pop-up.

This change has led to a surge in complaints across online platforms like Reddit, with users expressing their frustration over the loss of a convenient feature. Some have even resorted to finding older versions of the YouTube app to regain the functionality they once had. I tried this too but it didn’t get me anywhere, yet I remember vividly seeing this option pop up on videos on mobile when casting on a free version of YouTube. As I pen this, I have the option to “Add to Queue” in the 3-dots menu on a free version of YouTube, so this does suggest the feature isn’t limited to premium users.

As noted, YouTube support on X, formerly Twitter, reiterated that the “Add to Queue” feature on mobile is now exclusive to YouTube Premium subscribers. While this feature was added for premium users in 2023, the missing pop-up for premium users seems to be a bug. Luckily, YouTube support has acknowledged the issue, assuring users that they are looking into the reports of the feature not working for some premium subscribers.

Adding to the frustration, some users have also reported the disappearance of the “Move to top” and “Move to bottom” playlist options. YouTube support has confirmed that they are investigating this issue as well.

In the meantime, use the three-dot menu option to add videos to a queue or try the suggested workaround while waiting for YouTube to address the issue comprehensively.