YouTube Music to Add In-Playlist Song Search Feature Soon: Here’s What to Know

YouTube Music is reportedly testing a new playlist search feature that will allow users to search for songs within their own playlists. This feature aims to address a common frustration among users who currently have no in-app option to filter or search tracks inside playlists, especially those with hundreds of songs.

Current Limitations of YouTube Music

At present, YouTube Music provides a global search option that allows users to find tracks across the app but does not support searching within individual playlists. Users with large playlists often have to manually scroll through numerous tracks to locate a specific song. On desktops, browser extensions offered a workaround, but mobile users had no built-in solution.

This limitation has been one of the most frequent complaints among YouTube Music subscribers, making playlist management cumbersome.

New “Find in Playlist” Feature

According to a report by Android Authority, a Reddit user in India spotted a new “Find in Playlist” option in the YouTube Music app for iOS (version 8.45.3). This feature allows users to search for songs inside their playlists, although it currently does not work for saved radio playlists.

The feature is designed to appear in the three-dot menu next to each playlist, offering an easy way to locate specific tracks without scrolling endlessly.

Early Testing and Rollout

The new playlist search feature is being rolled out to a small group of users for testing. Not all users, even on the same app version, have access to it yet. Android and iOS users responding to the Reddit post confirmed that they could not see the feature on their devices, indicating a gradual rollout.

While there is no official announcement from Google yet, this early testing phase suggests that the company is evaluating its functionality and usability before a full-scale release.

Why This Feature Matters

Although playlist search seems like a minor addition, it addresses a major user pain point. Users with large playlists often struggle to locate a particular song quickly. By adding an in-app search feature, YouTube Music will:

• Enhance usability for mobile users.

• Reduce time spent scrolling through large playlists.

• Bring the app in line with other streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, which already offer in-playlist search.

The feature is particularly valuable for those who create custom playlists or manage hundreds of tracks in various playlists.

Potential Impact on User Experience

With the “Find in Playlist” feature, YouTube Music could significantly improve the playlist management experience on mobile devices. Users will be able to locate tracks instantly, making the app more convenient for casual listeners and power users alike.

Additionally, this feature may encourage more users to engage with playlists, knowing that they can quickly find their favorite tracks without hassle.

Expected Availability

While the rollout has started for some iOS users, it is not yet available to everyone. The feature is expected to expand gradually to more users on both iOS and Android, and may eventually include support for saved radio playlists.

Google has yet to confirm an official release date, but early testers can already experience the search functionality in personal playlists, indicating a positive step toward enhancing mobile usability.

Conclusion

YouTube Music’s in-playlist search feature is a welcome addition for users frustrated with the current lack of filtering options. By enabling users to search songs directly within their playlists, the platform aligns itself more closely with competitors while improving overall user experience.

This update, once widely available, will make playlist navigation faster, easier, and more intuitive, particularly for users with large or heavily curated playlists.