The discussion revolves around creating an opt-in feature for autoplaying YouTube videos with sound on Discourse forums. charleswalter suggests this feature, citing it as the most requested by users, particularly in music-oriented categories. However, sam and codinghorror strongly advise against it, warning of a potentially chaotic experience, especially in topics with multiple videos.
charleswalter acknowledges the concerns but emphasizes users’ enthusiasm for the feature, drawing parallels with the opt-in signatures feature. ccdw mentions a similar “cinema” feature requested by a pro film and TV audience, which could be implemented client-side.
Falco requests examples of topics where this feature would be useful, and charleswalter provides two links to demonstrate the potential use case. Meanwhile, dtchau offers a solution by creating a plugin, discourse-plugin-autoplay, which can achieve the desired functionality.
I know this may sound potentially annoying for many users, but I surveyed about 100 users asking what features they’d most like to see, and the #1 response was autoplay on YouTube videos with sound. We have a number of music oriented categories, and users want a more lively experience by having the sound start the moment they open the topic.
I’m just wondering if someone would be interested in creating a plugin that could make this an option in the user preferences, similar to the way we have enabled users to opt-in to signatures. We would pay for development of this plugin, if it is indeed possible.
I hear you guys. But I literally tell you it is the most requested feature. I imagine it would only apply to the first video of the topic.
I have tried speaking with several users explaining the challenges, and how it would be a bad experience for many. But it does not change their opinion.
Users are extremely thankful for the opt-in signatures. They say this is the next feature that the would really love.
I’ve been trialling with a pro film and tv (VFX) audience and they’ve mentioned something similar in what they’ve collectively called a ‘cinema’ feature.
Relatively easily done client side, but it’s not top of my priority list right now.
