Use shortcuts after playback begins
Keyboard shortcuts are most useful when the page is not competing with a text field, browser command, or embedded video control. Start a public source in the Online YouTube Player, then use the visible player controls as the source of truth for current availability.
Keep focus in the right place
If a shortcut does not respond, click outside the URL field and check whether focus is inside the video frame. Browsers can reserve keys for their own features, and embedded players can receive input before the surrounding page. This is expected behavior, not always a playback fault.
Use shortcuts to reduce friction, not add it
The practical goal is fewer pointer movements during a session: pause or resume, move through a queue, adjust volume, and choose playback speed when the controls are available. For long queues, combine shortcuts with playlist controls instead of repeatedly searching for the next track.
If playback itself is unstable
Shortcut behavior will not fix a source that pauses, buffers, or is unavailable. Use the streaming stutter checklist or the playback stopping checklist before changing multiple browser settings at once.