YouTube is introducing new AI-powered features to improve how users find videos and information on the platform. The most notable is an AI-driven search results carousel that offers video suggestions and summaries based on your query. It is currently available to YouTube Premium users in the United States. This feature aims to speed up discovery, particularly for searches related to shopping, travel, or things to do. For example, a search like “best beaches in Hawaii” will now return an AI-generated strip of video highlights with short descriptions, helping users make decisions more quickly.
The feature is similar to Google’s AI Overviews, which provide instant summaries at the top of search results. However, while it may benefit users by offering quicker answers, it could negatively impact creators. If users find what they need in the AI summary, they may not click through to watch the full video, which could reduce engagement and earnings. This concern echoes recent backlash from publishers, who have reported sharp drops in traffic since the introduction of AI Overviews on Google Search.
YouTube is also expanding its conversational AI tool to a broader group of users, including some who do not pay for Premium. Originally launched in late 2023, this tool allows viewers to interact with an AI assistant that can summarise videos, suggest related content, or answer questions about what they’re watching. For example, if you’re watching a tutorial, you can ask the AI to identify the background music or explain specific steps. It also supports learning tools, like quizzes for academic videos.
These updates show YouTube’s growing focus on integrating generative AI into its platform, not just for video creation but for improving search and viewer interaction. While the tools are designed to make the platform more helpful and personalised, they also raise questions about the balance between convenience and content engagement. YouTube’s challenge will be to maintain creator trust while embracing new technology that changes how users discover and interact with videos.
As these AI features continue to roll out, both viewers and creators will be watching closely to see how they affect the broader YouTube experience. For now, they mark another step in Google’s wider push to embed generative AI into its most-used platforms, reshaping how people search, learn, and watch online.
