YouTube is rolling out new AI features to speed up search and boost info discovery. The biggest update: an AI-powered search results carousel. It’s live now for YouTube Premium users in the US.
This carousel looks like Google’s AI Overviews. It shows AI-generated topic summaries plus suggested videos for searches about shopping, places, or activities. For example, a “best beaches in Hawaii” search triggers a carousel with video clips and quick AI descriptions covering snorkeling spots and volcanic beaches.
The feature aims to help users find answers faster but could hurt creators. If users get info directly from the carousel, they might skip clicking the videos. This follows a Wall Street Journal report showing Google’s AI Overviews have tanked traffic to news sites.
YouTube is also expanding its conversational AI tool to some non-Premium users. Launched late 2023, it uses large language models to offer video summaries, content recommendations, and extra info. You can ask questions like “What’s the song in this video?” or quiz yourself on academic content.
YouTube says:
“At launch, YouTube explained that the tool’s responses are generated by large language models that draw on information from YouTube and the web. The responses are designed to help viewers dive deeper into the content they’re watching.”
“For example, if you’re watching a roller skate dance tutorial, the conversational AI tool will ask if you want it to ‘summarize the video’ or ‘recommend related content.’ You can also ask your own questions, like ‘What’s the song in this video?’ and the tool will provide details such as the song title, artist, genre, and more.”
The new AI carousel and expanded conversation AI push YouTube deeper into AI-driven search. Creators will be watching closely as user behavior shifts.
