I’ve recently learned that YouTube is testing an innovative search feature called “Ask YouTube”. This aims to make searching on YouTube more conversational and interactive, just like Dave from YouTube explained. It deepens our interaction with content, allowing us to explore topics with more depth.
What it looks like. I had the chance to see it in action through a captivating GIF:

How can I try it? If, like me, you’re curious to test this feature, visit youtube.com/new. There, you can opt-in to experience this new way of interacting with YouTube.
Currently, this experiment is only open to Premium users in the US who are 18 and older. However, Google has plans to expand access soon, which is promising for non-Premium users.

What it does. Here’s an example shared by Dave from YouTube:
“If you’re in the experiment, you can try it out by selecting “Ask YouTube” in the search bar. For instance, you might ask for help planning a 3-day road trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara. Instead of just a list of videos, you’d receive a detailed, step-by-step itinerary. The response incorporates a mix of long-form videos, Shorts, and informative text, featuring local tips and must-see stops. You can even ask follow-up questions, like “where can I find good coffee?” to discover local gems along your journey. This approach surfaces various videos and video segments, complete with titles and channel details, making it easier to find new creators and content that matches your search.”
Why we care. The integration of AI search is becoming prevalent in all Google platforms, and YouTube is joining this transformation. We should anticipate more AI-enhanced search experiences across various Google services as they evolve over time.
For more insights and updates, you can check out detailed coverage on Techmeme.
Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.


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