Google tests an Ask YouTube AI chatbot for searching videos

In short: Google is testing a new “Ask YouTube” feature that lets some people search YouTube by asking questions and getting a written summary plus video picks.

What happened

Google is trying out a new way to search on YouTube called “Ask YouTube.” Instead of only showing a list of videos, it can generate a page with written information and groups of related videos.

The test is available as an optional experiment for YouTube Premium subscribers in the US who are 18 or older. People who turn it on see an “Ask YouTube” button in the search bar, along with suggested prompts like asking for a short history of an event or a summary of a topic.

In examples shared by The Verge, a search like “short history of the Apollo 11 moon landing” produced a text summary with bullet points, plus sections of videos and Shorts (YouTube’s short clips). Some video results were also time-stamped, which means they jump to a specific moment in a longer video, like skipping to the right page in a book.

The Verge also found the feature can make mistakes. In one test, Ask YouTube incorrectly described the older Steam Controller as having no joystick.

Why it matters

This could change how people find information on YouTube. A summary can save time, but it can also be wrong, so viewers may need to double-check by watching the original videos and comparing sources.

YouTube says it is already working on expanding the test beyond Premium users.

Source: The Verge AI