YouTube is introducing fresh artificial intelligence features in its search functions, taking another big step toward reshaping how users find videos and information.
The platform has begun rolling out a new carousel feature that uses artificial intelligence to highlight video suggestions right within search results, complete with helpful topic summaries. Right now, only Premium members in the United States can access this update, which aims to make browsing for content more intuitive and less time-consuming.
When people search for topics like shopping advice or the best things to do in a certain place, the platform’s latest feature springs into action. Imagine looking up top beaches in Hawaii. Instead of scrolling through a generic video list, you will see a horizontal row packed with clips showing volcanic sands and clear water, plus quick artificial intelligence descriptions to guide your planning.
YouTube’s Focus on Smarter Discovery
The artificial intelligence carousel is reminiscent of a similar tool called AI Overviews offered on Google Search, which presents a summary of information to users at the top of their search page. Both additions are meant to put key details at your fingertips, offering convenience and faster answers.
But the change has sparked concern among the community of content creators on the platform. With the artificial intelligence carousel summarizing information that previously required clicking a video, creators fear they could see a dip in engagement and, eventually, earnings. The same issue has rattled news organizations, as a recent Wall Street Journal article pointed out how AI-led summaries have led to less direct traffic on media websites.
On a separate front, the company is expanding its conversational artificial intelligence tool to non-Premium users, reaching a wider audience. This tool, introduced last year, draws on large language models trained with data from YouTube and the larger web to give viewers added value while watching videos. Viewers can request quick summaries, get recommendations, or even quiz themselves on what they just learned in a tutorial or educational clip.
For instance, if someone is trying to master a roller skate routine, the conversational tool can offer to break down the video or recommend similar ones. Users can also ask questions like what song is playing, and the system responds with artist, genre, and song name.
A company spokesperson explained that these new features are meant to “help viewers go deeper into the content they love.” Still, the reactions will be closely watched as both viewers and video creators adapt to a more artificial intelligence-driven experience.
