Google is Testing AI Chatbot Search for YouTube

Introducing “Ask YouTube” – Conversational Video Search

Google has begun trialing a new AI-powered feature for YouTube called "Ask YouTube." This tool transforms traditional search by providing users with conversational results, reminiscent of an AI chat, rather than just a list of videos. The experience compiles related long-form videos, YouTube Shorts, and text summaries addressing the searched topic.

How “Ask YouTube” Works

The feature is currently available in the US for YouTube Premium subscribers who are aged 18 and older. When activated, users see an "Ask YouTube" button in the search bar. Clicking it or selecting from suggested prompts—such as “summary of the rules of volleyball” or “short history of the Apollo 11 moon landing”—directs users to a results page.

This page offers a concise summary of the topic along with organized video recommendations. For example, a search for “short history of the Apollo 11 moon landing” produces a summary and a range of related videos, structured into informative sections with highlights from both standard and Shorts content. Users can also ask follow-up questions directly from the results page for a more interactive search experience.

User Experience and Limitations

Although the technology shows promise for surfacing relevant information and videos, it is not without flaws. The AI occasionally provides inaccurate details or formatting inconsistencies, serving as a reminder for users to verify the information they receive.

Currently, "Ask YouTube" is only available to Premium subscribers, but Google is working on expanding access in the future. This effort follows other AI integrations across Google’s ecosystem, including tools for Gmail and broader search experiences.

For more details, read the original article at The Verge.