Google has started an AI search test on YouTube. The tool called Ask YouTube allows users to ask questions in natural language and receive answers that combine generated text with video suggestions. The experiment is only available to Premium subscribers on Estados Unidos, aged 18 and over.
The new option appears in the platform’s search bar. Quem activates the feature and sees an Ask YouTube button next to the search field. A direct click takes you to a dedicated page with suggested prompts and a box to type questions. The system processes the query and generates a complete page in a few seconds.
Como works conversational search
Ask YouTube creates results similar to the AI modes already present in Google Search. A simple question about the Apollo 11 mission, for example, produces a text summary listing key milestones, such as the lunar landing date and Neil Armstrong’s first step. Then appear galleries of long videos and Shorts organized by themes such as launch, historical images and moments on the surface.
- Resumo textual with main points of the theme
- Long Vídeos with timestamps in specific sections
- Shorts organized by subtopics
- Sugestões prompts for follow-up questions
- Caixa for new consultation without leaving the page
The results mix content already existing on the platform with syntheses generated by language models. Usuários tested questions such as “what is Steam Controller” and received an overview of the product, a link to the official Valve video and review sections in long and short format.
The feature allows continued conversations. Depois from the first answer, the user can make follow-ups or choose suggested prompts to delve deeper into the topic. Isso transforms traditional search into a more interactive and guided experience.
Testes reveals successes and limitations
In practical experiments, the tool delivered correct information most of the time. A test of the Steam Controller included recent reviews, including Shorts published on the same day. However, there was a factual error. The system stated that the old control did not have analogues, when in fact it has a joystick.
Essa failure reminds that AI-generated responses still require verification. YouTube highlights that the feature is in an experimental phase and may evolve based on user feedback.
The experiment runs until June 8th. Apenas Premium subscribers in the US can access for now. Google has already signaled expansion plans for accounts without a paid subscription. The initiative follows the path of the company’s other AI capabilities, such as the AI Mode in Search and similar tools in Gmail.
Disponibilidade and next steps
Quem wants to try it, you need to activate the experiment in your account settings. Depois Additionally, the Ask YouTube button automatically appears in the search bar. The generated page allows you to continue the conversation with follow-ups or change the topic.
Ask YouTube complements traditional search. Quem prefer the old format can still use the normal slash without the AI button. The tool seeks to make research more fluid, especially on broad topics such as travel planning or historical summaries, where a single video is not enough.
- Perguntas in everyday language
- Mistura of text and video on a single page
- Organização by subtopics with Shorts and longforms
- Opção to continue the conversation
- Sugestões automatic prompts
Testes show that videos can appear with exact timestamps. Isso helps the user to jump straight to the relevant snippet. The page also includes grids with additional information on specific topics, such as Apollo 11 astronauts.
What changes for those who use YouTube
The tool represents another step by Google in integrating generative AI into its products. Para content creators, Ask YouTube can increase the visibility of long-form videos and Shorts when the system selects them for responses. Usuários gains a more efficient way to explore complex topics without scrolling through endless lists of results.
The experiment is limited to the desktop for now. Buscas occur in English. YouTube is working to expand access and correct inaccuracies observed in initial tests.
Muitos users see potential in areas such as tutorials, technical explanations and activity planning. A question about traveling by car, for example, can generate a step-by-step guide with videos illustrating each step.
Google reinforces that Ask YouTube is still in its initial phase. Participants’ Feedback will guide future improvements. The company has already expanded similar features across other services, which suggests the tool could become permanent after the trial period.