California: YouTube is testing a new AI‑powered search feature designed to give users more direct and guided answers to questions. Instead of showing only a list of videos, the platform will now offer step‑by‑step responses that mix text, short clips, and longer videos.
The new feature, called “Ask YouTube”, aims to help users who search for things like recipes, travel plans, or how‑to guides. These users often want clear instructions or summaries, not just a collection of videos to browse.
With Ask YouTube, users can ask detailed questions such as “Plan a three-day road trip from X to Z”. The AI then generates a structured response that includes written steps along with relevant video segments.
The results include video titles, channel names, and specific moments from videos that match each step. YouTube says this approach helps users quickly find useful information while also making it easier to discover new creators.
Users can also ask follow‑up questions. For example, after getting a travel plan, they could ask, “Where can I get good food?” and receive suggestions presented in a similar guided format combining text and video.
At the moment, the feature is available only to YouTube Premium subscribers in the United States who are 18 years or older. Users must opt in through YouTube’s experimental features page to try it. Google said it is working on expanding the feature to non‑Premium users in the future, though no timeline has been announced yet.
The experiment is part of a larger move by Google to integrate AI‑driven search tools across its services. Over the past year, Google has added AI features that allow for multi‑part questions, follow‑ups, and side‑by‑side browsing in Search.
Within Google’s AI mode, users can already ask complex questions, track projects using Gemini’s Canvas tool, and explore product prices and availability. The YouTube test takes this approach a step ahead with video discovery.
By adding guided answers, YouTube is shifting from a platform focused only on video search to one that also acts as a knowledge tool. This could change how users interact with the app, especially when looking for some sort of guidance.
The company noted that this format could later include different types of videos and possibly paid or sponsored placements, though no details were shared. YouTube, however, added that it will continue testing the feature and gathering feedback before deciding on a wider launch.
Previous
