YouTube Tests AI to Enhance Search & Discovery
▼ Summary
– YouTube is introducing two AI-driven features: an AI-powered search results carousel for Premium users and a conversational AI assistant expanding to some non-Premium accounts in the U.S.
– The AI search carousel, available to U.S. Premium users, curates video suggestions with topic descriptions for queries related to shopping, travel, and local activities.
– The conversational AI tool, now testing with select non-Premium users, allows asking questions about videos, getting recommendations, and quizzing on educational content.
– Creators and marketers may benefit from AI-curated carousels, especially for shopping, travel, and local activity content, which aligns with conversion-driven queries.
– Both features are limited in scope and testing, indicating YouTube is still gathering data on user interaction and AI-generated suggestions before potential wider release.
YouTube is testing new AI-powered tools to transform how users discover and interact with content, offering smarter search results and conversational assistance. The platform’s latest experiments aim to refine content recommendations while giving creators fresh opportunities to reach engaged audiences.
One of the standout features is an AI-generated search carousel, currently available exclusively to Premium subscribers in the U.S. This tool organizes video results into easily digestible categories, complete with brief summaries. For instance, searching for “top hiking trails near Denver” could trigger a neatly arranged selection of videos, each accompanied by key details. The carousel focuses on shopping, travel, and local activities, making it particularly useful for viewers seeking practical recommendations.
The Key details about the search carousel are limited to English-language videos. Meanwhile, YouTube is broadening access to its conversational AI assistant, previously restricted to Premium members. A small group of non-Premium users in the U.S. can now try the tool, which lets them ask questions about videos, request related recommendations, or even test their knowledge on educational content.
For creators and marketers, these developments signal shifting opportunities. Videos covering shopping guides, travel tips, or local business reviews could gain more visibility through AI-curated suggestions. Affiliate marketers and small businesses, in particular, may find these tools valuable for driving conversions, given YouTube’s focus on commercially relevant searches.
However, both features remain in early testing phases, with no guarantee of a full rollout. The search carousel is limited to Premium users and specific query types, while the AI assistant’s expansion is still tightly controlled. YouTube appears to be gathering data on user behavior before deciding whether to scale these innovations.As the platform continues refining its AI-driven discovery tools, creators should prioritize high-quality, well-structured content, especially in categories like product reviews and travel guides. With YouTube actively experimenting, staying adaptable will be key to capitalizing on these emerging opportunities.
(Source: Search Engine Journal)
