Google is integrating artificial intelligence across its suite of products, and YouTube is no exception. As a premium member, you have the opportunity to be among the first to experience the new AI-driven YouTube search, designed to provide you with a curated selection of videos tailored to your queries.
Activating AI-Powered YouTube Search
The latest AI search feature on YouTube is currently restricted to YouTube Premium members for initial testing. Free users will need to exercise patience as the company plans to roll out this feature more widely in the near future. At this stage, it only supports English-language videos but is accessible on both iOS and Android platforms.
To enable this feature, navigate to the YouTube mobile app, tap your profile icon in the bottom-right corner, and select the Settings cog at the top right. From there, scroll to Try experimental new features and tap Try it out under the AI-powered search results carousel. You may need to restart the app to activate it fully.
Since this search feature is still experimental, expect changes before its official release for all users. Below the Try it out button, there’s an option to provide feedback to help enhance the functionality of this feature.
Exploring AI-Powered Search
YouTube’s AI search, much like Google’s AI Overviews, is being rolled out gradually and currently responds to a limited range of queries. Google recommends focusing your searches on topics such as shopping, local attractions, and travel-related content for the best results.
For instance, when I searched for “best beaches in Hawaii, ” I received Highlights alongside a carousel of curated results instead of the typical list.
Each video in the carousel comes with an AI-generated description, allowing for a quick assessment of its relevance to your query. However, since these descriptions are generated by AI, they may not always accurately encapsulate the video’s content.
It’s worth noting that in many instances, the AI search results carousel did not appear for my queries. I found that even re-entering the same search multiple times resulted in the carousel showing up inconsistently.
Additionally, you can still scroll down to find traditional search results, so users aren’t solely limited to AI-generated options.
Engagement with Video Results
A significant limitation of the AI-generated results is the lack of direct engagement options. Users can only view what the AI determines to be the most pertinent video segments relevant to their search. To like, comment, or subscribe to channels, one must click through to the videos themselves.
Think of the AI results as a high-level overview. Engaging with the videos requires you to select them from the carousel for further interaction.
I recommend liking any relevant videos in the carousel to support the creators and promote their channel growth.
Utilizing Conversational AI on YouTube
If the AI-powered search carousel is not available to you, there’s another way to engage with AI on YouTube. Conversational AI, which initially launched exclusively for YouTube Premium users, is now rolling out to free users as well.
To use it, perform a search on the mobile app as you typically would. After selecting a video to watch, locate the Ask button beneath the video. Tapping it allows you to pose questions regarding the video’s content.
Depending on the video, a list of suggested questions will appear, with “Summarize the video”likely being one of the most beneficial options. You are not restricted to the suggestions; feel free to ask any questions. For example, if you’re viewing a music video, inquire about related artists, song lyrics, or other popular tracks by the artist.
Exploring Gemini for Enhanced Search
Another alternative for accessing AI-enhanced YouTube search results is through Google’s Gemini. As a product of Google, it seamlessly integrates with the YouTube experience. Gemini enables you to craft detailed queries without relying on the platform’s basic filters.
This search tool is effective on both desktop and mobile devices. While Gemini provides additional flexibility, you also have the option to utilize alternatives like ChatGPT and others. Although these may not directly interface with YouTube, you can tailor your prompts to focus on YouTube results specifically.
Disabling the AI-Powered Search Carousel
If you wish to opt out of the AI-driven carousel feature, access the YouTube mobile app Settings, navigate to Try experimental new features, and toggle the feature off.
This experiment will remain available until July 30th. Once officially released, it is likely that YouTube will provide an option to disable AI search results, similar to how Google managed AI Overviews.
While Google is advancing AI features across its services, including AI summaries in Gmail, users maintain the freedom to disengage from features they choose not to use.
Alternatively, consider these strategies to enhance your YouTube recommendations.
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