YouTube is introducing new AI-driven features aimed at making it easier for users to discover content and information, the company announced on Thursday. Among the updates is an AI-powered search results carousel, reminiscent of Google’s AI Overviews, along with expanded testing of conversational AI. Reports Technology News
The AI-generated search results carousel, currently available to YouTube Premium users in the U.S., will provide suggested videos along with brief AI-generated topic summaries. The goal is to help users find what they’re looking for more quickly and efficiently.
YouTube notes that this feature will appear for searches related to shopping, locations, or activities at specific places. For example, if a user searches for “best beaches in Hawaii,” the carousel might showcase video clips of top snorkeling spots and volcanic beaches, paired with short descriptions and additional video suggestions to help plan a trip.
The feature closely mirrors Google’s AI Overviews, which delivers AI-generated summaries at the top of Google Search results. While the carousel may enhance user discovery, it could pose a challenge for creators who depend on video engagement for revenue. If viewers find the information they need directly in the AI-generated previews, they may be less inclined to click through to watch the full video.
