YouTube Tests Expanded AI Discovery, Broadens Access to its In-Stream Chatbot

06/26/25
Source: Social Media Today – Latest News by Andrew Hutchinson. Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of YouTube Introduces AI-Powered Search and Chatbot to Enhance Content Discovery

YouTube is rolling out an AI-powered search carousel that suggests related videos and topics to improve user discovery, initially focusing on travel and shopping queries. Additionally, its in-stream AI chatbot, which answers questions about videos, is expanding access from Premium to some non-Premium users in the U.S. These features aim to deepen engagement and help users explore content more efficiently within the app.

Optimixed’s Overview: How YouTube’s New AI Features Are Reshaping Video Discovery and Interaction

Revolutionizing Search with AI-Driven Recommendations

YouTube’s latest update introduces an AI-powered search results carousel that dynamically generates a range of related video clips and topics based on users’ original queries. For example, a search for “best beaches in Hawaii” could display videos highlighting snorkeling spots, volcanic beaches, and additional travel insights. This enhancement broadens content visibility for creators and offers users a richer, more contextual browsing experience within the app.

Expanding Conversational AI Chatbot Capabilities

  • In-Stream Interaction: The AI chatbot is embedded directly beneath videos via an “Ask” button, enabling viewers to ask questions or receive suggested queries related to the video content.
  • Broader Access: Originally exclusive to Premium subscribers, the chatbot is now being rolled out to selected non-Premium users in the U.S., promising wider usability and engagement.
  • Enhanced Learning and Discovery: Users can deepen their understanding of topics, get personalized recommendations, and explore new videos through conversational prompts.

Potential Impact and Limitations

While these AI tools offer exciting opportunities for enhanced discovery and content promotion, their initial availability is limited to specific content categories and user groups. The search carousel currently focuses on travel and shopping-related queries, and the chatbot expansion is gradual. Nonetheless, these innovations hint at YouTube’s strategic push to integrate AI-driven personalization and interactive features to keep users engaged and support creators’ reach.