YouTube is adding 2 new AI features, but only for Premium users
YouTube has announced two new AI-powered features. They are currently exclusive to Premium members in the US.
The first of these "innovative features", is a search results carousel which Google says makes it simpler to find what you are looking for. When you search for things related to shopping, places, things to do in a specific location, you may get an AI-generated carousel. To use it, simply open YouTube on your phone, and enter your query. This will result in a "Highlights" result, with thumbnails and an AI-generated summary which looks similar to AI Overviews that you get on Google Search.
Google's video says that "you may get" a carousel when searching, so it won't always be activated. These thumbnails are relevant videos to your search, you can play them by tapping on the image, or let them play automatically from left to right.
The other new AI feature that is being tested on YouTube is a conversational AI, aka a chatbot. When you're watching a video on YouTube, tap on the Ask button, and ask the AI a question about the video or ask it to summarize the contents, and it will provide the relevant answers. This isn't a new feature per se, it was first introduced in November 2023, as an Android-exclusive option. Anyway, summarizing a video that seems to go on and on, before getting to the point, might be useful. Get the information you want instantly, and go.
Both features appear to be tailored towards a mobile-first experience, and that is not necessarily a good thing. Go to http://youtube.com/New to try the video carousel and the conversational AI. They are currently available in early access to YouTube Premium users in the US.
Google says that it will be rolling out the conversational AI to some free users in the coming days.
Check out Martin's article on YouTube Anti Translate, a browser extension that blocks automatic text and audio translations.
Oh sure… open it on your phone so that Google can track everything you do. Smartphones can’t be protected from Google’s daily intrusion in the same way that desktops can.
It’s amusing though how practically everyone I see on the street is bent over looking their phones while they’re walking along, or sat on the metro / tram doing the same thing.
Teenagers especially are going to have neck problems when they get older from too much phone use where they’re craning their necks gazing at smartphone screens. It’s tantamount to an addiction where the Dutch government at least may well introduce laws restricting their use for the under 15 year olds. https://nltimes.nl/2025/05/26/dont-give-kids-14-smartphone-1400-doctors-experts-urge
As ALWAYS usa only. While dislike any company for doing this stupid geo block for a software feature, google has in a personal space in hell for it.
EVERY. TIME.
After more than 7 years, I’m still waiting for Continued Conversation on my google speaker on brazil. Maybe, just maybe, by 2050 if I live that long… one can always hope.