YouTube Tests Conversational AI Feature on TVs With New “Ask” Button
YouTube is expanding testing of its conversational AI feature to smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, introducing a new “Ask” button that allows viewers to interact with an AI assistant while watching videos. The experiment extends functionality previously available on mobile and desktop platforms and appears to be powered by Google’s Gemini AI technology.
The feature is currently limited to a small group of users and select videos, with no confirmed timeline for wider availability.
YouTube Brings Conversational AI Experiments to TV Platforms
YouTube first introduced conversational AI tools in 2024 as part of its effort to integrate artificial intelligence into video discovery and viewing experiences. The feature allows users to interact directly with an AI assistant while watching content.
Viewers can use the tool to:
- ask questions about a video’s content
- receive summaries of key moments
- request related video recommendations
- select suggested prompts generated by the system
The latest test expands these capabilities to television-based viewing environments, marking one of the first large-screen implementations of YouTube’s conversational AI features.
How the “Ask” Button Works on TVs?
On supported smart TVs and streaming devices, the Ask button appears on the video playback interface and is marked with a Gemini sparkle icon. Users can activate the feature using the microphone button on a compatible remote control.
Once activated, viewers can submit voice queries related to the video currently playing. The AI assistant then generates responses similar to those available on mobile and desktop versions of YouTube.
Because support is enabled at the video level, the feature may not appear on all content.
Users who do not see the option may either be outside the testing group or watching videos that do not yet support conversational AI interaction.
Availability and Language Support
YouTube’s conversational AI feature remains limited to select regions and currently supports five languages:
- English
- Hindi
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- Korean
The company has not announced when testing will expand to additional devices, languages, or markets.
Why YouTube Is Expanding AI to Television Viewing?
YouTube has previously reported that television screens have become the primary viewing device for the platform in the United States. Expanding AI tools to TVs reflects a broader industry shift toward integrating generative AI into entertainment and discovery experiences.
By enabling real-time questions and summaries directly on the television interface, YouTube is experimenting with turning traditionally passive viewing into a more interactive format without requiring users to switch devices.
The feature remains experimental and may change before a broader rollout.
It may be useful in some cases. So many videos are full of hype thumbnails to increase engagement and visibility. A non-spoiler video summary could be a suitable option. Also, some creators exaggerate in all of their videos and have AI playing “journalists” (a lot of “journalists'” articles are AI-made. They just do not disclose it). If I had an option to get some truthful information on the channel in advance when I have my suspicions, it also could be useful.