YouTube is taking a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence into its core search functions with the launch of the YouTube AI Search Carousel. The platform has begun testing a new AI-powered search results carousel that mimics Google’s AI Overviews. According to an official blog post, this experimental feature is being introduced to select YouTube Premium users in the U.S., specifically for queries related to shopping, travel, and local activities.
The YouTube AI Search Carousel includes a prominent video clip displayed at the top of the search results, followed by a series of related video thumbnails. Below these, an AI-generated text response is presented, summarizing relevant information based on the search query. Users can tap on the main clip to view the full video, offering a more interactive and informative search experience.
Feature Details and Availability
The YouTube AI Search Carousel is currently limited to mobile platforms, accessible only via iOS and Android devices. At this stage, the feature is exclusive to English-language videos and will be available for testing until July 30th. YouTube notes that access is restricted to a randomly selected group of Premium members, making the rollout highly selective in its initial phase.
According to YouTube’s experiments page, this move is part of a broader effort to enhance content discovery and user engagement using artificial intelligence. By summarizing video content and surfacing highly relevant clips, YouTube aims to streamline the search process for mobile users on the go.
Conversational AI Expansion to Non-Premium Users
In addition to the YouTube AI Search Carousel, YouTube is also expanding access to its conversational AI tool, first introduced in 2023. This tool allows users to ask questions about a video and receive AI-generated answers in real time. Initially restricted to Premium members, the feature is now being extended to some non-Premium users in the U.S., reflecting the company’s ongoing efforts to test and refine AI tools across different user groups.
This expansion indicates YouTube’s broader commitment to using generative AI not only to improve video recommendations and discovery but also to offer real-time, context-aware assistance during content consumption.
By introducing AI-driven features like the YouTube AI Search Carousel and expanding its conversational AI tool, YouTube is positioning itself at the forefront of smart content navigation. These initiatives reflect Google’s larger strategy to bring AI enhancements across its product ecosystem, aiming to make digital experiences more intuitive, personalized, and efficient.
