YouTube announced on Wednesday that it is piloting an iteration of Google Search’s AI Overviews on its platform. The video streaming service is exploring the integration of this artificial intelligence (AI) feature, which will display relevant video clips in a carousel format based on users’ queries. This enhancement broadens the application of AI Overviews, as the Gemini-powered system will present video snippets rather than traditional text-based answers. Currently, this functionality is in the testing phase and will be limited to specific topics, according to the company.
YouTube’s AI Overviews Feature Will Display Video Clips
In a message posted on its support page, Google outlined the features of this new tool and its testing parameters on YouTube. At present, access is restricted to a select group of YouTube Premium subscribers in the United States. Eligible users can enter a query in the YouTube search bar and view AI-generated snapshot-style summaries at the top of their search results. The initial rollout supports queries in English on designated topics.
Users will notice a video carousel appearing above the search results, showcasing clips from YouTube videos that correlate with the user’s query. Google indicated that AI Overviews aim to provide “another way to discover content” while using the search function on YouTube, allowing users to explore topics and information relevant to their search terms, as stated by the Alphabet-owned company.
A comparable feature has been present on Google Search for some time. When users search for subjects better served by video explanations, Google often highlights time-stamped YouTube videos starting at the precise moments where pertinent information is provided.
For instance, if a user requires a do-it-yourself (DIY) guide on fixing a chair with a broken leg, they can skip the introductory segment or any unrelated repairs displayed in the video.
Recently, Google also introduced “key moments” beneath videos on its search results page, allowing users to view multiple clips alongside brief descriptions and timestamps, thus facilitating easier navigation through content. While YouTube has not disclosed the specifics of how its AI Overviews will operate, it is anticipated that this will work similarly.
However, the company has made it clear that AI Overviews will not be applicable for every search. Presently, YouTube is confining the feature to queries related to product shopping, location information, or recommendations pertaining to specific locales.
