YouTube introduced a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature for advertisers during its Brandcast event in New York on Wednesday. Named Peak Points, this feature utilizes the Gemini AI technology to identify the moments within videos when viewers exhibit the highest engagement. These optimal moments will subsequently be selected as ad placements to enhance the effectiveness of advertisements. Currently, the feature is being tested in a pilot program.
YouTube Unveils Peak Points to Find the Best Ad Slot in a Video
In a recent blog post, YouTube elaborated on this new feature aimed at advertisers. Advertising serves as a crucial revenue source for the video platform, facilitating income for both YouTube and its content creators through shared ad revenue.
The platform has previously experimented with various ad placements, including pre-roll ads, unskippable ads, and strategies to counter ad-blockers. Reports suggest that YouTube is also exploring the possibility of displaying ads during video pauses, all intended to increase viewer exposure to advertisements.
The principles guiding the newly launched Peak Points feature align with these objectives. YouTube indicated that it will employ Gemini to evaluate video content and determine where viewer engagement peaks occur, such as dramatic moments or pivotal scenes.
A demonstration of the feature highlighted Gemini’s capability to identify an advertising window just before a person makes a marriage proposal in a video. According to a CNBC report, Gemini analyzes video frame by frame and reviews the accompanying transcript to identify these key moments. The company, however, did not disclose whether user interactions—such as pausing or rewinding videos at certain points—are considered in this analysis.
While this feature is poised to enhance advertisement visibility, it has the potential to frustrate viewers, as ads may interrupt significant moments in videos and disrupt the viewing experience. Currently, the Peak Points feature is in pilot testing and is expected to be implemented in various regions over the coming year.
