YouTube has unveiled a new AI-driven functionality aimed at enhancing user experience on its platform. On Thursday, the company introduced the Search Results Carousel, a feature designed to appear when users enter specific search terms. This innovative carousel presents suggested videos in a revamped format, along with a text description for each video, which provides additional context and information before users decide to view the content. Initially, this feature will be available solely to YouTube Premium subscribers in the United States. Furthermore, the platform is broadening access to its conversational AI tools for select non-Premium users.
YouTube Introduces AI-Powered Video Carousel
In a recent blog post, YouTube detailed the rollout of the new AI feature. The Search Results Carousel initially underwent testing in April, with a limited release for some Premium users before expanding to a broader audience of Premium subscribers across the U.S.
The new AI carousel on YouTube
Photo Credit: YouTube
This AI feature activates a distinct carousel for searches related to shopping, travel, or activities in particular locations. Users will see a refreshed layout featuring a prominent video at the top, accompanied by smaller thumbnail images of additional suggested videos beneath. YouTube will also provide AI-generated text related to the search query. Users can click on the larger video to watch it directly, or tap on the smaller thumbnails to explore other options.
The feature is currently limited to Android and iOS devices, focusing on English-language videos. As noted on YouTube’s experimental features page, this testing phase is set to continue until July 30. Potential expansions to additional regions may follow.
In addition, YouTube is broadening access to its conversational AI tool for a segment of non-Premium users in the U.S. This feature, identifiable by a sparkle icon located beneath the video alongside Like, Share, and Download buttons, enables users to pose questions about the video content and seek further recommendations. Powered by the Gemini AI, this tool debuted in April 2024, initially restricted to Premium members. Importantly, this service is currently offered only on Android devices.
