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YouTube tests AI-powered 'Ask YouTube' search feature for guided answers

ai-technology · 2026-04-28

YouTube is testing an AI-powered interactive search feature called 'Ask YouTube' that provides step-by-step results combining text, short videos, and longer videos. Available to U.S. Premium subscribers aged 18+, the feature allows queries like 'plan a 3-day road trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara' and follow-up questions. Google plans to extend it to non-Premium users. This follows Google's broader push of AI mode across surfaces, including multi-part questions, side-by-side browsing, and product price exploration. The test could later explore sponsored video placements.

Key facts

  • YouTube is testing an AI-powered interactive search feature called 'Ask YouTube'.
  • The feature presents step-by-step results with a mix of text, short videos, and longer videos.
  • Users can ask questions like 'plan a 3-day road trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara'.
  • Follow-up questions are supported, e.g., 'Where can I get good coffee?'.
  • The feature is available to Premium subscribers in the U.S. aged 18 or older.
  • Interested users must opt into the experiment via a specific URL.
  • Google is working on making the feature available to non-Premium users.
  • Google introduced AI mode last year and added side-by-side browsing and product price exploration this year.

Entities

Institutions

  • YouTube
  • Google

Locations

  • United States
  • San Francisco
  • Santa Barbara

Sources