YouTube’s new AI search feature ‘Ask YouTube’ changes everything with step-by-step answers and smart video results

YouTube has launched a new AI search feature called “Ask YouTube” to make searching smarter and easier. People already go to YouTube to search for things like recipes, travel ideas, and how-to guides. This new feature changes the normal search system by giving direct answers instead of only showing video lists, according to Google.

The results are shown step-by-step so users can easily follow instructions and understand things better, as stated by Google via TechCrunch. The answers include a mix of text, short video clips, and full-length videos in one place. For example, if someone asks for a “3-day road trip plan from San Francisco to Santa Barbara,” the tool will give a full plan in steps.

YouTube AI search feature

The feature also highlights video titles, channel names, and specific parts of videos so users can explore more creators. Users can ask follow-up questions like “Where can I get good coffee?” and still get answers in the same step-by-step format, as stated in the report by TechCrunch. Right now, this feature is only available for Premium users in the United States who are 18 years or older.

Google AI search update

Users who want to try it must opt into the experiment before they can use it. Google has said it is planning to expand this feature to non-Premium users in the future. This update is part of Google’s bigger plan to bring AI into all its search products, not just YouTube. Last year, Google launched AI mode which allows users to ask multiple and complex questions in one search.

This year, Google added more tools like side-by-side web browsing and product price comparison inside AI mode. Google also introduced Gemini’s Canvas feature recently to help users manage and continue their AI-based work, as noted by TechCrunch. In the future, Google may also add sponsored content or ads into these AI search results on YouTube.

FAQs

Q1. What is Ask YouTube AI feature?

It is a new AI tool by YouTube that gives step-by-step answers using videos and text instead of just search results.

Q2. Who can use Ask YouTube right now?

Right now, only Premium users in the U.S. aged 18+ can try it, as shared by Google.