Google is testing a conversational AI search feature on YouTube called “Ask YouTube.” Jay Peters reports for The Verge that the feature is currently available to YouTube Premium subscribers in the United States who are 18 or older.
Instead of typing keywords into a search bar, users can ask full questions in natural language. YouTube then generates a response page combining written summaries, longform videos, YouTube Shorts, and suggested follow-up questions.
Peters tested the feature with a search about the Apollo 11 moon landing. The results included a text summary with key milestones, curated video galleries, and follow-up prompts such as “Who were the Apollo 11 astronauts.” A search for conspiracy theories, however, returned standard search results rather than an AI-generated page.
The feature is not without flaws. When Peters asked about Valve’s Steam Controller, the AI incorrectly stated that the original model had no joysticks. That is incorrect. This highlights the importance of verifying AI-generated information independently.
YouTube describes “Ask YouTube” as an experiment and says it is already working on expanding access to non-Premium users. The development mirrors Google’s broader push to integrate conversational AI across its products, including Gmail and its standalone AI Mode search experience.
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