Search YouTube Shorts with Google Lens

Google has introduced a new feature that allows users to perform visual searches within YouTube Shorts using Google Lens. This integration brings a more interactive and intuitive way to explore content on the platform.

Viewers can now pause a Short and tap the screen to identify objects, locations, or text visible in the video. It’s a quick and convenient way to learn more about what you’re watching without leaving the app.

However, there are a few limitations. Shorts that include affiliate tags or are marked as paid promotions won’t support this Lens functionality. This rule helps to maintain transparency and avoid conflicts with commercial content.

Google has rolled out its Lens feature within YouTube Shorts, adding a new layer of interactivity to the platform.

With this update, users can now search for products, places, or objects they spot in a Short video directly from their mobile device. It offers a seamless way to find more information without needing to leave the app.

 

How The New Feature Works

Using Google Lens in YouTube Shorts is straightforward and adds a powerful search tool to your viewing experience.

To get started, simply pause the Short video by tapping on the screen. Then, choose the “Lens” option from the top menu. You can either circle, highlight, or tap on the item you want to search.

The feature allows you to identify a wide range of things, including objects, animals, plants, landmarks, and even written text. It also offers real-time translation for captions. Once you’ve selected what you’re interested in, the search results appear directly above the video. To go back to watching, just swipe the results down.

Google Lens searches may also include AI Overviews, which give you more detailed background on whatever you’re viewing — whether that’s a product or a place.

For example, Google explained that if you’re watching a Short filmed in a destination that catches your eye, you can tap on a landmark in the video. Lens will then identify it and offer more insights into the culture and history of that location.

 

Important Limitations

There are a few important limitations when using Google Lens with YouTube Shorts. One key restriction is that the feature does not work on Shorts that include YouTube Shopping affiliate tags or sponsored product promotions.

According to Google’s support documents, tagging a product through YouTube Shopping will automatically disable the Lens search function on that video.

When you do use Lens, the results shown will only be organic. This means you won’t see any advertisements in the search outcome. Google has also clarified that facial recognition technology is not used with this feature. However, results may still appear for well-known individuals if relevant to the content.

At present, the Lens integration works only on mobile devices, including both iOS and Android platforms. Google has confirmed that the feature is being rolled out in beta, starting this week, although they haven’t specified when it will be available in different countries.

 

What This Means For Marketers

This new update introduces a range of opportunities for marketers and content creators across various industries.

For starters, adding strong visual elements to your YouTube Shorts can now help increase audience engagement. With Google Lens allowing users to interact directly with what’s shown in a video, creators can make their content more dynamic and searchable.

Businesses in the travel and hospitality sectors could also benefit. If their locations appear in Shorts, viewers can easily identify them using Lens—giving these places added visibility at no extra cost.

Educational content creators may see a boost as well. Since viewers can now explore or research topics mentioned in videos, it opens the door for deeper audience interaction and learning.

However, the feature does come with limitations—particularly for those who rely on affiliate marketing. Shorts tagged with YouTube Shopping links are not eligible for Lens search. This means creators using such tools will have to rethink how they strike a balance between visibility and monetisation.

 

Looking Ahead

The integration of Google Lens into YouTube Shorts marks a notable change in how users engage with video content. Rather than simply searching for videos, people can now search within them.

This development places greater importance on the visual elements featured in your content. Everything from objects and locations to on-screen text can now serve as searchable touchpoints for viewers.

However, there’s a trade-off for content creators. Videos that include affiliate links or paid product tags are excluded from this new search functionality. As a result, creators may need to weigh the benefits of monetisation against increased exposure through visual search.

With this in mind, planning your Shorts should now include a focus on moments that are visually recognisable and likely to spark curiosity. As this feature becomes more widespread, your audience is set to evolve into active visual searchers.