YouTube Trials AI Tools to Enhance Search & Discovery

ouTube has started testing new experimental AI features aimed at making it easier for users to discover videos. Among these tools are a search carousel powered by artificial intelligence and a conversational assistant.

The AI-driven search carousel is currently being trialled for YouTube Premium users. Its main focus is on topics such as shopping, travel, and local interests, where quick visual browsing can help people find relevant content faster.

In addition to this, YouTube has introduced a conversational AI assistant. Unlike the carousel, this feature is now being offered to a select group of non-Premium users in the United States.

These tools mark the latest move by YouTube to deepen user engagement and tailor search results more closely to personal interests. By blending AI technology with content discovery, the platform aims to make the experience both smarter and more interactive.

The company hopes these new features will help users navigate the huge library of content on YouTube, surfacing videos that feel more relevant to their needs.

At the same time, these tools may encourage longer watch times and keep users on the platform by making video recommendations feel more personalised.

While still experimental, the rollout to Premium and non-Premium users suggests YouTube is testing different models to see which approach resonates best.

The focus on shopping, travel, and local search highlights where YouTube sees strong potential for AI to add value, given the visual and discovery-led nature of these topics.

It remains to be seen how widely these features will be adopted or whether they’ll eventually become standard parts of the YouTube experience.

For now, only a limited number of users can try them, and feedback will likely play a big role in shaping future updates.

If successful, these AI-driven tools could change how millions of people explore and interact with videos every day.

For YouTube creators, this may also influence content strategies, as optimising for AI-powered discovery could become an important factor in reaching new audiences.

Ultimately, YouTube’s experiments reflect the broader trend of using AI to bridge the gap between what users want to find and what platforms can recommend.

As AI tools continue to evolve, the line between search, recommendation, and conversation is becoming increasingly blurred.

We’ll have to wait and see whether these new features deliver on their promise to make YouTube an even more personalised and engaging space.

AI Search Results Carousel (Premium Only)

YouTube is currently testing a new AI-generated search results carousel, now available to Premium subscribers based in the United States.

This experimental feature is designed to enhance the user experience by offering curated video suggestions alongside brief descriptions of each topic. The goal is to help users navigate search results more quickly and discover relevant content more efficiently.

At present, the carousel supports videos in English and is specifically tailored to query types related to shopping, travel, and local activities.

The new feature is accessible on both iOS and Android devices, giving users flexibility regardless of their preferred platform.

YouTube has confirmed that the trial period for this feature will continue until 30 July, giving users several weeks to try it out and provide valuable feedback.

Conversational AI Assistant Expands

YouTube is currently testing its conversational AI tool with a broader group of users, expanding access beyond Premium subscribers. Select non-Premium accounts in the United States are now able to try out the feature as part of the platform’s ongoing experiments.

This AI assistant is designed to make the viewing experience more interactive and informative. Users can now ask questions related to the video they’re watching, allowing for deeper understanding or quick clarification on certain points.

Additionally, the tool offers personalised recommendations based on the content being viewed. This aims to help users explore related topics or discover more videos they might find useful or interesting.

In a nod to educational content, the feature also includes a quiz function. Viewers can test themselves on key concepts presented in the video, offering a more engaging and active way to learn through the platform.

With these features, YouTube continues to experiment with AI to enhance user engagement and support different styles of content discovery and learning.

Implications for Creators and Marketers

Videos that cover topics like shopping, travel, or local activities could see greater exposure thanks to YouTube’s new AI-curated carousels.

This emphasis on commercially relevant searches ties in neatly with content areas that often lead to conversions, offering real potential for affiliate marketers and small businesses aiming to reach wider audiences.

Despite the promise these tools hold, there are notable restrictions in place. For now, the AI search carousel is limited to Premium subscribers and only works with a relatively narrow set of search queries.

Similarly, the conversational AI assistant is still in a testing phase, with access restricted to a small group of users and no confirmed timeline for broader rollout.

These limits suggest that YouTube is still gathering data, closely observing how users engage with AI-generated recommendations and assessing whether these new tools genuinely improve the search and discovery experience.

Looking Ahead

As YouTube continues to experiment with AI-driven tools for discovery and learning, content creators would do well to prioritise videos that are rich in information and clearly structured. This is particularly important in high-interest categories such as travel and shopping, where search intent tends to be stronger.

With these features still in testing, further updates and adjustments are likely as YouTube takes user feedback on board. Creators who stay adaptable and focus on quality content will be best positioned to benefit if and when these AI tools are rolled out more widely.