YouTube is testing a new conversational AI feature called “Ask YouTube,” marking a shift from traditional keyword-based searches to a more interactive experience. Users can now ask complete questions and receive detailed answers using a combination of text, long-form videos, and short videos. The tool also supports follow-up questions, allowing you to explore topics more deeply in a chat-like format. This experimental feature is currently being rolled out in some markets.
Google is testing AI chatbot search for YouTube https://t.co/aT62uSiwcb — The Verge (@verge) April 28, 2026
YouTube is testing a new “Ask YouTube” feature as part of the YouTube Labs experiment, and it’s currently available to premium users 18 and older in the United States. This feature adds an Ask YouTube button directly to the search bar, providing suggested prompts or opening a full-page interface where users can type detailed questions without relying on keywords.
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This experience is completely different from traditional search. Rather than simply displaying a list of videos, this tool provides structured, conversational answers. For example, if someone asks for help planning a three-day road trip, you can generate a step-by-step itinerary to make the platform feel more like an assistant than a search engine.
What makes this even more useful is how you blend the formats. Answers are a combination of long-form videos, short videos, and helpful text including recommendations, must-see spots, and practical tips. Users can also ask follow-up questions, like finding a good coffee spot along their route, making the interaction more dynamic and personalized.
Google says the feature will highlight relevant video segments along with title and channel details, allowing users to find creators and jump directly to useful moments. Currently limited to premium users, YouTube says it is working on expanding access to a wider audience in the future.
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