YouTube AI Overviews: New Search Results Carousel
YouTube Integrates New AI Features for Enhanced Content Discovery
YouTube announced on Thursday the implementation of novel, AI-powered functionalities designed to streamline the process of content and information retrieval for its users.
These updates include the introduction of an AI-driven search results carousel, mirroring Google’s AI Overviews, and expanded testing of a conversational AI assistant with a broader user base.
AI-Powered Search Carousel for Premium Users
Currently exclusive to YouTube Premium subscribers within the United States, the new AI-powered search results carousel aims to expedite content discovery.
It presents suggested videos alongside concise, AI-generated descriptions of relevant topics, assisting users in locating desired content more efficiently.
The carousel will initially appear in searches pertaining to shopping, specific locations, or activities within a given area.
Example Application: Planning a Hawaiian Vacation
For instance, a search query such as “best beaches in Hawaii” will trigger an AI-generated carousel.
This carousel will feature video clips showcasing prime snorkeling locations and volcanic beaches, accompanied by descriptive text and links to further videos to aid in vacation planning.
Potential Impact on Content Creators
The new feature bears a strong resemblance to Google’s AI Overviews, which provide AI-generated summaries at the top of Google Search results.
While intended to improve user experience, this change could present challenges for creators who depend on viewer engagement for revenue generation.
Direct access to information within the carousel may reduce the incentive for users to click through to individual videos.
Concerns Echoing Google's AI Overview Rollout
This launch follows a recent Wall Street Journal report detailing the negative impact of Google’s AI Overviews on traffic to news publishers.
YouTube creators may share concerns that the new carousel feature could similarly diminish engagement with their content, mirroring the decline in referrals experienced by news websites due to Google’s AI implementation.
Expanded Access to Conversational AI
In addition to the search carousel, YouTube is extending access to its conversational AI tool to select non-Premium users.
Initially released in late 2023, this tool leverages AI to provide users with enhanced information, personalized content recommendations, and video summaries.
It also facilitates self-assessment through quizzes based on the content of educational videos.
How the Conversational AI Works
YouTube explained that the tool’s responses are generated by large language models, drawing upon data from both YouTube and the wider web.
The aim is to provide viewers with a deeper understanding of the content they are consuming.
Interactive Features and Question Answering
For example, while watching a roller skate dance tutorial, the conversational AI tool may prompt the user with options to “summarize the video” or “recommend related content.”
Users can also pose their own questions, such as “What’s the song in this video?” and receive detailed information including the title, artist, and genre.
