Google is testing a new search feature on YouTube called “Ask YouTube,” designed to offer an AI Mode-like experience. The feature is currently available to YouTube Premium subscribers in the U.S. who are 18 or older.
“Ask YouTube” generates a page of information similar to AI chat functionalities found on other platforms. It pulls in content like longform videos, YouTube Shorts, and contextual text based on user queries. The feature aims to enhance the search process by providing more conversational interaction.
Users will see prompts in the search bar suggesting queries like “funny baby elephant playing clips” and “short history of the Apollo 11 moon landing.” When the “Ask YouTube” button is clicked without any input, users are directed to a page featuring suggested searches alongside a text box for additional questions.
Executing a search with “Ask YouTube” results in a loading icon, after which a detailed page fills with relevant information. For example, a search for “short history of the Apollo 11 moon landing” produces a summary including key milestones such as the lunar landing date and Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the Moon. The results also include a video about the launch and curated galleries of related content.
Suggested follow-up prompts appear at the bottom of the page, with options like “Who were the Apollo 11 astronauts” and “Apollo 11 conspiracy theories.” A search for the astronauts yields detailed profiles of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, while conspiracy theories return standard YouTube search results.
A test query on the Steam Controller showed relevant videos, summaries, and a separate section for Shorts. However, a factual error was identified in YouTube’s response, which inaccurately stated that the old Steam Controller had no joysticks.
YouTube is actively working to expand the “Ask YouTube” feature to non-Premium users. The initiative aligns with Google’s broader efforts to innovate its AI Model across various platforms, suggesting a substantial future for this new feature.
