YouTube joins Google’s AI race with a new search feature

YouTube is launching a new search feature called 'Ask YouTube' as part of its experiment to change how users find content on the platform. The feature allows users to ask complex questions and receive combined answers of text, video, and guidance for further exploration. It is currently available to YouTube Premium subscribers in the US over 18 years old and will operate until June 8. Users can enable it through settings and then use a new button in the search bar to ask questions or choose ready-made suggestions. Initial tests show the feature provides a summarized answer, relevant video clips with timestamps, and the option to ask follow-up questions. However, not every query yields 'smart' answers, and the system sometimes provides incorrect information.