YouTube's AI Is Ready to Customize Your Scrolling

YouTube has begun rolling out an AI-driven feature that lets users create a personalized video feed based on text prompts. Users can input specific interests, such as guided meditations or niche topics, and save the prompt to pin at the top of their Home page. The feature is currently available to US viewers on both mobile and desktop apps, though it requires search and watch history to be enabled. The custom feed surfaces videos most relevant to the user’s defined prompt, though prompts expire after a few weeks of inactivity. Each account can only have one custom feed, and YouTube has not confirmed whether the feature will expand internationally or to TV apps. The platform has not disclosed which data is used to generate the feed or if the data will be retained. This AI tool is part of broader updates from YouTube, including automatic AI detection and clearer labels for AI-generated content. Another feature, Ask YouTube, allows users to search for specific video segments that answer their questions. The new custom feed raises concerns among content creators about how the AI will interpret prompts and whether it will favor established creators over newer ones. YouTube has not specified how the AI determines relevance, whether it relies on watch history or keywords, or if it prioritizes popular videos. The feature’s impact on traffic distribution for creators remains uncertain, as AI-driven search results have previously led to declines in publisher traffic. Users can enable the custom feed by accessing the 'Your custom feed' chip on the Home page and entering a prompt, or selecting from YouTube’s suggested options. Google advises users to check the Help Center if they encounter issues. The rollout is part of YouTube’s ongoing efforts to integrate AI into user personalization and content discovery.