YouTube doubles down on video shopping with AI-powered ‘Ask YouTube’ feature


“Ask YouTube,” the video site’s newer AI-powered conversational search feature, will become a shopping companion, the company announced on Wednesday at its Made on YouTube event.

Ask YouTube began as an experiment in conversational search, before becoming a larger part of the YouTube experience. The feature allows anyone to search YouTube using natural language requests, including with queries that are more complex and detailed than in traditional search. YouTube will then compile a set of results that may include both Shorts and long-form videos, guiding you through topics like step-by-step travel plans, guides to learning a new skill, or a series of recommedations around a particualr topics.

Now, the company says Ask YouTube will gain more features that will help users as they make shopping decisions. For instance, if you search for a particular product, you might receive organized recommendations that include things like a comparison table showing various product attributes or categories, based on your preferences.

You’ll also be able to ask follow-up questions directly on that video’s watch page.

YouTube says the changes are based on trends it’s already seeing in user behavior, as they learn from creators about different products, trusting their opinions and recommendations. Already, over 140 million people have used Ask YouTube to dive in deeper to videos during the month of June, the company noted — a jump of over 500% since last December.

“Behind that growth is a custom Gemini model that maps the viewer’s most complex questions to the exact second that the video provides the answer, turning a passive search into an instant, meaningful connection with the video and with the creator,” explained Emily Moxley, VP of Product Management for Viewer AI at YouTube, in a briefing with reporters ahead of today’s event.

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.



Source link

  • Related Posts

    One of the best Metroid games for the Switch is 30 percent off

    Nintendo’s “Customer Appreciation” sale continues through September 26th. It includes discounts on Switch games and accessories, and I thought I’d call out one of my favorite games that’s cheaper than…

    Continue reading
    How the US handed China control of the rare earth supply chain

    On June 22, 2026, China’s Ministry of Commerce put 10 US companies on its export control list. Neither Chinese nor foreign firms can sell those companies any goods that have…

    Continue reading

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    These GOP candidates in tight races are calling for a quick end to Iran war

    These GOP candidates in tight races are calling for a quick end to Iran war

    One of the best Metroid games for the Switch is 30 percent off

    One of the best Metroid games for the Switch is 30 percent off

    Delta cuts 2 routes from New York, Seattle in latest shakeup

    Delta cuts 2 routes from New York, Seattle in latest shakeup

    Fendi Spring 2027 Ready-to-Wear Runway, Fashion Show & Collection Review

    Fendi Spring 2027 Ready-to-Wear Runway, Fashion Show & Collection Review

    Goldman Sachs’ interest rate prediction hinges on oil prices

    Goldman Sachs’ interest rate prediction hinges on oil prices

    CONTROL Resonant Is an Action Game… and an RPG, and a Superhero Game, and More Besides

    CONTROL Resonant Is an Action Game… and an RPG, and a Superhero Game, and More Besides