YouTube rolls out AI-powered search results carousel

YouTube is improving how users search for content on the platform, with the release of an AI-powered search results carousel similar to Google’s AI Overviews.

The new feature will suggest videos and offer brief AI-generated topic descriptions to support users in their content search related to shopping, travel, or things to do in a specific place.

“Imagine searching for ‘best beaches in Hawaii’ — you could see an AI-generated carousel highlighting clips from videos showcasing the best snorkel spots and volcanic beaches, complete with descriptions and more videos to plan your ideal day,” the company said in an announcement.

The AI-powered search results carousel is currently only available to premium members in the US.

The new feature is similar to Google AI Overviews, which offers users quick, AI-generated summaries of search results. Earlier this year, a US educational technology company filed a lawsuit, claiming that it had caused a drop in visitors and subscribers.

In addition, YouTube is also planning to expand its conversational AI tool to some non-Premium users in the US. The tool allows users to get more information, recommendations, and quiz themselves on key concepts in academic videos to deeply engage with the content.

In March, YouTube introduced a $7.99 monthly subscription service that is ad-free for most videos, except for music, to tap into a "much larger set of people" who might not otherwise consider paying for YouTube.

YouTube has also recently suspended support for older Apple products, including older-generation iPhones and iPads.