YouTube is currently testing an innovative AI feature that could transform how users discover videos on the platform. However, it may not please everyone.
The platform is gradually introducing AI-generated video summaries in search results, currently only available to a limited number of YouTube Premium subscribers in the U.S. These AI Overviews focus on key aspects like product recommendations and travel ideas, providing users with quick insights from various videos without needing to watch each one individually.
In place of lengthy videos, YouTube users will see a carousel of concise previews sourced from various creators. For example, if you search for the best wireless headphones or top places to visit in Japan, you might now find AI-generated clips showcasing key moments from each video neatly compiled.
This approach may seem familiar as it reflects AI Overviews that Google has begun implementing across its search functionalities. While over a billion users have already engaged with these AI summaries, they’ve raised concerns due to inaccuracies, odd suggestions, and the potential to divert traffic away from original content. YouTube creators are expressing similar worries that these AI-generated summaries could negatively impact their view counts and audience engagement.
YouTube maintains that this is merely an experiment and that they are actively gathering user feedback through thumbs up and thumbs down ratings. Depending on how users respond, the platform may expand this feature or refine it further. Although it is uncertain whether this will become a permanent addition to YouTube’s offerings, it is expected to play a significant role in the platform’s ongoing development of AI-generated features.
Currently, there is no specific timeline for when users beyond the YouTube Premium subscribers might gain access to these AI Overviews, which are still under development.
How will this change affect YouTube users? As a creator or a viewer, adapting to this change will be crucial. What steps can you take to maximize your visibility and engagement in a possibly altered landscape?
What are AI Overviews on YouTube? AI Overviews are brief, AI-generated summaries of video content aimed at providing users with quick insights and highlights from multiple videos.
Could YouTube’s AI features impact content creators negatively? There are concerns among creators that AI-generated summaries might lower view counts and engagement, similar to issues reported with Google’s AI summaries.
When is YouTube expanding its AI features beyond Premium users? At this stage, there is no confirmed timeline for expanding access to AI summaries beyond current YouTube Premium subscribers.
As YouTube continues to innovate, make sure to explore further insights and updates in the digital space. For more content, visit Moyens I/O.