YouTube is testing a new AI chatbot-based Ask YouTube feature that combines text, long-form videos, and Shorts for queries users ask through the tool.

YouTube is experimenting a new Ask YouTube feature in the US which is essentially an AI chatbot within the App that can fetch you results in the form of text, long-form videos, and Shorts for the queries you ask. Here's how the feature works.

Once you opt in and enable the experiment, the feature adds a new Ask YouTube button within the search bar. After it is tapped, the app shows you suggestion prompts. Further, if you tap on the Ask YouTube button without a query, a full-screen interface will appear with recommended searches alongside a text box for your queries.

Through a demo video on a Google support page, YouTube showcased how the feature works. "For example, you can ask for help planning a 3-day road trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, and you'll get a structured, step-by-step itinerary instead of a list of videos. The response will bring together a new mix of long-form videos, Shorts, and informative text featuring local tips and must-see stops," the platform said.

Also Read: YouTube Shopping Program Eligibility Threshold Reduced to 500 Subscribers

"You can ask follow-up questions like, "where can I find good coffee?" to explore local spots along your route. We'll surface videos and relevant video segments, accompanied by their titles and channel details, to make it easy to discover new creators and jump into the most helpful content from your search," it added.