YouTube trials 'AI Overviews' to transform video search
The feature, still in early testing, is designed to scan video content using artificial intelligence.
YouTube is rolling out an experimental feature called AI Overviews, aiming to speed up and simplify how users discover videos on the platform.
The feature, still in early testing, is designed to scan video content using artificial intelligence and display the most relevant clips at the top of search results, offering viewers a quicker way to find what they need.
Taking inspiration from Google's AI Overviews in search, YouTube’s version moves away from the traditional list of video titles and thumbnails.
Instead, it introduces a carousel of AI-selected video moments that summarize key parts of videos, helping users access important information more quickly.
For example, searching for topics like "best noise-cancelling headphones" or "top-visited parks in Kenya" would immediately show a set of AI-curated video snippets, giving a quick overview without requiring viewers to watch full-length content.
This change is expected to greatly improve the search experience for areas such as technology reviews, travel advice, and DIY tutorials.
However, while the tool could be useful for users, it has caused concern among content creators who fear it could harm video engagement and earnings.
Currently, the AI Overviews feature is only available to a select group of YouTube Premium users in the United States.
It supports English-language searches, mainly in shopping and travel categories.
Those testing the feature can give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to the AI results, helping YouTube adjust the system based on feedback.
YouTube has emphasized that this rollout is an experiment, with wider availability depending on how users respond.
Despite the potential benefits for viewers, many YouTubers are worried about the impact on their livelihoods.
If audiences can get the information they need from short AI clips, they may not watch full videos, leading to lower watch times, reduced ad revenue, and fewer interactions such as likes, comments, and shares.
These concerns are similar to those raised over Google's AI Overviews in Search, where website owners fear they might lose visitors when answers are summarized upfront by AI.
Content creators who rely heavily on full video views for their income fear that shorter interactions could mean fewer ad impressions and less community engagement, leading to serious financial challenges.
In response, YouTube leadership, including CEO Neal Mohan, has insisted that the goal is to support, not replace, creators.
YouTube is also developing other AI tools such as auto-dubbing videos into different languages, suggesting content ideas based on trends, and AI-assisted editing features to help creators produce videos faster.
The platform maintains that these tools are meant to amplify creator voices and make video production easier, not take away opportunities.
Although AI Overviews are only available to a small group of users now, YouTube has not ruled out expanding the feature globally if it receives positive feedback.
This could eventually see the feature introduced in other regions, including Kenya and beyond.
For now, the future of AI Overviews depends heavily on how users and creators respond to this early trial.
