Google is testing AI chatbot search for YouTube

The Verge / 4/28/2026

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Google is testing an AI Mode-like, conversational search experience for YouTube, with results that combine longform videos, YouTube Shorts, and related text.
The experiment introduces an “Ask YouTube” interaction in the search bar, letting users submit natural-language prompts.
Early functionality is being rolled out in the US to YouTube Premium subscribers aged 18 and older, suggesting a phased regional and subscription-based launch.
The update indicates Google is moving YouTube search toward AI-driven discovery rather than traditional keyword-only retrieval.

A screenshot of the “Ask YouTube” search experience.

Google is trying out an AI Mode-like search experience for YouTube. The company is now testing "a new way to search on YouTube that feels more like a conversation," with results pulling in things like longform videos, YouTube Shorts, and text about what you're searching for. The "experiment" is now available if you're a YouTube Premium subscriber in the US who is 18 or older.

I turned it on for my account. Now, in the search bar, I see an "Ask YouTube" button, and clicking the search bar shows prompts to ask like "funny baby elephant playing clips," "summary of the rules of volleyball," and "short history of the Apollo 11 moon landing." If …

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