YouTube is testing its own 18+ AI chatbot to provide video recommendations

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YouTube has launched a new AI chatbot for adult users that can answer difficult questions and suggest videos to watch.

People who pay for YouTube Premium in the US can now test out a new feature called “Ask YouTube” that uses artificial intelligence.

A new feature is being tested until June 8th that allows users to ask questions about videos and get a text summary of the answers.

YouTube says this new way to search – a more conversational approach – isn’t meant to replace the current search bar, but instead work alongside it and help users find new content creators.

“Ask YouTube” AI revealed

For instance, YouTube explains that you can now ask for detailed help with things like planning a road trip – say, a 3-day drive from San Francisco to Santa Barbara – and receive a clear, step-by-step plan, rather than just a bunch of video links.

I’m really excited about this new feature! It sounds like they’re going to combine longer videos with those quick Shorts, plus helpful text with local recommendations – basically everything you need to plan a trip. And the coolest part? You can even ask questions like where to get good coffee, and the platform will send you directly to the right moment in the videos to find the answer. It’s like having a personal travel guide!

YouTube is testing a new feature called ‘Ask YouTube’ that works a bit like Google’s AI. You’ll see an ‘Ask YouTube’ button in the search bar. Tap it and type your question just like you would in any chatbot.

— Tech Warrant (@TheTechWarrant) April 28, 2026

When tested by The Verge, the AI responded to a request for a brief overview of the Apollo 11 moon landing by providing a summary of the mission, along with video clips linked to specific moments like the launch.

Right now, this feature is limited to US-based YouTube Premium users who are 18 or older and have chosen to participate in testing. However, YouTube plans to eventually offer it to all subscribers, even those without Premium.

If you’re eager to start using it right away, be aware that YouTube has increased the price of its Premium subscription to $15.99 per month, so it will cost a little more.

This test is happening as YouTube increasingly uses artificial intelligence, including features like letting creators build digital versions of themselves. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan has also announced plans for more AI-powered content moderation.

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2026-04-28 18:44