Google revealed today that it is exploring two new generative AI technologies to enhance the YouTube viewing experience. During Google’s testing period, a limited number of YouTube users will have access to these new features.
YouTube will utilize artificial intelligence to organize long comment threads into themes or comment topics to enhance the conversation. According to Google, authors can utilize these comment summaries to get into comment debates or get ideas for new material.
Topics are generated from published comments and will not be generated from comments that are under review or include prohibited terms. The comment test is being conducted on mobile, so users who have access will see a star subject on a limited selection of English-language videos.
While these alternatives are available to select users for testing purposes, YouTube Premium subscribers can opt into these new capabilities because the YouTube Premium subscription includes access to experimental features. Premium users can access comment subjects immediately, while the conversational AI option will be accessible in the coming weeks.
According to Google, the AI capabilities are experimental, and the company “may not always get it right,” which is why these tests are only offered to a restricted number of consumers while Google collects feedback.