YouTube is expanding its AI-powered conversational search tool, Ask YouTube, to include new shopping features. Announced at the Made on YouTube event, the tool will now assist users in making purchasing decisions by providing organized product recommendations and comparison tables based on specific user preferences.
The updated feature allows viewers to ask follow-up questions directly on a video's watch page. This functionality is designed to leverage user behavior patterns, where viewers rely on creator opinions and product reviews to inform their shopping choices.
The platform reported significant growth in the usage of Ask YouTube. In June, over 140 million people utilized the tool, representing an increase of more than 500% since December. The system operates on a custom Gemini model that identifies specific moments in videos to answer complex queries.
According to Emily Moxley, VP of Product Management for Viewer AI at YouTube, the model maps user questions to the exact second of a video. This process aims to transform passive search into an interactive experience that connects viewers directly with content and creators.
