YouTube announced several AI-powered updates at Google I/O 2026, introducing new ways for users to search for content and create videos across the platform.
One of the biggest announcements was “Ask YouTube,” a new conversational search experience designed to help users discover videos through more detailed and natural language queries. Instead of searching with simple keywords, users can now ask complex questions such as finding tips for teaching a child how to ride a bike or discovering creator reviews of cozy games to play before bedtime.
Ask YouTube also supports follow-up questions, allowing users to refine searches in a conversational format. The feature compiles relevant results from across YouTube’s full catalog, including both long-form videos and Shorts, and presents them in an interactive structured response format.
The company said Ask YouTube is currently available to Premium members aged 18 and older in the United States through YouTube Labs at youtube.com/new, with broader availability planned in the future.
YouTube also announced expanded creative capabilities powered by Gemini Omni for YouTube Shorts Remix and the YouTube Create app.
Gemini Omni enables users to remix eligible Shorts by adding prompts and images to transform videos while preserving the original context. Examples include changing scenes into a 1990s-inspired aesthetic or inserting users alongside their favorite creators.
According to YouTube, Gemini Omni improves intent understanding and storytelling consistency while managing complex video and audio adjustments behind the scenes. The company said the goal is to reduce technical barriers and allow creators to focus more on creativity and ideas.
YouTube emphasized that Shorts remixed through Gemini Omni include digital watermarks, identifying metadata, and links back to the original videos. Creators can also opt out of visual remixing in Shorts at any time.
In addition, YouTube announced that its likeness detection technology, designed to help creators detect and manage use of their likeness, is expanding to all creators aged 18 and older.
Remixing with Gemini Omni is rolling out immediately at no cost within YouTube Shorts Remix and the YouTube Create app, with availability in AI Playground planned in the near future.
