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After months of anticipation, YouTube has officially rolled out its generative AI tool, the “Ask” button, for Premium subscribers in the United States. Initially teased last year, this feature allows users to interact with YouTube videos in a whole new way by providing answers and recommendations even before a video is completed. Available exclusively to Android users at the moment, the “Ask” button represents the latest innovation in integrating AI technology into the YouTube platform.
The “Ask” button, which is visible for select English-language videos, offers a conversational AI-driven approach to enhancing user interaction. With this tool, viewers can ask questions about the content they’re watching, receive recommendations for similar videos, and even generate a summary of the current video. The functionality is powered by a large language model (LLM), using data from both YouTube and the web to deliver quick, relevant responses. While this feature was originally introduced as an experimental tool for US-based Premium subscribers, some non-Premium users may also find it available for specific academic learning videos.
Interestingly, while the button is currently limited to Android users, there has been no official word on when it will extend to web or iOS platforms. Additionally, there’s uncertainty surrounding its future availability in other countries outside the U.S. According to YouTube’s support page, the “Ask” button will appear for only certain videos, which may make it difficult for users to determine where and when they can use this tool. The exact placement of the button has also been in flux. In some instances, it appears as a pill-shaped button below the video player, while in other cases it has shown up as a swipeable option in the comments box.
This move by YouTube is part of its larger push to integrate generative AI tools across its platform, similar to Google’s approach in other services. YouTube’s choice to prioritize Premium subscribers aligns with its ongoing strategy of offering experimental features to paying users first. The feature’s long-awaited release has sparked considerable interest, and YouTube is expected to continue refining and expanding it in the coming months.
YouTube has also unveiled an official video showcasing how the “Ask” button functions. By utilizing suggested prompts, users can not only ask questions but also receive detailed video summaries or recommendations based on the current content. This tool is aimed at improving user experience by providing seamless access to additional information while watching videos.
For now, the feature remains exclusive to Premium subscribers in the U.S., and its broader rollout will likely depend on user feedback and further testing.