AI-Powered Comment Topics and Conversational Tool
YouTube has announced it is testing two new generative AI-powered features designed to enhance how viewers interact with content and help creators better engage their audiences.
The first feature, called “Comment Topics,” uses AI to automatically organize large comment sections of long-form videos into grouped themes. This makes it easier for both creators and viewers to understand what’s being discussed. For creators, it offers insight into community interests, which can spark new video ideas or allow for quicker, more relevant responses.
Creators can remove entire topics by deleting comments within them, but note that the tool only categorizes published comments, excluding those under review or blocked. Currently, this feature is available only on a limited number of English-language videos with a high volume of comments.
The second feature, YouTube’s Conversational AI, allows viewers to ask questions about a video while watching it, without interrupting playback. It also recommends related content and, in the case of educational videos, can generate quizzes and interactive learning suggestions to deepen viewer engagement.
While both tools are still in early testing, YouTube Premium subscribers can already opt into the Comment Topics tool and will soon gain access to the Conversational AI experience.
Easier Promotions for Creators
YouTube is also experimenting with a new “Promotions” tab within YouTube Studio, designed to help creators promote their content without having to use Google Ads Manager. This feature simplifies the workflow by allowing video promotions to be launched directly from the Content page on desktop.
“We’ve heard that creators want more tools to help grow their channel and reach a wider audience,” YouTube said in a support post. The tab is currently in testing with a small group of creators.
Analytics and Livestreaming Tools Get Upgrades
In line with its creator-first strategy, YouTube now allows users to view key channel metrics—including performance stats for videos, Shorts, and livestreams—directly from the main YouTube app, closing the gap between YouTube Studio and the standard mobile experience.
In addition, livestream scheduling and management are being rolled out more broadly. Creators can now manage mobile livestreams directly from the Live Control Room and YouTube Studio, a significant upgrade from the previous limitation of only moderating live chats in the mobile app.
Experimental Features for Premium Users
YouTube Premium users are also seeing more experimental features rolled out, including:
- Recommended Videos in Queue: This allows Premium users to receive personalized video recommendations directly in their playback queue. The feature draws from the user’s general watch history and is being tested until April 7, 2025.
- 4x Playback Speed: Also exclusive to Premium subscribers, this feature doubles the standard maximum playback speed, offering a new way to consume content quickly. It’s available on both Android and iOS through the video settings menu, also until April 7, 2025.
With AI integrations, simplified promotion tools, and improved analytics, YouTube is signaling a major commitment to creator growth and Premium user experience. While many features remain in limited testing, the direction is clear: a smarter, faster, and more interactive YouTube ecosystem is on the horizon.