Google has introduced two new AI features for YouTube. Ask YouTube is a conversational search tool designed to handle complex, multi-step queries, while Gemini Omni powers a new AI remix feature to YouTube short films. Both features were announced in Google I/O 2026.
Ask YouTube is currently available for youtube premium members 18+ in the United States via youtube.com/new. Greater availability for all users is planned in the future.
The Omni Remix feature is rolling out today for free to YouTube Shorts Remix and the YouTube Create app, and will launch soon on AI Playground.
How Ask YouTube Conversational Search Works
YouTube now supports natural language search queries that go beyond simple keyword matching. Users can ask questions like how to teach a child to ride a bike or request reviews of cozy games to play before bed. The system allows for follow-up questions to refine results during a search session.
This feature pulls relevant videos from the entire YouTube catalog, including long and short videos. Instead of displaying a typical list of search results, it presents a structured and interactive response.
Gemini Omni brings AI remixes, watermarks and creator controls to short
Gemini Omni is a new tool designed for AI-assisted remixing of eligible YouTube shorts. Users can add their own messages and images to an existing short to create a new version, such as giving a scene a ’90s look or standing next to a creator, all while preserving the context of the original video.
Google explains that Gemini Omni automatically handles complex video and audio adjustments, reducing the technical skills needed to produce a polished remix. The model is also said to better understand user intent and maintain story consistency compared to previous remixing tools on the platform.
All shorts remixed through Gemini Omni include digital watermarks and identifying metadata, linking to the original video. Watermarks are created using Google’s SynthID system designed for AI-generated content.
Creators maintain control over their work and can opt out of visual remixes in Shorts at any time. These new remix tools are rolling out alongside YouTube’s expansion of its similarity detection tool for all creators over 18, announced earlier this week.
This tool allows creators to identify and request the removal of unauthorized AI-generated videos that show their face.
Where Ask YouTube, Gemini Omni, and Likeness Detection are available
Ask YouTube: Premium members ages 18 and older in the US can now access a new feature through youtube.com/new, with a broader rollout planned.
Gemini Omni is being remixed in Shorts Remix and the YouTube Create app, which are rolling out today at no cost. A
AI Playground Integration with Omni is expected soon.
Similarity Detection is expanding to all creators 18 and older.
Google has not provided a specific timeline for launching Ask YouTube globally or expanding it beyond Premium subscribers.
