YouTube Expands Conversational AI to TV Apps

In a major step toward redefining television interaction, YouTube is testing a conversational AI feature on smart TVs, gaming consoles and other streaming devices that lets viewers ask questions and engage with video content without leaving the viewing screen.

The experimental feature expands YouTube’s AI tools beyond mobile and desktop platforms and places generative conversation directly in the living room, a move that reflects both user behaviour trends and broader industry competition.

What the Feature Does

The new conversational AI test lets eligible users, currently a select group of adults, access an AI assistant by selecting a new “Ask” button that appears beneath videos on the TV interface. Once activated, viewers can:

Choose from suggested contextual questions about the content.

Use the microphone on their TV remote to ask questions by voice.

Receive instant, on-screen answers without pausing or switching apps.

For example, someone watching a cooking video might ask “What ingredients are needed?” while someone watching a music video could query “Who wrote this song?” and get precise responses seamlessly integrated into the viewing experience.

How It Works

The conversational AI uses Google’s Gemini models, the same underlying technology that powers many of YouTube’s AI features, to generate responses. These answers are drawn from both the video context and external internet sources when necessary, offering richer, more relevant information than traditional keyword search.

That said, YouTube cautions that responses may sometimes be inaccurate or imperfect, a common challenge with large language model systems in early testing phases.

Why Now? TV Viewership is Changing

YouTube’s push into TV AI is timely. Research shows that TV screens have become one of the most popular ways people consume YouTube content, with platform audience share on TV screens surpassing major conventional streamers in some markets.

This shift from phones and computers to larger living-room screens means YouTube must rethink how users interact with content, especially when viewers want answers without interrupting their experience.

Languages and Availability

The current test supports multiple languages including English, Hindi, Spanish, Portuguese and Korean. Access is limited for now, with YouTube saying it will monitor usage before deciding whether to roll out the feature more widely.

Bigger Picture: Competing for the Living Room

YouTube’s experiment reflects an industrywide push toward conversational and AI-driven TV experiences, where tech companies vie to make voice and AI the primary interface for entertainment:

Amazon’s Fire TV devices already offer Alexa-based conversational features that can provide recommendations and content discovery.

Other smart TV platforms are increasingly integrating AI assistants capable of answering questions, searching content libraries, or controlling smart home devices.

By focusing on in-video questions about specific content, YouTube aims to differentiate its approach from generic assistant interactions. turning viewer curiosity into an immediate, integrated experience.

What It Means for Users

If successful, this feature could:

Transform passive viewing into interactive consumption, where learning and entertainment blend seamlessly.

Boost engagement by encouraging deeper exploration of content.

Improve accessibility for users who prefer voice interactions over remote navigation.

However, the long-term impact will depend on accuracy, usability and how broadly YouTube deploys the tool across devices and global markets.

Quick Facts

Feature being tested: Conversational AI “Ask” button on YouTube for TVs.

Technology: Powered by Google’s Gemini AI models.

Current availability: Limited group of users on smart TVs, consoles and streaming devices.

Supported languages: English, Hindi, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean.