Google has introduced two new AI features for YouTube. Ask YouTube is a conversational search tool designed to handle complex, multi-step questions, while Gemini Omni offers a new AI remixing feature for YouTube Shorts. Both features were announced at Google I/O 2026.
Ask YouTube is currently available to YouTube Premium members aged 18 and older in the United States via youtube.com/new. Wider availability to all users is planned for the future.
The Remixing with Omni feature is being rolled out today at no cost in the YouTube Shorts Remix and YouTube Create apps with an upcoming release on AI Playground.
How Ask YouTube’s conversational search works
YouTube now supports natural-language search queries that go beyond simple keyword matching. Users can ask questions such as how to teach a child to ride a bike or request reviews of relaxing games to play before bed. The system allows follow-up queries to refine results during a search session.
The feature pulls relevant videos from YouTube’s entire catalog, including long-form videos and shorts. Instead of showing a specific list of search results, it presents an interactive, structured response.
Gemini brings AI remixing, watermarking, and creator control to Omni Shorts
Gemini Omni is a new tool designed for AI-assisted remixing of eligible YouTube shorts. Users can add their own prompts and images to an existing short to create a new version, such as giving a scene a 1990s look or placing themselves alongside the creator, all while preserving the context of the original video.
Google states that Gemini Omni handles complex video and audio adjustments automatically, reducing the technical skill required to create a sophisticated remix. The model is also said to understand user intent better than previous remixing tools on the platform and maintain story coherence.
All shorts remixed through Gemini Omni include digital watermarks and identification metadata, which link to the original video. The watermarks are created using Google’s SynthID system designed for AI-generated content.
Creators retain control over their work and can opt out of visual remixing in Shorts at any time. These new remixing tools are being launched alongside YouTube’s expansion of its likeness detection tool to all creators 18 and older, which was announced earlier this week.
The tool allows creators to identify and request removal of unauthorized AI-generated videos featuring their faces.
Where Ask YouTube, Gemini Omni and Likeness Detection are available
Ask YouTube: Premium members aged 18 and older in the US can now access a new feature via youtube.com/new, with a broader rollout planned.
gemini omni Remixing is being done in the Shorts Remix and YouTube Create apps, which are becoming available today at no cost. One
ai playground Integration with Omni is expected soon.
similarity detection Expanding to all creators 18 and older.
Google hasn’t provided any specific timeline for Ask YouTube’s global rollout or expansion beyond premium subscribers.
