YouTube Adds AI-Powered Ask YouTube Search and Gemini Omni Shorts Remixing

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 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 over in the United States through youtube.com/new. Broader availability to all users is planned for the future.

The remixing feature with Omni is being rolled out today at no cost in YouTube Shorts Remix and the YouTube Create app, 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 like how to teach a child to ride a bike or request reviews of cozy games to play before bed. The system allows follow-up questions to refine results during a search session.

This feature pulls relevant videos from across YouTube's entire catalog, including long-form videos and Shorts. Instead of showing a typical list of search results, it presents an interactive, structured response.

Gemini Omni Brings AI Remixing, Watermarking, and Creator Controls to 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 a creator, all while preserving the original video's context.

Google explains that Gemini Omni handles complex video and audio adjustments automatically, reducing the technical skills needed to produce a polished remix. The model is also said to better understand user intent and maintain story coherence compared to previous remixing tools on the platform.

All Shorts remixed through Gemini Omni include digital watermarks and identifying metadata, which link back to the original video. The watermarks are created using Google's SynthID system designed for AI-generated content.

Creators maintain control over their work and can choose to opt out of visual remixing in Shorts at any time. These new remixing tools are being rolled out alongside YouTube's expansion of its Likeness Detection tool to all creators aged 18 and over, announced earlier this week.

This tool allows creators to identify and request the removal of unauthorized AI-generated videos that feature their face.

Where Ask YouTube, Gemini Omni, and Likeness Detection Are Available

Ask YouTube: Premium members aged 18 and over in the US can now access a new feature through youtube.com/new, with a broader rollout planned.

Gemini Omni is being remixed into Shorts Remix and the YouTube Create app, which are rolling out today at no cost. An

AI Playground integration with Omni is expected soon.

Likeness Detection is expanding to all creators aged 18 and older.

Google has not provided a specific timeline for the global rollout of Ask YouTube or for expanding it beyond Premium subscribers.

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