YouTube Expands Conversational AI to Smart TVs
As conversational AI continues to evolve, YouTube has entered the fray by introducing its AI tools to smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. This new feature aims to enhance user engagement directly on the biggest screen in the home, making it easier for viewers to interact with content while watching.
Enhanced Interaction on the Big Screen
This experimental capability, which was initially confined to mobile devices and the web, now enables users to ask questions about the content onscreen without pausing the video. Viewers can access this feature through the new “Ask” button displayed on their TV screen. Upon clicking it, they will see suggested questions tailored to the video or can utilize their remote’s microphone button to pose queries related to what they are watching. For example, users might inquire about the ingredients in a recipe or the meaning behind song lyrics, receiving immediate answers without interruption.
Select User Availability
Currently, this feature is available to a select group of users over 18 years of age and supports several languages, including English, Hindi, Spanish, Portuguese, and Korean.
Background and Growth
YouTube first introduced this conversational AI tool back in 2024 to enhance how viewers engage with content. The timing of this TV expansion is particularly significant, as more Americans are accessing YouTube via their televisions than ever before. According to a Nielsen report from April 2025, YouTube accounted for 12.4% of total television audience time, surpassing major platforms like Disney and Netflix.
Competitive Landscape
Other tech companies are also making notable advancements in conversational AI. For instance, Amazon has launched Alexa+ on Fire TV devices, allowing users to have natural conversations and request customized content recommendations. Users can even search for specific scenes in movies and ask questions about cast and filming locations.
Roku has upgraded its AI voice assistant to manage open-ended inquiries regarding movies and shows, such as “What is this movie about?” or “How scary is it?” Meanwhile, Netflix is exploring its own AI search capabilities.
Additional Innovations from YouTube
To further enhance the TV viewing experience, YouTube has rolled out a feature that automatically converts videos uploaded at lower resolutions to full HD. The company is also developing a comments summarizer to help viewers keep up with discussions on videos, along with an AI-driven search results carousel. Moreover, in January, YouTube announced upcoming AI-generated Shorts that creators can use to feature their likeness.
Recently, YouTube unveiled a dedicated app for the Apple Vision Pro, providing users with the opportunity to enjoy their favorite content on a theater-sized virtual screen in an immersive environment.
Conclusion
The integration of conversational AI into platforms like YouTube signifies a substantial shift in how audiences interact with digital content. As these features expand and improve, viewers can look forward to an enriched experience that seamlessly blends entertainment and interactivity in their living rooms.
