YouTube prepares AI-powered feature for users to create custom algorithms
YouTube is reportedly preparing a feature that will allow users to create their own algorithms powered by artificial intelligence (AI).
As reported by TechCrunch on Wednesday (23/9), this YouTube feature involves custom feeds that enable users to describe, in their own words, the types of videos they want YouTube to recommend. To create these, users simply need to type a description of their desired topic into a prompt box on YouTube. These feeds can be created based on specific interests or other objectives.
For example, YouTube suggests users could create a feed containing podcast videos to watch during a 30-minute train journey, or request videos based on a specific mood, such as “calming commentary videos for relaxing.”
The prompt-based feature utilises Google’s Gemini AI model to generate feeds according to user requests. The resulting feeds will then be pinned at the top of the YouTube homepage in a dedicated tab.
Because the feed creation is supported by AI, users can provide longer and more detailed requests, including instructions on how they want the feed curated, what content to include or exclude, which types of content to prioritise, and various other preferences.
The addition of this feature follows similar steps taken by several other social networks, which have introduced tools that essentially allow users to create their own algorithms by explaining what content should be included in their feeds and how that information should be displayed.
YouTube believes that custom feeds will help users navigate the vast amount of video content currently available on the platform. However, this new feature will not replace YouTube’s main feed, which contains all user recommendations. Instead, users will be able to easily switch to the feed that best suits their needs when opening the YouTube application.
YouTube stated that support for creating multiple custom feeds will be launched on both web and mobile versions of the platform starting next month.