Key facts
- YouTube is launching a new feature called custom feeds.
- Users can create custom feeds by typing descriptions of desired video content into a prompt box.
- The feature uses Google's Gemini AI model to generate the feeds.
- Custom feeds will be pinned to the top of the YouTube homepage in a dedicated tab.
- The feature aims to help users better explore the platform's extensive video library.
- Support for custom feeds will roll out on YouTube web and mobile starting next month.
YouTube is introducing a new feature called custom feeds, which will allow users to create personalized video recommendations by describing their desired content in natural language. This new functionality leverages Google's Gemini AI model to generate these custom feeds based on user prompts. The resulting feeds will be accessible via a dedicated tab at the top of the YouTube homepage, offering an alternative way to navigate the platform's extensive content library, which reportedly exceeds 20 billion videos.
This move by YouTube follows similar initiatives by other social media and content platforms, including Bluesky, Meta's Threads and Instagram, X, and Spotify, which have also introduced features enabling users to curate their own algorithmic feeds. YouTube believes this will enhance content discovery for its users.
Emily Moxley, VP of Product Management for Viewer AI at YouTube, highlighted the vastness of the platform's content, stating, "There’s over 20 billion videos in the YouTube corpus, so you’re always one search away from a treasure trove of topics." The custom feeds will not replace YouTube's main recommendation feed but will offer users an additional, tailored way to access content.
The company plans to roll out support for creating multiple custom feeds across its web and mobile platforms starting next month.