YouTube is testing AI hosts within the YouTube Music app as part of its new Labs program. The AI hosts aim to enhance user experience by providing relevant stories, trivia, and commentary related to various music tracks, according to a blog post from YouTube.
Individuals interested in participating in YouTube Labs, which focuses on AI experiments, can check their eligibility through YouTube’s website. The program allows a select number of US-based users to test early versions of new features. However, some users, even if they have joined the Labs program, may not have immediate access to new features, as reported by some participants.
This initiative aligns with Google’s efforts to broaden AI capabilities, including the development of tools like NotebookLM, which assists users in reviewing and studying subjects. The introduction of AI hosts in YouTube Music is seen as a logical extension of these ongoing AI projects. Additionally, YouTube’s Labs program mirrors Google’s existing AI-focused Labs initiative.
In related news, YouTube has expanded some Premium-only features to additional platforms. Notably, the jump ahead feature, which utilizes AI to skip to engaging parts of videos, is now available on YouTube for TV and gaming consoles. This feature had begun rolling out to some TV users earlier this year, confirming the platform’s ongoing commitment to integrating AI-driven functionalities across its services.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/786697/youtube-labs-ai-experiment-music-radio-hosts