YouTube Will Soon let Viewers use Google Lens to Search Items in Shorts

YouTube revealed on Thursday that it will soon integrate Google Lens into YouTube Shorts. This new feature, rolling out in the coming weeks, will allow viewers to visually search for objects or places they see in Shorts using Google Lens.

For instance, if a Short features a location you’d like to visit, you can tap on a landmark and use Lens to identify it. This will provide additional information about the place, such as its cultural significance and historical background.

By adding Lens to Shorts, YouTube aims to improve visual search functionality and offer users a more engaging and seamless way to explore and interact with content.

YouTube Gains Competitive Edge by Integrating Google Lens into Shorts

It’s a strategic move for YouTube to boost search functionality in Shorts by incorporating Google Lens—especially since competitors like TikTok and Instagram Reels currently lack this feature.

When the feature becomes available, users can try it by pausing a Short and selecting the “Lens” option from the top menu. From there, they can draw, highlight, or tap on an object they want to search. Google Lens will then display visual matches and related search results overlaid on the video. Once finished, viewers can seamlessly return to the Short they were watching.

YouTube Lens in Shorts Launches Ad-Free Beta with Content Restrictions

YouTube has clarified that during the beta phase, search results will not include ads. Additionally, the Lens feature won’t be available on Shorts that include YouTube Shopping affiliate links or paid product promotions.

The beta rollout is starting this week and will be accessible to all viewers.

Today’s announcement is part of YouTube’s ongoing effort to expand Shorts with new features to better compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels.

Back in April, YouTube introduced several upcoming tools aimed at helping creators produce more compelling short-form videos. These include an upgraded video editor, AI-generated stickers, a tool for syncing clips to music beats, improved templates, and additional creative enhancements.

Read the original article on: Techcrunch

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