YouTube has announced a significant enhancement to its short-form video service, "Shorts," a move set to markedly enrich user experience.
In the coming weeks, viewers will gain the ability to use "Google Lens" to search for various elements that catch their eye while browsing short clips.
The company stated that this initiative is part of its ongoing efforts to develop how audiences interact with visual content.
The new feature's operation is seamless and straightforward. When watching any "Short," a user can pause the video.
Then, they tap the "Lens" button that appears in the top menu of the interface. Next, they select the desired item to search for, whether by drawing a circle around it, shading it, or even tapping directly on it.
Immediately, the platform displays visual search results and relevant information, appearing as an overlay on top of the original video.
It's easy to return to watching the original clip after reviewing the search results.
In this context, YouTube clarified that this feature is launching in its initial phase as a beta release.
During this trial period, no advertisements will appear within the search results provided by "Lens."
Furthermore, the "Lens" feature will not be available in "Shorts" clips that include YouTube Shopping affiliate links or those containing paid product promotions.
On another note, the platform stated that this addition will allow viewers—for example—to identify a prominent landmark they see in the background of a video.
Subsequently, they can obtain broader information about the history of that specific place and explore aspects of its culture.
It's worth noting that this move comes as part of Google's endeavor to generalize the uses of "Google Lens" and expand its scope across its various services and products.
It also falls within YouTube's efforts to continuously offer innovative features in the short-form video arena, which faces significant competition from other platforms.
