YouTube is making it easier to discover content with a new AI feature that creates custom video playlists based on user prompts. The platform announced its “Your custom feed” tool, which builds personalized collections of videos by simply describing what you want to watch.
The feature represents YouTube’s latest move to compete with music streaming services like Spotify, which launched a similar AI playlist tool earlier this year. It also signals how major platforms are racing to integrate AI tools that help users cut through the noise of endless content libraries.
To create a custom feed, users tap the “Your custom feed” chip at the top of their homepage and enter a text prompt describing their interests. Google suggests examples like “15-minute HIIT workouts that don’t need any equipment and zero jumping” or “deep-dive tech podcasts to learn more about using AI for work.” The resulting playlist can be pinned to your homepage for quick access later.
Users can edit their prompts anytime from the text box at the top of their custom feed to create entirely new collections. This flexibility allows the feature to adapt as interests change or for different moods and activities throughout the day.
The timing is significant as content discovery becomes increasingly challenging on platforms with billions of videos. YouTube’s recommendation algorithm has long been a key part of the viewing experience, but this new tool gives users more direct control over what they see. It’s part of a broader trend where platforms are adding AI assistants to help users navigate overwhelming content libraries.
The custom feed feature is now rolling out to signed-in viewers in the US on mobile and desktop devices, but only in English. Users need to have their YouTube search and watch history enabled in their account settings for the feature to work properly. There’s no word yet on when it might expand to other languages or regions.
This launch comes shortly after YouTube introduced tools to detect and label AI-generated videos, showing the platform’s dual approach to artificial intelligence. While implementing safeguards against potentially misleading AI content, YouTube is also embracing AI tools that enhance user experience and content discovery.
