YouTube TV users can now ask AI questions without pausing videos
YouTube is expanding its conversational AI tool to television screens and other large-format devices. The feature, previously available on mobile and web platforms, now operates on smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. Users can ask questions about video content without pausing or navigating away from playback. The tool is currently in an experimental phase and supports multiple languages.
Accessing the AI assistant on televisions involves tapping a dedicated “Ask” button displayed on the screen interface. Alternatively, users can press the microphone button on their remote control to speak a query. The system provides suggested questions relevant to the specific video being watched, though viewers may ask custom questions. For example, a user watching a cooking tutorial can inquire about ingredient lists, or a listener can request song lyrics without interrupting the audio stream. The feature requires the user to be at least 18 years old. It supports English, Hindi, Spanish, Portuguese, and Korean. This tool was initially launched in 2024 to help viewers explore content in greater depth.
The expansion to television environments coincides with a shift in viewing habits. Data from a Nielsen report released in April 2025 indicates that YouTube captured 12.4% of total television audience time in the United States. This figure places YouTube ahead of traditional media giants and streaming competitors, including Disney and Netflix, in terms of total watch time. The platform’s presence in the living room has grown as more households access the service through connected TVs.
Competitors are simultaneously integrating advanced AI to improve content discovery on television interfaces. Amazon has deployed Alexa+ on Fire TV devices, allowing for natural language interactions. Users can ask Alexa+ for recommendations, locate specific scenes within movies, or query details regarding actors and filming locations. Roku has also upgraded its voice assistant to interpret open-ended questions, such as inquiries about a movie’s plot or intensity level. Netflix is currently testing an AI-powered search experience to refine how users find content within its library.
Beyond conversational interfaces, YouTube is utilizing AI to improve video quality and user navigation. The platform recently introduced a feature that automatically enhances lower-resolution uploads to full HD on television screens. The company has also launched a comments summarizer to help viewers quickly understand video discussions, alongside an AI-driven search results carousel. In January 2025, YouTube announced a forthcoming capability allowing creators to produce Shorts using AI-generated versions of their own likeness. Furthermore, the company released a dedicated app for the Apple Vision Pro, enabling users to view content on a theater-sized virtual screen.