YouTube Tests AI-Driven Radio Feature and Rolls Out Sound Search Tool

YouTube Music (YTM) confirmed this week that its testing a new AI-generated conversational radio feature and rolling out a sound search tool, according to Techcrunch.

The AI-driven radio feature, currently accessible to select YouTube Premium users in the US, enables users to create personalized radio stations using voice or text-based prompts. Initially reported last week by 9to5Google and one Reddit user, the feature is currently in its testing phase.

Users who have access to this feature will initially see an “Ask for music any way you like” card prominently displayed in their app/device/account Home feed. This card is quite similar to the existing “Create a radio: Your music tuner” card found in the Library tab.

Upon clicking this card, a chat-based user interface is activated. Here users have the option to enter a personlized prompt or choose from a selection of YTM-suggested options such as “Catchy pop choruses,” “Epic soundtracks,” “Upbeat pop anthems,” “Moscow rock scene,” or “Surprise Me,” as reported by 9to5Google.

After receiving the prompt, YouTube Music (YTM) AI feature generates a radio station presented in the familiar playlist card format. Each station bears the name of the prompt and is tagged as “Created for you,” accompanied by a corresponding description.

YouTube has indicated that the feature, currently in beta testing, will become available to more users in the future.

Another official update from YouTube this week involves rolling out of the new “sound search” feature in its Music category.

As revealed in early screenshots by 9to5Google, users can access this feature by clicking on the magnifying glass icon located in the top-right corner of YouTube Music, which reveals a waveform button next to the existing microphone for voice search. Clicking on this button launches an interface that allows users to search for songs by singing, humming, or playing a segment of the song.

The feature is being rolled out to all Android and iOS users starting July 15, 2024.

In an effort to attract and retain subscribers, leading streaming platforms such as Spotify and Deezer are experimenting with advanced AI tools to enhance personalized music experiences. YouTube’s introduction of the “Ask for music any way you like” tool reflects its determination to remain competitive in the pursuit of expanding its paid subscriber base.