Introduction to YouTube’s New Feature
YouTube is rolling out a new feature called Lens to its Shorts platform. This feature will allow users to search for more information about objects, animals, and plants they see in a video. The feature is set to launch in beta in the coming weeks and will be available on the YouTube mobile app.
How Lens Works
To use the Lens feature, users will need to pause a Short and then tap the Lens button in the top menu. They can then circle, highlight, or tap the item they want to search for. YouTube will display visual matches and search results overlaid on the Short. This allows users to quickly find more information about the items they are interested in without having to leave the app.
Example Use Cases
For example, if a user is watching a Short with a landmark in the background, they can use Lens to search for the landmark and find out more about where the video was filmed. This feature has the potential to enhance the user experience and provide more context to the content they are watching.
Important Details to Note
It’s worth noting that Lens does not use biometric facial recognition to identify specific people. However, it may show results for notable public figures. Additionally, the feature will not display ads in the results during the pilot phase, and it will not be available on Shorts with shopping affiliate links to start.
Conclusion
The introduction of Lens to YouTube Shorts is an exciting development that has the potential to enhance the user experience. By providing more context and information about the objects and items in a video, YouTube is making its platform more engaging and interactive. As the feature rolls out in beta, users can expect to see new and innovative ways to interact with the content they watch on YouTube.
