YouTube lets you build personalized video feeds with AI prompts

YouTube has launched a new AI feature that creates a personalized video feed from a text description written by the user. There is no longer any need to scroll for a long time through the usual feed looking for content that fits a particular mood or interest.

How the personalized feed works

The feature is available in the "Your custom feed" section on the YouTube home page. The user enters a prompt describing what they want to watch: a specific genre, an interest, a mood or a combination of topics. The AI analyzes the request and builds a feed of videos that match the description. For example, you can type "cozy travel vlogs in the mountains" or "quick dinner recipes", and YouTube will pick matching content.

YouTube also offers ready-made prompts to choose from, in case you can't be bothered to write a description yourself. The suggestions cover popular categories: documentaries, educational videos, music and dance.

When you find a feed you like, you can pin it to the top of the YouTube home page for quick access in the future. This is handy if you often come back to one type of content.

Where and when it works

You can use the feature in the YouTube mobile app or on desktop. For now it is available to English-speaking users in the US, but it will gradually roll out to other regions and languages. If you are in a supported region, the feature should appear soon.

• Works on iOS and Android
• Supported on the desktop version, YouTube.com
• Starts with English
• Gradually expands to other regions
• Available only to signed-in users

Why YouTube is adding this feature

YouTube is trying to make the feed less intrusive: instead of an algorithm deciding for you what to watch, you now describe what you want yourself. It resembles how AI assistants work in other services, but applied to video content.

Personalized feeds help you dive deeper into topics you care about, without unnecessary distractions or recommendations that don't interest you.

You can also use the feature to switch quickly between different types of content. For example, educational videos in the morning, music during the day, comedy in the evening. Instead of waiting for the algorithm to adapt to your mood, you go straight to the feed you need.

What this means

YouTube is learning to listen to users through natural language. It is a first step toward more flexible control over what we watch. Competitors (TikTok, Instagram) will have to hurry with similar features, or YouTube will become more convenient for people who know what they want.

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