YouTube’s latest experiment brings its conversational AI tool to TVs | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Lauren Forristal

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

YouTube is rolling out its conversational AI tool to smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming devices, marking a significant expansion of the feature beyond its previous availability on mobile and web platforms. This new capability allows users to interact with content directly on their TV screens by asking questions related to what they’re watching, such as recipe details or song lyrics, without pausing or switching apps. The feature, currently available to eligible users over 18 in English, Hindi, Spanish, Portuguese, and Korean, includes suggested queries based on the video or voice commands via the remote’s microphone button. The move reflects YouTube’s recognition of the growing importance of TV as a viewing platform. A Nielsen report highlights that YouTube now accounts for 12.4% of total television audience time in the U.S., surpassing major streaming platforms like Disney and Netflix. By bringing its AI assistant to TVs, YouTube aims to enhance the user experience by making it easier to engage with content without breaking focus. This expansion also underscores the broader trend of tech companies integrating conversational AI into living room experiences. Competitors like Amazon and Roku have already made strides in this space, with features that allow users to ask questions about movies or shows, search for specific scenes, or request tailored recommendations. YouTube’s new TV-focused AI tool joins these efforts, offering a similar level of interactivity but with the added benefit of being tied directly to its vast library of content. In addition to the conversational AI feature, YouTube has introduced other AI-driven enhancements for TV viewing. These include automatically upscaling lower-resolution videos to full HD and launching features like AI-powered comment summaries and an interactive search results carousel. The company is also exploring AI-generated avatars for creators, as well as immersive viewing experiences through its

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Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/19/2026