YouTube to roll out custom feeds and GIFs in comments

Video streaming platform YouTube is set to change the user experience once again. The company announced several new features at its Made on YouTube event, the most notable being a feature called Custom Feeds.

With this feature, users will be able to use AI to build a separate video feed tailored to their preferences. In addition, a GIF option will soon be added to the comment section.

According to available information, YouTube's Custom Feeds feature will let users create different video feeds based on their preferences and needs. Users can describe in simple language the kind of videos they want to see. For instance, someone could create a separate feed for workout videos, long documentaries, or new creators in a particular category.

In this feature, AI will manage videos according to the preferences stated by the user. Google's Gemini AI model will reportedly be used for this. The feed created will appear as a separate tab on YouTube's homepage. Users will also be able to create more than one custom feed as needed.

Custom Feeds will initially be made available to users in the United States. According to the company, the feature could soon roll out on web, mobile and TV. This means users will be able to choose YouTube content based on their mood, preferences and routine. Notably, custom feeds will not replace YouTube's existing main feed, but will give users the option to switch between different feeds as needed.

A major change is also coming soon to YouTube's comment section. Users will now be able to use GIFs, not just text, while commenting on videos. A library of GIFs will be available on the platform for this, from which users can pick a GIF of their choice and paste it into a comment. This feature is expected to be available on YouTube's mobile app worldwide by the end of this year, letting users express themselves in the comment section in different ways.