YouTube is launching a new beta feature that lets viewers use Google Lens while watching Shorts. This marks the first time Lens is available directly inside YouTube’s short-form content.

With the new feature, users can visually search for objects, locations, and other elements in YouTube Shorts using Google Lens. The beta is rolling out this week and will expand to more users in the coming weeks.

How users can use Google Lens while watching Short

While watching Shorts on the YouTube mobile app, users can search for any information directly from the video by tapping to pause it. Once paused, they will see a new “Lens” option at the top of the screen. Tapping on this option allows users to circle, highlight, or tap on what they want to search for. Google Lens will then offer visual matches and relevant search results, all overlaid on the video itself. Once they’ve checked out the search results, users can return to the Short and continue watching from where they left off.

In an example shared by YouTube, a viewer might be watching a Short that shows a landmark in a different country. With Lens, they can select that landmark, and the tool will identify it, providing cultural and historical context.

According to Google, Lens search will not use biometric facial recognition to identify people. However, search results may display public figures.

Ads won't be displayed in the results during the test phase

The company says there won’t be any ads in the search results while the Lens integration is still in beta. Lens will also not work on Shorts that include YouTube Shopping affiliate links or paid promotions. If a creator tags a product through YouTube Shopping, the Lens feature is automatically disabled for that video.

Google continues to expand Lens beyond photos

After introducing video search and voice command input to Google Lens in October last year, Google has continued to expand Lens capabilities. Recently, Lens was integrated into AI Mode to support image-based queries. Users can now take a photo or upload an image and ask a question about it. In February, Google rolled out a feature for iPhone users that allows screen search directly in Chrome and the Google app.

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