Google is testing Lens search for YouTube and generating effects in Shorts

Google has a very fast-paced developments for their experiments with YouTube. We’ve already reported about generating green screen backgrounds in Shorts which sounds amazing. Now, Google is playing with other features limited to a number of testers: Google Lens search for YouTube videos as user-generated effects on Shorts.

What features is Google testing for YouTube?

First, let’s talk about the Google Lens search. You know how it goes for the mobile and desktop versions, right? You can search for similar images you upload or take with your phone on Google. Well, the YouTube version will allow you to search for existing content on YouTube as well. Here’s how Google describes it in the community thread:

• [June 12, 2024] Testing Google Lens search: We’re experimenting with the ability to search on YouTube via Google Lens 🔎 👀 If you’re in the experiment, you’ll see a Lens button on in the search bar. From there, tap the Lens button to search what you see and receive relevant YouTube content as your search results. You’ll also be able to get more information about the visuals by clicking “Search on Google.” This test is rolling out to a small percentage of viewers who watch YouTube on Android mobile devices.

So, the test is for a limited number of Android smartphone users, but the description doesn’t mention if your input has to be an image or a video.

The other feature that is in an ongoing testing period is the user-generated effects on YouTube Shorts.

• [June 11, 2024] Testing user-generated effects in Shorts: To make Shorts creation even more fun and expressive, we’re running an experiment that gives a small group of creators the ability to design and publish their own unique effects directly to Shorts. All creators can use these user-generated effects in their own Shorts content by tapping the Effects✨ button and exploring from there. This experiment is rolling out to a small percentage of folks at first, but we’re aiming to make it available to more creators later this year. We hope this test will enable all Shorts creators to unleash their creativity with a new repository of effects 🖌️🎨 Stay tuned for updates as we continue to explore new ways to elevate creation on YouTube!

In a nutshell, you’ll be able to create unique effects for your Shorts videos and apply them just by tapping on the Effects button and selecting it. Google also mentions that you also have access to an existing selection of effects. It’s not clear how the generating part works, but you will probably have some base effects you can combine and get unique ones this way.

If you’re one of the happy testers, don’t hesitate to send us your feedback in the comments.