YouTube is pushing further into artificial intelligence, expanding its suite of AI-driven tools for creators and introducing new technology to estimate users’ ages. In his annual letter, CEO Neal Mohan identified AI as one of YouTube’s key priorities for 2025, alongside efforts to cement the platform’s role in culture, boost YouTubers in the entertainment industry, and expand viewership on TVs, which, as Mohan highlighted, have overtaken mobile devices as the most popular way to watch YouTube in the US with over 1B hours of content being watched on TVs daily, even Shorts.
"As more creators produce content for the big screen, we're bringing the best of YouTube to TVs, including a second screen experience that lets you use your phone to interact with the video you're watching on TV — for example, to leave a comment or make a purchase," Mohan shares. "We’re also experimenting with a new feature called Watch With, which enables creators to provide live commentary and real time reactions to games and events. We began testing this feature last year with the NFL and will experiment with other sports and types of content this year."
Among the new AI-powered features, YouTube will make its auto dubbing tool available to all creators in the YouTube Partner Program later this month. The tool allows videos to be translated into multiple languages with minimal effort, potentially widening audiences for content creators.
AI is also being used to manage content recommendations. YouTube plans to roll out a machine-learning system that estimates users’ ages, which could affect how content is filtered and suggested. Details on how the system will determine age remain unclear, and Mohan did not specify how errors would be handled. Other social platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, have long used similar verification technologies.
The company is also strengthening protections around AI-generated content. YouTube will expand its pilot program with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to help creators detect and manage videos that replicate their likeness using AI tools. This builds on previous efforts to safeguard artists, actors, and musicians from unauthorised AI-generated versions of their faces and voices. Last fall, YouTube introduced an upgrade to its Content ID system to detect AI-generated imitations of individuals. YouTube has already integrated AI into various creative tools, including features for generating video ideas, thumbnails, and backgrounds.
Content monetisation was also mentioned among the best bets for 2025 by Mohan. "We're committed to meeting creators where they are with tools and features that power their businesses and communities. We’ll continue to support their growth through more traditional revenue streams like ads and YouTube Premium, while introducing new ways for creators to partner with brands to bring their products to life," shared Mohan in the letter. "We're also introducing a whole new level of interaction on the platform, giving fans more ways to engage with and support the creators and communities they love. We just opened Communities to thousands more creators and we'll continue expanding access this year. We'll also bring Hype, a new feature that helps fans rally around up and coming creators, to more markets around the world."
