Google is enhancing YouTube Shorts with the functionality of Lens, enabling viewers to search for items they see in videos through visual cues. This feature will be available in beta over the next few weeks, transforming Shorts into a discovery platform—without needing to leave the app or type vague search queries.
To access it, open the YouTube mobile app, navigate to Shorts, and pause the video. A Lens icon will pop up in the upper menu. You can then tap, draw around, or highlight any object on the screen—be it a celebrity’s outfit, a type of plant, or a scenic cityscape—and Lens will provide visual matches and search results displayed directly on the video. When you’re finished, you can continue watching the Short effortlessly.
This represents a significant advancement in user engagement with short-form videos. While platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels emphasize content creation and virality, YouTube is focusing on utility—leveraging its Google infrastructure to transform passive viewing into an interactive experience.
Notably, during the beta period, Lens in Shorts will not feature ads in the search results, and it won’t function on Shorts that contain YouTube Shopping affiliate links or paid promotions. YouTube has also clarified that the feature does not utilize facial recognition, though it may return results for public figures as applicable.
The beta rollout is starting progressively this week. This initiative follows YouTube’s announcement in April regarding various Shorts-oriented tools for creators, including AI stickers, beat-sync features, and enhanced video editing capabilities.
Also Read: WhatsApp adds new Status features including collages, music stickers, and interactive prompts
