What’s happened? Google is making search personal and conversational. Its new “Ask” feature now works inside both Google Photos and YouTube, powered by Gemini AI. Think of Ask button as a conversational layer that lets you talk to your content directly, through Gemini’s contextual understanding.

The new “Ask” button helps you get more information about an image without switching screens. Find answers about a photo’s content, discover related moments, or describe edits you want. 🧵(6/6)

18+ users in eligible US locations. pic.twitter.com/wW3fJOtwQp

— Google Photos (@googlephotos) November 11, 2025

• In Google Photos, the “Ask” tool lets you find pictures or information in plain language, such as “Show me photos from my Paris trip” through text or voice input.
• You can also use Ask feature to describe edits like “Make the sky brighter” and watch them happen instantly.
• On YouTube, a similar “Ask” button is showing up for select users on desktop and mobile.
• It can summarize videos, answer context-based questions, and explain topics without interrupting playback. You can ask “What’s this video about?” or “List all the ingredients in this recipe,” and get AI-generated answers on the spot.

Manisha Priyadarshini / Digital Trends

This is important because: Google’s “Ask” feature moves both Photos and YouTube closer to true AI-native interfaces. Instead of searching through thumbnails or scrubbing through timelines, you can interact directly with your content.

• Both rely on Gemini’s multimodal AI, meaning it can interpret visuals, text, and context together.
• For Google, it’s a way to make Gemini feel invisible but indispensable by baking it directly into apps that billions already use.
• The company says these conversations are not used for ads, and responses are generated in real time, addressing early privacy concerns.

Why should I care? Google is quietly transforming what “search” means, from typing keywords to having a conversation with your own data.

• You can find people, places, or objects across your library without scrolling or tagging.
• Videos can now respond to your questions, making long or complex content easier to digest.

OK, what’s next?

• Ask Photos is currently live for 18+ users in the U.S. Google plans to expand it to over 100 countries and 17 new languages in the coming week.
• YouTube Ask is currently available on select English-language videos on Android, iOS, and desktop. You can find the Ask button below the video player, between the Share and Download buttons.