YouTube has unveiled the Lens feature for Shorts videos, and it will be rolled out experimentally in the coming weeks. This feature will allow users to search for additional information about animals, plants, and other elements they see in a video.
For example, if you're watching a short video with a landmark in the background, YouTube says you can use Lens to search for that specific landmark and learn more about the location where the video was filmed.
To use this feature, open YouTube Shorts from the mobile app. When you pause the short video, tap the "Lens" button in the top menu. Then, tap or select the item you want to search for. YouTube will then show visual matches and search results related to the short video.
The platform notes that if you select one of these results, you can "quickly return to the content you were watching."
Google has been expanding the scope of the Lens feature in recent months. You can now search using video, and it can also help you decide what to buy while shopping in-store.
YouTube also clarified that while Lens does not use facial biometric recognition to identify specific individuals, it may show results for prominent public figures. Additionally, no ads will appear in the results during the testing phase.