Overview

• YouTube began beta rolling the Lens feature on May 29, making it available this week to all iOS and Android viewers.
• Viewers activate the tool by pausing a Short, selecting the Lens option and then tapping, circling or highlighting any on-screen element.
• Lens can identify landmarks, products, animals or plants, translate text in real time and overlay relevant information above the video.
• Search results will exclude ads during the beta phase and will not work on Shorts containing affiliate links or paid product promotions.
• The integration aims to deepen visual discovery and help YouTube compete with rival short-form formats on TikTok and Instagram Reels.