Google Lens beta arrives on YouTube Shorts, allowing visual search by circling content in paused videos.
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| Illustration by Febrina Tiara for Business Review |
Google is introducing its powerful visual search tool, Google Lens, to YouTube Shorts, allowing users to interact with video content in an entirely new way. As part of a beta launch, the feature mimics the behavior of the popular circle to search functionality found on Android, offering viewers the ability to visually identify and learn more about items, landmarks, or scenes within a paused Short. Importantly, no ads will be shown during this testing phase.
Google Lens and YouTube Shorts: a visual search integration
YouTube Shorts has grown rapidly, becoming a staple of mobile video content. With its format optimized for quick and engaging viewing, integrating Google Lens offers a smart evolution that enhances discovery. As Rob from the YouTube team explained in a community help thread, the new beta feature will allow viewers to pause any Short and use Lens to search what's on the screen.
“We’re excited to begin rolling out a new beta that brings the magic of Google Lens to YouTube Shorts,” said Rob. “In the coming weeks, you’ll be able to use Lens to search what you see while watching Shorts. For example, if you’re watching a Short filmed in a location that you want to visit, you can select a landmark to identify it, and learn more about the destination’s culture and history.”
This means that, in addition to passively watching video content, users can now actively engage with what they see. Whether it's a scenic backdrop, a trendy product, or a popular dish, a quick circle with Google Lens can open up new learning or shopping pathways.
How to use Google Lens on YouTube Shorts
Although the beta is gradually rolling out and may not yet be available for all users, here’s how it will work once fully deployed:
- Open the YouTube mobile app and enter the Shorts player by tapping on a Short from the homepage or through the Shorts tab.
- Pause the Short by tapping the screen.
- Tap “Lens” in the top menu.
- Use your finger to circle, tap, or highlight anything on screen.
- A Google Lens overlay will appear, offering visual search results and matched content.
- You can then easily return to watching the video after interacting with the Lens results.
This seamless interaction blends Google's visual AI with YouTube's dynamic content ecosystem, effectively turning Shorts into an interactive learning and shopping platform.
No ads during the beta phase
While Google is often quick to monetize new features, it’s taking a different approach with this rollout. For now, there will be no ads included in the search results. As confirmed in the help thread, Google stated:
“During the beta phase of Lens in Shorts, you won’t see ads shown in the search results. Also, the Lens experience isn’t available for Shorts with YouTube Shopping affiliate links or with paid product promotions.”
This ad-free environment ensures that the feature is focused solely on usability and user experience, at least for now. However, this could change once the tool is out of beta and fully integrated into the YouTube Shorts ecosystem.
Early look: what Google Lens in Shorts looks like
YouTube has released a screenshot preview of the feature in action. In the shared image, the viewer has paused a Short and circled a building using Google Lens. Instantly, a Google search panel appears over the paused video, providing relevant information about the circled landmark. The design maintains YouTube’s signature visual aesthetic, keeping the viewer connected to the original content while delivering supplementary results through Lens.
While users can explore related images, web links, and contextual information, they can also return to watching the original Short with just a tap, ensuring the viewing experience remains uninterrupted.
Why this matters for creators and websites
From a digital strategy perspective, this integration of Google Lens into YouTube Shorts has far-reaching implications. For content creators and website owners, it introduces a new method of content discovery. Visual elements within videos can now become search gateways, offering viewers a way to explore more about what they see—and possibly landing them on your site.
Even though advertising is not yet supported in this format, the potential for future monetization exists. Creators who focus on visually rich content, such as travel, fashion, tech, or cooking, could soon find their videos becoming indirect referral sources for traffic and engagement once monetization enters the fold.
Moreover, Google’s decision to keep this feature ad-free in the early stages may help build trust and encourage adoption. Without intrusive ads, users are more likely to engage with Lens results, setting the stage for higher long-term engagement rates when monetization eventually arrives.
Google’s broader vision: visual search everywhere
This move reflects Google’s long-term emphasis on visual search as the future of discovery. The company has invested heavily in AI-powered tools like Google Lens, which has already become a staple on Android devices. Bringing this functionality into YouTube Shorts, the second-largest search engine in the world, is a strategic step forward.
As smartphones increasingly become the primary tool for consuming content, integrating real-time search into short-form video taps into the habits of younger, mobile-first users. They expect instant access to information, and this new feature delivers exactly that.
What comes next?
Though still in beta, the arrival of Google Lens on YouTube Shorts is already generating buzz. Its utility across entertainment, education, and commerce makes it a versatile tool. Users can learn about historical sites, find similar fashion items, or identify unique gadgets, all within a video interface that feels natural and intuitive.
As for the rollout timeline, Google hasn't specified an exact date for full availability. For now, the company seems committed to refining the user experience before introducing broader accessibility or advertising options.
For marketers, content creators, and SEO professionals, now is the time to start planning for a visual-forward future. As video content becomes more search-enabled, ensuring your visual assets are recognizable, high-quality, and optimized for Lens-based queries could become an essential part of digital strategy.
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