YouTube Unveils AI-Powered Custom Feeds to Give Users Direct Control Over Recommendations
YouTube announced a new 'Custom Feeds' feature at its Made on YouTube 2026 event, allowing users to use natural language prompts to curate their homepage. The tool, powered by large language models, lets viewers request specific vibes or topics, such as 'rainy Shanghai cafe jazz,' without altering their main algorithmic profile. While YouTube tested a direct algorithm-steering tool earlier, it was scrapped due to user anxiety; Custom Feeds offers a low-stakes alternative. The feature is rolling out to US users across mobile, desktop, and TV, joining a broader industry trend of AI-driven personalization seen on Instagram and Spotify.