Hajra Naz
Google has added a new feature to YouTube Shorts. Now you can use Google Lens to search for things you see in a video right from your phone.
How It Works
Using it is simple:
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Pause the Short by tapping the screen.
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Tap the “Lens” option from the top menu.
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Circle, tap, or highlight anything in the video you want to know more about.
That’s it. Lens will instantly show results above the video. You can find product info, translate text, or learn about a place. When you’re done, just swipe down and continue watching.
This works for things like clothes, landmarks, animals, plants, and even subtitles. Some searches will also give you a detailed AI-powered overview.
Google gave this example:
If you’re watching a video filmed in a cool place, you can tap the landmark and get cultural or historical info about it on the spot.
Things to Know
There are a few limits:
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Lens won’t work on Shorts that include YouTube Shopping product tags or paid promotions.
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No ads appear in Lens results.
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It won’t use facial recognition, but it might show info if the person is famous.
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The feature only works on mobile (Android and iOS).
It’s rolling out this week, but exact dates by region haven’t been shared yet.
What This Means for Creators & Marketers
This update opens up some new opportunities.
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Viewers can now interact with your visuals, not just your voice.
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Travel and tourism businesses get free exposure if their location shows up in a Short.
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Educational content becomes more engaging—viewers can dig deeper into what they’re seeing.
But there’s a trade-off.
If you use affiliate tags, Lens won’t work on your video. So, creators will need to decide: prioritize revenue or visibility?
Looking Ahead
This update changes how people watch YouTube Shorts. It turns passive viewing into an interactive experience.
For marketers, it means one thing: what you show matters more than ever.
Start thinking about your videos in a new way. Add visual moments that invite curiosity. Your viewers aren’t just watching—they’re searching too.
