YouTube Tests Smart Curation: Customizing the Home Feed via Text Prompts, Launching Soon in the US

Google officially announced the arrival of a custom feeds feature for YouTube on Wednesday (19/3), giving users greater control over what appears on the home page. Instead of relying entirely on algorithmic recommendations, users can now type a description of a theme or preference, and the system will display a series of videos matching that request.

The feature can be accessed through the "your custom feeds" button below the search bar. After a user enters a prompt—for example, "long documentaries to relax to at night" or "new DIY creators"—the algorithm will assemble a personal carousel that appears on the home page. YouTube says users can create and save multiple feeds at once, each tailored to different interests.

In a test, a user requested a feed containing "drone videos of the coastlines of Ireland and Iceland." Without including the word "calming," YouTube displayed a collection of landscape videos with soft music within seconds. The user could even refine the request with suggestions such as "focus on sea cliffs" or "no narration," and add a "no AI" filter to avoid content generated by artificial intelligence.

In addition to custom feeds, YouTube announced an "Ask YouTube" capability embedded in product review videos. Users can ask questions directly on the watch page to get recommendations, compare products, or browse categories based on personal preferences. The move strengthens YouTube's position as a platform that not only entertains but also accompanies the shopping process.

"Viewers can create and save multiple feeds tailored to their diverse interests, whether that's 'relaxing at night with long documentaries' or 'new DIY creators,'" YouTube wrote in its official blog.

For Indonesia, the arrival of this feature could potentially change the landscape of digital content consumption. With more than 100 million YouTube users in the country, the ability to curate the home page independently could reduce dependence on an algorithm that is often criticized for pushing viral or extreme content. However, the feature will only be available in the US first, so Indonesian users will have to wait longer. The question is, will YouTube bring a similar feature to developing markets while taking into account language diversity and local preferences?

Google's move is also a signal of competition with platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, which have offered curation controls earlier. By giving users the ability to determine for themselves what appears on the home page, YouTube is trying to retain user loyalty amid the battle for attention. Going forward, this feature could become a new standard in content personalization, but the challenge is ensuring the algorithm remains fair and does not reinforce information bubbles. Will YouTube open global access sooner, or instead limit this innovation to certain regions?