Tired of seeing irrelevant videos cluttering your screen? YouTube is finally testing a solution that puts you in the driver’s seat. This new AI experiment lets you curate your own video lineup with just a few words. It might just be the fix we have all been waiting for to solve the algorithm problem.
How the new custom feed feature works
Google is shaking things up on its video platform with a feature currently labeled “Your custom feed”. This tool is rolling out to a limited number of users as a test. You will find it appearing as a new button or “chip” right next to the familiar Home shortcut on your mobile app.
This is not just a simple filter.
When you tap on this new option, the app prompts you to enter a specific topic or vibe. You can type something like “relaxing travel vlogs in Japan” or “advanced python coding tutorials”. The system then uses artificial intelligence to completely refresh your vertical video feed based exactly on that request.
youtube mobile app interface custom feed button icon
“It allows users to customize the recommendations on their home feed. It is about time.”
This is a shift from passive consumption to active direction. You are no longer waiting for the algorithm to guess what you want. You are telling it directly.
Quick Steps to Access the Test
- Open your YouTube mobile app.
- Look at the top navigation bar where categories usually sit.
- Check for a new button labeled “Your custom feed”.
- Tap it and enter your text prompt to reset your view.
Why the current algorithm feels broken today
The timing of this update is crucial because user satisfaction with recommendations has hit a rough patch. We all know the pain of clicking one random video by mistake. Suddenly your entire home page is flooded with similar content you actually hate.
The current system often fails to distinguish between a momentary curiosity and a genuine long-term interest.
There is also a rising issue with “AI slop” content. These are low-quality, mass-produced videos that game the system to appear trending. They push down the high-quality content created by real humans.
Users have felt trapped by these suggestions for years. The platform promotes what is viral rather than what is personally valuable. This new test suggests that YouTube executives finally realize that watch time is not the only metric that matters. User happiness counts too.
Comparing AI prompts to old manual controls
For the last decade, our tools for controlling the feed were incredibly primitive. We had very few options to fight back against bad suggestions.
You likely relied on the “Not Interested” or “Don’t Recommend Channel” buttons. Let us be honest about those tools. They rarely seemed to work effectively.
The new custom feed acts as a reset button for your current session.
It does not permanently alter your long-term profile, but it fixes your immediate experience. Here is how the new approach differs from what we are used to using.
| Feature | Old “Not Interested” Button | New “Custom Feed” Prompt |
|---|---|---|
| Action Type | Passive and negative | Active and positive |
| Speed | Takes weeks to learn | Instant refresh |
| Precision | Vague guesswork | Specific user intent |
| Control | You tell it what to hide | You tell it what to show |
This is a massive philosophical change for Google. They are admitting that their automated systems cannot predict every human mood. Sometimes you just need to ask the human what they want.
What this change means for creators and viewers
This feature could change the game for how content creators get discovered. Currently, creators are at the mercy of the mysterious “algo” gods. They must make clickbait thumbnails to catch broad attention.
If users start searching via prompts, specific niches becomes more valuable than broad appeal.
Imagine a creator who makes very specific history documentaries. In the old model, they might get buried under trending prank videos. In this new model, if a user types “deep dive history documentaries”, that creator has a direct line to a new fan.
However, there are risks involved here too.
If everyone curates their own perfect bubble, we might stop seeing opposing viewpoints. The beauty of the old home page was that it sometimes showed you something you did not know you would like. A purely custom feed might create stronger echo chambers.
We also have to wonder about the technology powering this. It is likely built on Gemini, Google’s AI model. This means the results will only be as good as the AI’s understanding of your prompt.
Potential Benefits for Power Users
- Study Mode: Create a feed purely for educational content without distractions.
- Mood Regulation: Filter out loud or aggressive news when you need to relax.
- Hobby Focus: Turn your feed into a dedicated cooking or woodworking channel instantly.
This update follows a recent trend of giving users digital wellbeing tools. YouTube recently added features to limit time scrolling through Shorts. This new custom feed feels like another step toward “intentional” viewing rather than “mindless” scrolling.
Final thoughts on the future of streaming
We are seeing the beginning of a new era where search and discovery merge into one experience. The “Your custom feed” test is more than just a button. It is an admission that the era of the all-knowing algorithm is fading. People want autonomy over their digital diet. While it is still in the experimental phase, this feature offers a promising glimpse into a future where we control the app, rather than the app controlling us.
What do you think about this new feature? Would you use text prompts to build your own TV channel? Let us know in the comments below. If you see this feature on your app, share a screenshot on X or Instagram using #YouTubeCustomFeed to show us what you found.
