YouTube rolls out tools for microdramas, an AI storytelling assistant for script analysis, video A/B-testing, and more, as it battles Netflix over top creators (Ben Fritz/Wall Street Journal)

YouTube launched a new AI editing assistant and enhanced insight tools for content creators during their Made on YouTube event on Wednesday. The AI editing assistant, set to roll out in early 2027 for YouTube Shorts and YouTube Create, uses natural-language conversation to assist creators in editing their footage into videos and short clips.

Creators retain control over the editing process, as the AI selects the best takes and applies transitions and text. YouTube also unveiled new Insight tools in YouTube Studio, including a Research feature that displays the top-performing videos in a creator's niche watched by their own audience. Creators can now upload videos for YouTube's feedback and make revisions before publishing.

The platform introduced customizable thumbnails and a Dynamic Thumbnails feature that uses algorithms to select thumbnails most likely to engage each viewer. Additionally, A/B testing for entire videos allows creators to choose the best version based on viewer retention data. The company also introduced Ask Studio, which can analyze a creator's existing content to optimize thumbnails and apply A/B testing.