YouTube will start playing advertisements directly after the “peak” moments of its videos, the latest in a string of new tools from its parent company that are backed by artificial intelligence (AI).
The platform will use Google’s AI model Gemini to identify the point in videos “where audiences are the most engaged” – and allow brands to place ads there, the company said in a blog post Wednesday.
YouTube gave an example: A video of a marriage proposal atop a snowy mountain could be strategically interrupted with an ad immediately after the groom pops the question.
The new tool is called “Peak Points,” YouTube said when it announced the feature at an event celebrating its 20th anniversary on Wednesday.
The company’s ad revenue reached nearly €8 billion in the first quarter of 2025, a 10 per cent increase compared to last year.
That does not include the additional revenues YouTube generates through subscriptions.
Betting on AI
Alphabet, which is the parent company of both Google and YouTube, has been leaning heavily on AI as it plots its growth.
Last month, the company announced a $75 billion (€65.9 billion) investment aimed primarily at bolstering its AI infrastructure in 2025.
The tech giant is also pushing its Gemini model into Android devices and increasing its capabilities for cars, watches, and TV.
“Peak Points” is Google’s latest foray into using AI to maximise advertising potential.