YouTube rolls out new AI tools and major partnerships to boost India’s creative and knowledge sectors

At the recent YouTube Impact Summit, the platform introduced a suite of new AI-powered features, educational initiatives, and safety tools, all while revealing significant economic insights from Oxford Economics. The report indicates that YouTube’s contribution to India's GDP surpassed ₹16,000 crore last year, creating over 930,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Gunjan Soni, YouTube's Managing Director for India, emphasized the platform's extensive influence. "Our impact transcends mere viewership; it’s fundamentally about livelihoods and shared economic growth. Notably, 63% of our monetizing creators identify YouTube as their primary revenue source. Our mission is to provide the necessary infrastructure for their success," she stated. Soni highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships aimed at skill development and the introduction of new AI tools designed to empower emerging entrepreneurs, all rooted in a commitment to responsible practices. Smt. Annapurna Devi, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, expressed her support for YouTube’s renewed emphasis on credible information and digital inclusion. "It’s heartening to see platforms like YouTube align with our ministry’s objectives by creating pathways to reliable information, economic independence, and digital literacy. Collaborating with platforms like YouTube enhances our efforts to foster entrepreneurship and create a safer online environment, thereby reinforcing a Digital India where women can innovate and children can learn securely." With 98% of Indian users relying on YouTube for knowledge and information, the platform has announced two key partnerships. Collaborating with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), YouTube aims to train students in Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality. This partnership will include expert-led sessions, AI-driven project funding, and support for IICT’s YouTube presence. Vishwas Deoskar, CEO of IICT, referred to this collaboration as pivotal for future creators, stating, "India’s creative sector is at a critical juncture, and AI will redefine storytelling. Our partnership with YouTube is vital in bridging the gap between education and global opportunities, providing students with access to the technology and expertise necessary to excel in animation, film, and gaming." YouTube is also joining forces with AIIMS to enhance access to professional nursing training, offering expertly designed modules on crucial topics such as wound care and infection control. Dr. Latha Venkatesan, Principal at the College of Nursing, AIIMS, noted, "Digital learning is a vital resource for expanding access to quality education. This collaboration with YouTube allows us to extend AIIMS’ trusted curriculum beyond our campus, equipping nurses nationwide with the skills essential for delivering exceptional patient care." Among the new features introduced, YouTube has launched a conversational AI tool within the video player, enabling viewers to ask questions and receive immediate responses, initially in English with Hindi support to follow. Other enhancements include expanded First Aid shelves in both English and Hindi, new daily time limits for Shorts, and improved settings for mindful viewing, particularly for younger audiences. For content creators, YouTube is implementing an ‘Edit with AI’ feature in the YouTube Create app, designed to streamline editing processes and reduce production time. Additionally, the platform is rolling out likeness detection tools in open beta, allowing creators to identify and request the removal of AI-altered videos that misappropriate their image. Gunjan Soni reiterated that India is central to YouTube's global vision. "India is not merely a market; it’s a fountain of global innovation and culture. The creativity here is remarkable. By integrating our top-tier AI technology and collaborating with esteemed institutions like IICT and AIIMS, we are investing not just in a platform but in the ingenuity of the Indian people. The future of the internet is being crafted right here, and we are proud to contribute to it." During the event, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Minister for Culture and Tourism, remarked, "India's culture is our most valuable asset, and digital platforms like YouTube are crucial for sharing it. Creators who highlight our regional arts and local artisans or guide audiences through our historical sites serve as digital ambassadors for our heritage. This collaboration is vital for advancing India's creative economy and showcasing our rich cultural heritage to a global audience. Together, we are fostering a dynamic, creative economy and ensuring that India’s legacy continues to inspire the world.