As YouTube moves deeper into the mainstream media ecosystem, it’s no longer just a video platform it’s a full-scale entertainment and information hub. In his latest annual work, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan discussed what the platform will prioritize in 2026, most importantly as Connected TV viewing rises and AI tools become more easily useable to creators.

With YouTube now competing directly with traditional television in many households, the company is making calculated bets on innovation without rewriting its core identity.

AI Tools and Creativity: A Tool, Not a Takeover

YouTube plans to roll out a wave of AI-powered creation tools. These include Shorts made using a creator’s own likeness, simple text-based game creation, and new music experiments.

Mohan frames this as creative empowerment:

“AI will remain a tool for expression, not a replacement.”

That sounds reassuring, but it also raises questions. Watching creators is about connection—real people, real voices, real ideas. An AI-generated version of a creator risks diluting exactly what made audiences care in the first place.

Still, YouTube insists these tools are optional, not mandatory.

Fighting Low-Quality AI Content

With more tools comes more clutter. YouTube acknowledges this risk and says it’s actively addressing it.

“To reduce the spread of low-quality AI content, we’re building on systems that combat spam, clickbait and repetitive videos.”

The goal is simple: empower creators without flooding feeds with forgettable content.

Shorts, Music, and Multiview Take the Spotlight

On Shorts, YouTube will launch still-image carousels and expand music discovery new . The goal is to help users find new artists and understand the stories behind the songs they already love.

For Connected TV users, a fully customization multiview experience is on the way, alongside more than 10 specialized YouTube TV plans covering sports, entertainment, and news. Multiview has already proven popular with sports fans juggling multiple games at once.

Child Safety and Parental Controls Take Center Stage

Protecting younger audience remains a most important work . New tools include Shorts time limits, easier kid account setup and effortless profile switching.

As Mohan puts it:

“This is about empowering parents to protect their kids in the digital world, not from the digital world.”

Shopping and Monetization: A Strategic Play

Shopping is emerging as a quiet but significant focus. With over 500,000 creators already using YouTube Shopping, the platform is pushing frictionless in-app purchases.

“When a creator recommends a product, you’ll be able to buy it without leaving YouTube.”

YouTube is also expanding in-stream monetization and pitching creator sponsorships directly to brands.

Conclusion: Tools Change, Creativity Doesn’t

Despite all the AI talk, YouTube isn’t forecasting a dramatic overhaul. The platform is refining what already works discovery, monetization, safety, and viewing flexibility.

AI may expand what’s possible, but attention will still flow to the most original voices. Tools don’t create culture. People do.