As part of its latest effort to improve user engagement and learning, YouTube has begun testing AI-generated exams on specific educational videos available on its iOS and Android apps. The novel feature is anticipated to enhance the viewing experience by facilitating a more thorough comprehension of the topics covered in the videos. It will also provide YouTube with information regarding the efficacy of its videos in conveying particular subjects.

The exam feature, announced on YouTube’s experiments page, will initially be accessible to a limited number of global users who watch a certain number of educational videos. The exercises will only be accessible for a subset of English-language content and appear as links beneath recently viewed videos in the home feed.

As with all innovations, whether this endeavor will become a permanent part of the platform is uncertain. While some users may not be inclined to partake in quizzes while browsing, it is undeniable that YouTube’s vast repository of educational content has fostered an active learning community. This is evidenced by the popularity of “edutainment” channels such as TED-Ed and HowToBasic, which have 18.8 million and 17.3 million subscribers, respectively.

Given the platform’s reputation as an educational tool, YouTube’s experiment could benefit those attempting to increase their knowledge. Teachers who use the platform to acquire or create educational content could use this function to enhance their student’s understanding of a topic. Likewise, lifelong learners could use the exams to self-evaluate their comprehension of new topics.

Earlier this year, YouTube collaborated with Crash Course and Arizona State University to launch the “Study Hall” initiative to expand its educational offerings. This initiative gives college students free access to four courses in various subjects, including college math, American history, English composition, and more. John and Hank Green’s Crash Course has accumulated approximately 1.6 billion views and 14.8 million subscribers.

YouTube is not only improving its educational content but also its user experience in other areas. Exclusively for its Premium subscribers, the video-sharing platform is concurrently testing a three-strike ad-blocking policy and a new lock screen feature. As YouTube continues to adapt and innovate, its commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment and enhancing the user experience remains unmistakable.