My YouTube algorithm is now my personal oracle, but Google’s new Custom Feeds feature allows me to directly influence what videos appear on my home screen. With a few clicks, I can request a mix of macaroni and cheese recipe videos, Caleb Hearon compilations, and crystal singing bowls, and the algorithm does the heavy lifting.
Emily Moxley, YouTube’s VP of product management, says, “Users are always telling us that they want more control.” Custom Feeds provide a natural-language solution, letting users tell YouTube precisely what they want to see. The feature is set to roll out to all US users, providing a low-stakes way to tweak the algorithm without fear of messing things up.
The Custom Feeds button sits alongside other topic tabs, allowing users to save multiple custom feeds for different moods or occasions. While it’s a step towards algorithmic autonomy, it also feels like a playful interaction, a way to blend multiple preferences for a perfect blend of content.
YouTube’s event for 2026 also highlighted other generative AI features, like the Ask YouTube chatbot, which allows for more specific video queries. However, the Custom Feeds feature stands out as a direct, user-friendly way to tweak the algorithm, reflecting a broader trend in software companies giving users more control over their digital experiences.
