YouTube Expands AI-Powered Search Carousel for Premium Users.

Key Takeaway.

• YouTube tests an AI-powered search carousel for faster, visual content discovery.
• Available to U.S. Premium users via YouTube Experiments.
• Designed to make video discovery faster and more visual for topics like shopping, travel, and activities.

Still scrolling endlessly for the perfect video? YouTube has just made discovery smarter and faster. The platform is rolling out its AI-powered search results carousel to even more YouTube Premium users across the U.S.—and it’s looking like a slick upgrade.

First introduced in June, YouTube Expands AI-Powered Search Carousel for Premium Usershis experimental feature appears at the very top of certain search results, especially those related to shopping, travel, or local experiences. Instead of sifting through countless thumbnails, you’ll now see a visually rich row of curated videos—each wrapped with a concise, AI-generated topic description. Think of it as your personalized highlight reel based on what you’re querying, like “best beaches in Hawaii.” YouTube’s interface becomes cleaner and more useful, cutting straight to the content you’re after.

How To Try YouTube Carousel Feature.

If you're using YouTube Premium in the U.S. on the mobile app (iOS or Android), give it a go while the feature is live through August 20—that’s the current window YouTube has opened up for wider testing. To opt in, head to your YouTube Premium New Features page and enable the carousel experiment. If all goes well, this smart search tool might roll out to more regions or even non-Premium users later on.

Steps to use Carousel Feature in YouTube:

Step 1. Open the YouTube app on your mobile device (iOS or Android).

Step 2. Ensure you're signed in to a YouTube Premium account — the carousel is currently limited to Premium subscribers in the U.S.

Step 3. Search for a topic that typically triggers the AI carousel — especially queries like shopping, travel, or “things to do in [location]”.

Step 4. Look for the AI-powered carousel at the top of the search results. It will feature:

• A large highlight video that matches your query.
• Below it, a row of curated thumbnail videos related to your topic.
• An AI-generated text snippet summarizing the search topic.

Step 5. Interact with the carousel:

• Tap the large video to play it directly.
• Tap any thumbnail to watch that specific clip.

For Viewers: You get a cleaner search experience and faster discovery, especially useful when planning trips or shopping.

For Creators: AI-powered positioning inside carousels may offer more visibility, but only if your content matches AI-curated trends.

For Marketers: Videos in travel, shopping, and local themes could see a spike in views—AI is essentially elevating heavy-hitting, relevant content.

YouTube’s AI search carousel showcases how generative tools can simplify discovery—bringing the best clips front and center, with less effort. Stay tuned, because if testing is successful, this feature could become a standard across platforms.

Add the Same File to Multiple Folders in Google Drive (Without Duplicating!)

We've all been there. You're deep into a project, a client presentation, or even just planning a family trip. You create a crucial document – let's say, your "Project Alpha Budget.xlsx." It's meticulously crafted, filled with vital numbers, and the result of hours of work.

Now, where does it belong? It's clearly a "Project Alpha" file, so it should be in your Project Alpha folder. But wait, it's also a key financial document, so it needs to be accessible from your Finance > Budgets folder. And what about the Client X > Deliverables folder, since this budget is also a key deliverable for them?

The common, almost instinctive, reaction for many Google Drive users is to copy the file. You duplicate "Project Alpha Budget.xlsx" into all three folders. Problem solved, right?

But what if there was a better way? Google Drive has a powerful feature that solves this exact problem: shortcuts. Think of it as creating a digital "alias" or "pointer" to your original file. When you interact with a shortcut, you're always working on the single, most up-to-date version of the document, no matter which folder you access it from.

In this guide, we'll dive deep into how to add the same file to multiple folders in Google Drive using these smart shortcuts, ensuring your digital workspace remains organized, efficient, and free from the chaos of duplicates.

Google Drive Shortcuts vs. Copies (Crucial Distinction).

Before we dive into the "how-to," let's clarify the fundamental difference between a shortcut and a copy in Google Drive. This understanding is key to truly organized file management.

What Exactly is a Google Drive Shortcut?

Imagine you have a single, physical book. A shortcut in Google Drive is like placing a sticky note in multiple sections of a library, each note saying, "This book is related to this topic – find it on Shelf B, Row 3." The notes themselves aren't copies of the book; they just point to its one true location.

Google Drive shortcut is a tiny pointer file that links directly to the original source file. It looks just like the original file in any folder you put it in, but it doesn't contain any of the file's data. Its sole purpose is to direct you to the one central version of that document.

Benefits of Shortcuts:

• Zero Additional Storage: Shortcuts consume negligible space.
• Always the Latest Version: Update the original file, and those changes reflect instantly across all shortcuts. You always work on the most current version.
• Seamless Collaboration: Everyone works on the same underlying document, preventing confusion and lost work.

The Problem with Creating a "True" Copy.

Conversely, when you copy a file in Google Drive, you're creating an entirely new, independent version of that file. It's like taking your physical book to a copy shop and making an exact duplicate.

Drawbacks of Copies:

• Wasted Storage: Each copy takes up full storage space.
• Version Control Nightmare: Update one copy, and the others remain outdated. Tracking the "master" version becomes a chaotic mess.
• Collaboration Headaches: Multiple independent copies make effective team collaboration nearly impossible.

How to Add the Same File to Multiple Folders in Google Drive.

Now that we understand the power and benefits of Google Drive shortcuts, it's time to put that knowledge into action. Forget the old ways of copying files; we're about to explore the smart, efficient methods that will keep your Drive organized and your files up-to-date everywhere they need to be.

Before we begin, ensure you have:

• A Google Account: You'll need an active Google account to access and use Google Drive.
• Access to Google Drive: Make sure you're logged in and can navigate your Drive (drive.google.com).
• The Original File: You'll need the file you intend to add to multiple folders readily available in your Drive. Remember, you're creating shortcuts to this original file, not duplicating it.

Let's dive into the methods!

Method 1: The "Add Shortcut to Drive" Option (The Most Common Way)

This is the most straightforward and officially recommended method by Google for adding a file to multiple folders without creating duplicates. It's accessible via the right-click context menu and offers a clear path to organizing your files.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Go to drive.google.com and find the original file you want to add to other folders. Right-click on this file to open the context menu.
2. From the menu, move to "Organize," then click "Add shortcut". A dialog box will appear. Browse through your Drive's folders and select one or more destination folders where you want the shortcut to appear.

3. After selecting your folder(s), click the "Add" button in the dialog box.

4. Navigate to the folder(s) where you added the shortcut. You'll see the file there, marked with a small arrow icon on its thumbnail, confirming it's a shortcut to the original.

Note: Deleting the file shortcut won't delete the file from the original source.

Method 2: The "Shift + Z" Keyboard Shortcut.

For those who prefer keeping their hands on the keyboard, the Shift + Z shortcut offers a remarkably fast way to create shortcuts. Simply select the original file, then press Shift + Z (on Windows/Chrome OS) or Shift + Cmd + Z (on Mac). 

A small dialog will pop up, allowing you to quickly browse and select the folder(s) where you want to add the shortcut, mimicking the functionality of the right-click menu but with less mouse movement. This method is a favorite among productivity enthusiasts for its speed and efficiency.

Deleting a Google Drive Shortcut

To delete a shortcut without affecting the original file:

1. Locate the Shortcut: Find the shortcut in any folder where you've placed it (it will have a small arrow icon on its thumbnail).
2. Right-Click and Remove: Right-click on the shortcut and select "Move to Trash" (or drag it to the Trash).

3. Confirmation: The shortcut will be moved to your Trash. The original file remains safely in its original location, and any other folders where other shortcuts to it exist. You can then empty your Trash to permanently delete the shortcut.

⚠️ Warning

If you delete the original file from its source location, all shortcuts pointing to that file will break. The shortcuts will no longer be able to open the file. When you try to click them, you'll receive an error message indicating that the original file cannot be found or has been deleted.

You cannot restore the original file by interacting with a broken shortcut. If it hasn't been permanently deleted, you must go to the owner's Trash to restore it.

Generate Background Image in Google Meet With AI.

Have you ever wished for a quick, visually appealing background in your Google Meet without hunting through images? You're in luck—Google recently rolled out a Generate Background feature in Google Meet, powered by Gemini AI.

Instead of uploading your own photos, you can now ask Google Meet to create a custom background on the fly. Simply describe what you want—like "a cozy book-lined study" or "beach at sunset"—and the AI will generate a fitting image instantly. It's a fun, creative way to personalize video calls without the hassle.

How To Generate a Background Image in Google Meet Using AI?

This feature is part of Google Workspace Labs and is rolling out gradually; it may be available only to trusted testers in some regions and languages. If you don’t see the option yet, check your Workspace Labs access and update Meet.

Note: Do not include personal, confidential, or sensitive information in prompts. Google Workspace might use responses to improve the product.

1. Open your browser and go to meet.google.com and select a meeting (or start one). 
2. At the bottom, click on the three dots, and click Background and Effects. 
3. Choose Generate a background from the visual effects panel.



4. In the prompt box, type a short, descriptive instruction. Examples:
• A cozy book-lined study with warm lighting
• Magical sunny forest glade with light rays
• Modern home office, minimal, plants, bright

Tip: include style (illustration, watercolor, photorealistic), mood (cozy, airy), and objects (desk, plants) for better results.

5. (Optional) Pick a style from the style options if available.
6. Click Create samples to generate multiple background options.



7. If you want different variants, edit the prompt at the top of the panel and click Create other samples.
   
8. Click one generated image to apply it as your background. Click Close to exit the setup.

This background image generation feature is going to be available on both Android as well as Web.

 

With Google’s AI-powered background generator in Meet, you can save time and effort by skipping the hassle of browsing endless stock image libraries or designing a backdrop from scratch—Gemini handles the creative work for you. 

Personalization is effortless, whether you’re going for a sleek, professional setting or something fun and whimsical, with near-instant customization at your fingertips. Best of all, every generated background is crafted to deliver consistent polish, with perfect lighting and framing so you always appear at your best on camera.

Gmail’s New Manage Subscriptions Feature to Cleanup Inbox.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by newsletters, promo emails, or deal alerts crowding your Gmail? Well, good news—Google just made it way easier to declutter your inbox via the new Manage Subscriptions tool.

Google officially announced the rollout of Manage Subscriptions in early July 2025. The feature provides a central hub across web, Android, and iOS, where you can view and manage all your active email subscriptions in one place.

Instead of digging through each email to find tiny unsubscribe links, this dashboard lets you:

• See who’s emailing you most frequently, with counts to show how many messages they sent in recent weeks.
• Click any sender to view their emails.
• Unsubscribe with a single click—Gmail handles the request for you.

It was rolling out gradually across regions, and now it lives in almost all regions. Follow the steps given below to check if this cool Gmail feature is available in your region or not.

🆕 See your most frequent senders in one place and unsubscribe with just a tap using the new 'Manage subscriptions' view in Gmail. Try it now → https://t.co/JRRXA47LLw pic.twitter.com/k5ZYN0c6Rc

— Gmail (@gmail) August 6, 2025

Manage Subscriptions in Gmail.

After this feature is added, you can manage all your active email subscriptions in one place. This feature is now available both on Web as well as on apps.

• On the Web: Click the hamburger menu (top-left) and select “Manage subscriptions” from the sidebar.
• On Android: Tap the menu icon, then go to Manage subscriptions, and tap Unsubscribe next to any listed sender.
• On iOS: Similar process—navigate through the menu to access the subscription dashboard.

Say goodbye to the frustrating search for tiny unsubscribe links buried at the bottom of every email. Gmail’s new subscription manager makes it easier than ever to opt out, with just a click.

All your subscriptions are now displayed in a clean, organized dashboard. Gmail even sorts them by how frequently you receive emails, making it easy to spot which ones are filling up your inbox the most.

Whether you're drowning in promotional emails or just want a fresh start, this feature is a game-changer. It puts you in full control of your inbox, helping you declutter in minutes instead of hours.

Will It Impact Email Marketing?

Yes, this feature could significantly impact how businesses approach email marketing.

With Gmail making it easier than ever to unsubscribe, users are more likely to clean out promotional emails that no longer interest them. This means marketers can no longer rely on passive subscribers lingering on their lists. The focus will shift toward quality over quantity — brands must offer real value, personalized content, and relevant updates to keep their audience engaged.

If an email feels spammy, generic, or irrelevant, it’s gone with a single click. Marketers will need to adapt by refining their strategies, segmenting their lists more thoughtfully, and creating meaningful engagement, or risk seeing their unsubscribe rates spike.

Google Maps Unveils America's Favorite State Parks of Summer 2025.

Hey there, summer explorers! 🌞

Can you believe summer is almost over? But wait—before you pack away the sunscreen and fold up the picnic blankets, have you squeezed in that perfect outdoor escape yet?

If you're still scratching your head about where to go for that final summer getaway, don’t worry—Google Maps has your back!

Google just revealed the most popular state parks in the U.S. this summer, based on location trends and search interest. Whether you want to hike, picnic, or simply relax in nature, Google has compiled data to spotlight the most popular state parks across the U.S. based on how many people asked for directions since Memorial Day 2025. So grab your shades and water bottle—your next adventure might just be a few taps away.

So… where is everyone going?

Most Popular U.S. State Parks This Summer.

Wondering which parks everyone is flocking to this year? Google Maps analyzed millions of searches and shared the parks that have received the most navigation requests. The results are in, and here's the ultimate summer bucket list:

• Watkins Glen State Park (New York)
• Liberty State Park (New Jersey)
• Silver Falls State Park (Oregon)
• Starved Rock State Park (Illinois)
• Letchworth State Park (New York)
• Hammonasset Beach State Park (Connecticut)
• Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (California)
• Warren Dunes State Park (Michigan)
• Blue Spring State Park (Florida)
• Jones Beach State Park (New York)

So if you’re wondering where the trails are hot (literally and figuratively), these are the places people are heading to the most.

Fan-Favorite Parks for the Perfect Picnic.

If your idea of summer includes a checkered blanket, cold lemonade, and sandwiches under the sun, then you’ll love this. Google also looked at which parks were most mentioned for picnicking in reviews.

Here are the top parks where you’ll find picnic heaven:

• Liberty State Park (New Jersey)
• Bear Mountain State Park (New York)
• Letchworth State Park (New York)
• Colt State Park (Rhode Island)
• Lake Sammamish State Park (Washington)
• Devil’s Lake State Park (Wisconsin)
• Blue Spring State Park (Florida)
• Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (Florida)
• McKinney Falls State Park (Texas)
• Harkness Memorial State Park (Connecticut)

If you’re planning a family day out or a chill spot with friends, these are great picks to lay down that blanket.

Peak Performer Parks for Hiking Lovers.

Are you someone who thinks of summer as a time to conquer trails and chase sunsets? Google Maps has also revealed which parks hikers love the most, based on the number of reviewers mentioning hiking.

Here are the top hiking destinations that stood out:

• Devil’s Lake State Park (Wisconsin)
• Starved Rock State Park (Illinois)
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Texas)
• Watkins Glen State Park (New York)
• Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada)
• Turkey Run State Park (Indiana)
• Bear Mountain State Park (New York)
• Letchworth State Park (New York)
• Cloudland Canyon State Park (Georgia)
• Smith Rock State Park (Oregon)

From waterfalls to canyons, these parks deliver the wow-factor for your hiking boots.

This data isn't just a guess, Google Maps analyzed the number of direction requests and review mentions from Memorial Day 2025 onward to spotlight which parks Americans are loving this summer. These insights can help you pick a destination based on what real people are actually searching for, not just marketing hype.

So, what are you waiting for?

There’s still time to make this summer unforgettable. Grab your water bottle, lace up those hiking boots, and let Google Maps guide you to your next outdoor escape. 🍃

Create Custom Storybooks in Gemini App.

Google has launched an imaginative new feature in its Gemini app called Storybook, allowing anyone to generate a custom illustrated storybook with audio narration using just a short prompt. Whether for bedtime stories, educational content, or creative fun, Gemini can now bring stories to life in seconds.

Storytelling Meet Gemini Creativity.

Gemini’s Storybook feature uses the latest advances in its Gemini 2.5 models to produce 10-page stories including text, illustrations, and voice narration. You simply enter a prompt like “Tell a story about a dragon who learns to share,” and Gemini generates a complete narrative. You can specify styles from pixel art and comics to claymation or coloring book, and even upload personal images or artwork for inspiration. The system then builds a visually rich story, often narrated in a child-friendly voice.

Storybooks are crafted in over 45 languages and built to be universal. Each story can be customized via an interactive interface: browse story pages, edit text, change styles, and listen to the AI narration. Once finalized, users can download the story as a PDF or grab a shareable link for family and friends.

It is useful to:

• Help your child understand a complex topic: Create a story that explains the solar system to your 5-year-old.
• Teach a lesson through storytelling: Teach a 7-year-old boy about the importance of being kind to his little brother. My son loves elephants, so let’s make the main character an elephant.
• Bring personal artwork to life: Upload an image of a kid's drawing and modify this example prompt for your use case: "This is my kid’s drawing. He’s 7 years old. Write a creative storybook that brings his drawing to life.”
• Turn memories into magical stories: Upload photos from your family trip to Paris and create a personalized adventure.

This feature is clearly aimed at families, educators, and creators who want accessible storytelling tools. Google suggests use cases like explaining complex topics to children, teaching virtues via personalized tales, or turning a family photo into a magical narrative setting. It’s a powerful blend of personalization and creativity.

Google’s Storybook feature showcases how generative AI can redefine creative expression for everyday users. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or storyteller, it enables custom-illustrated content with minimal effort. With global availability and support for dozens of languages, it’s poised to become a popular tool for education, creativity, and family-safe entertainment.

Also Read:

• Google Rolls Out ‘Deep Think’ Mode in Gemini 2.5.

How To Audit File Sharing of Personal Google Drive.

We all use Google Drive’s file-sharing feature so frequently that it's easy to lose track of who has access to what. Over time, we may forget which files or folders we’ve shared and what level of access others have, especially with old clients, colleagues, or friends we’re no longer in touch with. 

Imagine if one of those shared files contains sensitive or confidential information, and it’s still accessible to someone who no longer needs it. That was exactly the situation I found myself in recently. So, I decided to create an audit log to track everything. It was a tedious and time-consuming process, but I can't do this every time I share some files with someone, so I decided to automate this task. Let's learn how?

Audit Google Drive File Sharing in Google Sheets.

There is no direct method for storing Google Drive file-sharing logs, so we are going to use Google App Script to write our own custom code to store all the required details directly inside a Google Sheet.

In this process, we will automatically scan your drive for all the files to get the required details like file name, file type, file path, file owner, link, type of access, user IDs, shared date, and last modified date. 

After collecting all these details, we will store them inside a clean new Google Sheet. At the end, we will set a trigger so our code will perform this activity every week to update your Google Sheet with new records.

Note: If you are using a custom domain with the premium version of Google Workspace that you can use this feature for free by using the Add-on available in Google Marketplace.

Here is a step-by-step process for automating auditing Google Drive Files.

Step 1: Create a Google Sheet for Audit Logs.

Open a new Google Sheet in your Google Drive and name the sheet as well as the first tab of the sheet. In my case, the sheet name is "Audit_Sheet" and the sheet's first tab name is "Audit". The sheet name can be anything based on your choice.

In the top-right corner of the sheet, click on the share button drop-down and copy the link. Keep this link handy, as we are going to use this link in our App Script Code.

Step 2: Open Google App Script Code.

In the sheet, click on Extensions > App Script. A new window will open with the Google App Script code editor. Make sure that your app script page is logged in with the same ID for which you want to audit file sharing details.

⚠️ Warning

If you're encountering a "400 Bad Request" error when running your Google Apps Script, it may be due to a mismatch between the Google account currently active in the browser and the one used to authorize the script.

Google Apps Script tends to "remember" the account that was used the last time you accessed the Script Editor. If you're now opening or running the script using a different account in the same browser session, the script can fail to authenticate properly, resulting in this error.

Step 3: Write Google App Script Code.

Copy and paste the full code into the Google Apps Script Code Editor, then click on “Untitled project” at the top left and give your project a meaningful name (e.g., “Drive Sharing Audit Tool”). In the second line of the code, replace the placeholder with the link to your Google Sheet where you want to store the audit logs. In the fourth line, enter the name of the first sheet (tab) in that Google Sheet, which you can find in the lower-left corner of the spreadsheet (e.g., “Sheet1” or “AuditLog”).

Script Code:

function scanAllDriveFilesToSheet() {
  const sheetUrl = '<Paste_Google_Sheet_Link_Here>';
  const ss = SpreadsheetApp.openByUrl(sheetUrl);
  const sheet = ss.getSheetByName("<Paste_Sheet_1_Name_Here>");
  sheet.clearContents(); // Optional: clear old logs

  // Set headers
  sheet.appendRow(["File Name", "File Type", "File Path", "Owner", "Link", "Access Type", "User IDs", "Shared Date", "Last Modified"]);

  const files = DriveApp.getFiles();
  while (files.hasNext()) {
    const file = files.next();
    const fileName = file.getName();
    const fileType = file.getMimeType();
    const filePath = file.getParents().hasNext() ? file.getParents().next().getName() : "Root";
    const owner = file.getOwner() ? file.getOwner().getEmail() : "Unknown";
    const url = file.getUrl();
    const lastModified = file.getLastUpdated();
    const sharedDate = file.getDateCreated();
    const viewers = file.getViewers().map(u => u.getEmail()).join(", ");
    const editors = file.getEditors().map(u => u.getEmail()).join(", ");
    const access = (editors ? "Edit: " + editors : "") + " | View: " + viewers;

    sheet.appendRow([fileName, fileType, filePath, owner, url, access, viewers + " " + editors, sharedDate, lastModified]);
  }
}

Step 3: Give Permission to Run the Script.

After making all the required changes to the script, click the Save icon and then click the Run ▶️ button to execute the script. If this is your first time running an Apps Script, Google will prompt you to authorize the script to access your Google account. This access is necessary for the script to read and write data in your Google Drive in order to perform the audit.

When you click "Review Permissions", a pop-up window may appear saying "Google hasn’t verified this app". This is normal for custom scripts. Click on Advanced, then select "Go to <Project_Name>" (your project name will appear there). 

Google will then ask you to review and approve access by checking the required boxes. Select both the checkbox and click on Continue. This is a one-time, safe process and ensures the script can function as intended.

Code will start executing and you can open your Google sheet to see the updated audit logs for the the files present in your Google Drive.

Step 4: Schedule the Automation.

If you don't want to run the Script every time to see the updated details, then you can schedule this script to run automatically. To schedule your Apps Script to run weekly, open the Script Editor and click on the clock icon 🕒 in the left toolbar (called Triggers). Click "+ Add Trigger", choose the function you want to run, set the event source to Time-driven, and then choose time based trigger as "Week timer" and select the desired day and time.

Once saved, the script will automatically run every week based on your selected schedule and no manual execution needed.

⚠️ Important: This script reads sensitive Drive data, so do not share your script with unknown users or publish it without a proper security review.

I hope you find this method helpful for Auditing Google Drive Files. It is specifically useful for someone using their Google Personal Account to manage everything.

Tip: If you ever make changes to your script (like updating logic or the linked Sheet), don't forget to re-save and re-authorize the script if needed. Also, it's a good practice to occasionally check the Executions log under Apps Script → Executions to ensure the script is running correctly on schedule and handling all files as expected.