Google TV to add vertical YouTube Shorts to the homescreen

More vertical video is coming to TVs, as Google TV this summer will begin to promote YouTube Shorts on the homescreen alongside films and series.

Vertical video on a widescreen TV? Apparently so.

The move is part of Google's ongoing efforts to monetize the Google TV homescreen, which presents "recommendations" on TVs and streaming devices for what users can watch. Until now, these recommendations have been limited to movies, series and TV content.


Rolling out this summer
The rollout begins this summer, starting with YouTube Shorts in the US, Google said. Google owns YouTube, but the company did not rule out vertical video from TikTok and Instagram.

It continues a trend that actually began as an April Fools' joke on FlatpanelsHD in 2019. 

Not long after, Samsung launched its first vertical TV, followed by TCL. Instagram recently launched a new TV app with vertical videos after Disney+ started adding vertical video to its app in early 2026. Netflix started this month, rolling out globally in the coming months.


AI updates for Google TV
Alongside the YouTube Shorts announcement, Google also announced plans to introduce more AI tools on Google TV, specifically Nano Banana (generative AI images) and Veo (generative AI video).

In the Google Photos app, a new 'Remix' feature lets users change the style or background of their photos using voice commands. A new search function also allows users to find photos via voice.

These features will roll out later this year to Google TV devices with Gemini.

A 'Dynamic Slideshow' feature, rolling out globally and not requiring Gemini, allows users to display a Google Photos album as a screensaver on the TV.