Google is enhancing YouTube Shorts and Google Photos with new AI-powered tools, transforming static images into engaging videos. These updates leverage Google's generative AI technology to simplify video creation and offer users more creative options.
YouTube Shorts Enhancements
YouTube Shorts is receiving several new AI-driven features designed to spark creativity and make video creation easier. These tools are being rolled out to select countries, with wider availability expected later this year.
- Photo to Video: This feature allows creators to transform any image from their camera roll into a short, animated video. Users simply select an image and choose from suggested creative ideas to bring their photos to life. For example, a still image of a pedestrian crossing sign can be turned into a video where the figure appears to be dancing. The AI adds subtle motions, such as pans and zooms, to create a dynamic effect.
- AI-Powered Effects: New AI effects in the Shorts camera can transform basic doodles and selfies into creative, animated visuals. One demo showcased a selfie being transformed into an underwater swimming clip. Users can access these effects by opening the Shorts camera, tapping the Effects icon, and selecting AI to browse the generative effects.
- AI Playground: This new hub serves as a central location for all AI-related tools and provides inspiration for content creation. Users can access the AI Playground by tapping the Create button and then the sparkle icon in the top-right corner. The playground offers prompts and examples to help users generate videos, images, and music quickly.
These new features in YouTube Shorts are powered by Google's Veo 2 model. YouTube intends to integrate the Veo 3 model later this summer. To ensure transparency, all AI-generated content will include a SynthID watermark and clear labels to indicate that it was created using AI.
Google Photos Transformation
Google Photos is also gaining new AI video editing tools to help users bring their memories to life.
- Photo to Video: Similar to YouTube Shorts, Google Photos is adding a photo-to-video feature powered by Veo 2. This allows the app to generate short videos from photos saved in the Google Photos gallery, adding subtle animations and facial expressions. Users can select a photo and choose either "Subtle movements" or "I'm feeling lucky" to animate their images. The generated video clip is around six seconds long.
- Remix: In the coming weeks, Google Photos will also get a "Remix" feature that allows users to change the style of a photo using AI. Available options will include anime, comic, sketch, and 3D animation.
- Create Tab: To make these tools more accessible, Google Photos is introducing a new "Create" tab. This tab will serve as a central hub for all creative tools, including Photo to video, Remix, collages, and highlight videos. The Create tab will begin rolling out in August.
The Photo to video and Remix tools can be found in the new Create tab in Google Photos. All AI-generated content will be watermarked with a SynthID digital watermark.
Availability
The Photo to video feature for YouTube Shorts is currently rolling out in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The new effects are expected to roll out in the coming weeks. The Photo to video feature in Google Photos is also rolling out now to Android and iOS users in the US. The Remix feature will be available in the US in the coming weeks, and the Create tab will be released in August. Google plans to expand the availability of these tools to more regions later this year.
These new AI-powered features in YouTube Shorts and Google Photos provide users with more creative tools to transform their images into engaging videos. By leveraging AI, Google aims to democratize content creation and empower users to bring their stories to life in new and exciting ways.
