YouTube announced the launch of new features based on generative AI for Shorts users. Now creators can transform photos from their gallery into short videos up to six seconds long. For each shot, the system offers a selection of animation options that match the content of the photo. Among the possibilities are adding motion to landscapes, animating group or everyday shots.
In addition, Shorts received new AI-based effects that allow turning phone-made drawings into vivid images or creating videos with a “swimming underwater” effect or face duplication. Access to these features is available through the “Effects” section in the Shorts camera, where you need to select the “AI” tab.
All new tools are powered by the Veo 2 model from Google. The company notes that each created video or image contains a digital watermark SynthID and clear labeling that the content was created using AI.
The update has already begun rolling out in the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. All users from these countries can find the new AI Playground section for quick access to generative tools by clicking the Create button and the star icon in the upper right corner.
YouTube plans to gradually expand access to new features in other regions throughout the year. A similar tool for creating videos from photos has also appeared in Google Photos, where it is available on Android and iOS.
