YouTube announced on Wednesday that creators can now access new generative AI features, including an image-to-video tool and innovative AI effects for Shorts.
The image-to-video functionality enables users to convert photos from their camera rolls into six-second dynamic clips. The platform recommends visuals related to uploaded images. According to YouTube, this can bring landscapes to life with motion effects, animate everyday snapshots, or make group photos appear more lively.
In a demonstration example provided by YouTube, the feature transformed a static pedestrian signal image into a short video showcasing a dancing pedestrian symbol through gradual zooming.
This capability mirrors features available in Gemini and resembles Meta's "Animate" tool within the Edits app, which similarly employs AI to convert still images into video.
The new tool will roll out in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand starting next week, with plans to expand to additional regions later this year. Notably, Google Photos will also introduce a comparable image-to-video conversion function.
Regarding the new AI effects, creators can transform doodles into artistic visuals and convert selfies into underwater swimming sequences or twin interaction videos. These tools can be accessed through the "Effects" icon in the Shorts camera interface by selecting "AI."
YouTube noted that today's announcements leverage Veo 2, Google's video generation AI model. The platform incorporates SynthID watermarking and clear labels to identify AI-generated content.
At the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity last month, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan revealed Veo 3, a video and audio generation tool for Shorts set to arrive this summer. He also reported that Shorts now achieve over 20 billion daily views.
YouTube further announced AI Playground as its new hub for generative AI creation tools, inspiration examples, and pre-filled prompts. Creators can access AI Playground by clicking the Create button and selecting the lightning bolt icon in the top-right corner. The feature is now available to all users in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
