YouTube introduces AI-powered creation tools for Shorts

YouTube has rolled out new creation tools for shorts aimed at simplifying the content creation process. According to the platform, the tool converts photos from users’ camera rolls into short videos. Users can select an image, apply a suggested animation, and generate a video. It stated that these updates are being gradually rolled out in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with plans to expand to additional regions later in the year.

Another feature launched by the platform 'New generative effects' allow users to transform doodles into images and selfies into dynamic videos. These include effects such as underwater visuals or lookalike animations. Users can access these by navigating to the 'Effects' icon in the Shorts camera and selecting the AI tab. YouTube noted that these tools will become available to more creators globally in the coming weeks.

Both the photo-to-video and generative effects tools are powered by Veo 2. The platorm added that Veo 3 is expected to be introduced later this summer.

The platform has also launched 'AI Playground,' a hub for users to experiment with AI-powered creation tools. The platform includes pre-filled prompts and showcases of example outputs across videos, images, and music. It can be accessed via the create button and sparkle icon in the YouTube app.

The platform clarified that all AI-generated content will include SynthID watermarks and labels to indicate the use of artificial intelligence.

Google Photos is also introducing a similar photo-to-video feature.