YouTube is stepping up its Shorts game with a fresh batch of generative AI tools aimed at making content creation faster, easier, and a whole lot more dynamic, starting with Image-to-Video Ai generation.
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Among the highlights is a new image-to-video feature that lets creators turn any photo from their camera roll into a six-second video. Once a photo is uploaded, the tool suggests animations relevant to the content whether that means adding movement to a landscape shot, animating a group selfie, or turning a mundane object into something magical. In one example, YouTube transformed a static pedestrian signal into a short clip where the walking man icon starts dancing.
The feature works similarly to tools we’ve already seen in Google’s Gemini and Meta’s Edits app, and it’s rolling out this week in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with more regions to follow later this year.
But that’s not all. YouTube is also rolling out new AI-powered effects that let creators reimagine their selfies and doodles. Think: sketch-to-art transformations, underwater animations, or surreal twinning sequences. To access these, just tap the “Effects” icon in the Shorts camera and head to the new “AI” tab.
All of this is powered by Veo 2, Google’s advanced video generation model. YouTube says the features come with SynthID watermarks and clear labels to ensure transparency when content is AI-generated. This rollout builds on momentum from Cannes Lions 2025, where YouTube CEO Neal Mohan teased the upcoming launch of Veo 3, which adds generative audio to the mix. That update is expected to hit Shorts later this summer.
And finally, YouTube introduced AI Playground, a new hub where creators can test generative tools, explore inspiration, and play with pre-filled prompts. You’ll find it by tapping the “Create” button and then the sparkle icon in the top-right corner of the app.