Google Adds Smart AI Tools to Photos App and YouTube Shorts

Google has just introduced some exciting new AI features that will change your still photos into lively content. Today, the tech company revealed that Google Photos and YouTube Shorts will receive a big upgrade, including a Photo to Video feature that transforms your static images into 6-second videos using their Veo 2 AI model.

This update is rolling out today for iOS and Android users in certain countries, representing a big step forward in how we use our photo collections. And this is just the start of what Google has planned for photographers and content creators.

Photo to Video Magic

The highlight of this update is the Google AI Photo to Video Feature, which is now available on both Android and iOS. Here’s how it works: you select a photo from your Google Photos library and then choose between two options – “Subtle movements” for a realistic feel or “I’m feeling lucky” for something more fun.

Using Google’s Veo 2 AI video generation model, this tool turns your still images into short, lively clips. If you want to add a unique twist to that perfect portrait, it creates a 6-second video that you can easily share with anyone.

It’s ready to use right now. Just update your Google Photos app and start experimenting with your favorite pictures.

Remix and Create Tab

Google is expanding its features even further. Soon, you’ll be able to use the new Remix option in the U.S. This lets you transform your photos into four unique artistic styles: anime, comics, sketches, or 3D animations.

To make these creative tools more accessible, Google is launching a new Create tab that serves as your main hub for creativity. This area will combine options like Photo to Video, Remix, collages, highlight videos, and more all in one place. The tab will be available next month in the U.S. and will improve based on what users say.

YouTube Shorts Gets Creative

The same technology that turns photos into videos is now available for YouTube Shorts. You can now take images from your camera roll and turn them into engaging content. Just choose a photo, pick a “creative suggestion,” and let the AI animate landscapes, enhance group pictures, or add movement to your everyday photos.

Additionally, the platform is launching new AI effects that you can access through the Effects icon in the Shorts camera. Want to turn your doodles into nice images? Or even make a twin version of yourself? These new effects, powered by Veo 2, will help you do all that, with Veo 3 set to arrive later this summer.

These features are currently being rolled out for free in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with more regions expected to receive them later this year.

AI Playground and Safety First

Moreover, Google is introducing AI Playground, which you can find by clicking the sparkle icon in the top-right corner when you create something. This fun tool provides ready-made prompts to help you quickly generate images, videos, music, and more. Right now, it’s available to everyone in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, aiming to inspire quick creativity.

Staying transparent is important – all content created with AI comes with an invisible digital watermark from SynthID and visible watermarks on videos. Google has done a lot of safety testing to avoid misuse, but they know that sometimes the results might not be perfect. If you see thumbs up/down buttons, use them! Your feedback is valuable for improving safety and performance.

[via Google]

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