YouTube Shorts AI Tool: Image to Video & New Effects

YouTube Enhances Shorts with New Generative AI Capabilities

On Wednesday, YouTube revealed the release of innovative generative AI features for Shorts creators. These additions include a novel image-to-video AI tool alongside a suite of new AI-powered effects.

Image-to-Video Transformation

The newly introduced image-to-video functionality empowers users to convert images sourced from their device's camera roll into concise, six-second videos. Relevant suggestions will be presented to users based on the uploaded photograph. YouTube highlights the tool’s potential for adding dynamism to landscape photography, animating everyday snapshots, or revitalizing group pictures.

As demonstrated by YouTube, a static image of a pedestrian crossing signal can be transformed into a brief video showcasing a slowly zooming and animated depiction of the walking man symbol.

This capability mirrors functionalities already present in Gemini, and shares similarities with Meta’s Edits app’s Animate tool, which similarly leverages AI to convert still images into video content.

Initial rollout of this tool is scheduled over the coming week within the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Expansion to additional regions is planned for later in the year. Notably, Google Photos is also receiving a comparable image-to-video feature.

New AI Effects for Creative Expression

Creators can now utilize the new AI effects to convert simple doodles into artistic visuals. Furthermore, selfies can be transformed into videos depicting scenarios like underwater swimming or creating a "twin" effect with another individual.

These effects are accessible through the Shorts camera interface by selecting the “Effects” icon and then choosing “AI” to explore the available generative options.

Underlying Technology and Safety Measures

YouTube confirms that the announced features are powered by Veo 2, Google’s advanced AI model designed for video generation. To ensure transparency, YouTube employs SynthID watermarks and clear labels to identify content generated using AI.

During Cannes Lions 2025 last month, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan announced the upcoming availability of Google’s Veo 3 video generator – capable of producing both video and audio – for Shorts later this summer. He also revealed that Shorts currently average over 200 billion daily views.

Introducing AI Playground

YouTube also unveiled AI Playground as a central hub for generative AI creation tools. It provides inspirational examples, pre-populated prompts, and more to assist creators.

AI Playground can be accessed by tapping the Create button and then selecting the sparkle icon located in the top right corner. It is currently available to users in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.