Google and YouTube unveil new AI capabilities, enabling users to convert images into dynamic videos, along with other unspecified features. Here's a rundown of the latest announcements.
Google Photos and YouTube Shorts have introduced a series of innovative features that leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform still images into lively videos and allow users to creatively reimagine their photos.
Starting July 23, 2025, Google Photos users worldwide can access the new photo-to-video feature, accessible via the Create tab in the Google Photos app on both iOS and Android. By selecting a photo and choosing between "Subtle movements" or "I'm feeling lucky", users can bring their images to life with facial expressions and gentle motion.
In addition to this, Google Photos will soon launch a Remix feature, expected within the next few weeks. This feature will let users change the style of photos using AI into various formats like anime, comics, sketches, and 3D animations, offering a new level of creativity beyond simple animation.
Meanwhile, YouTube Shorts has also integrated the photo-to-video feature, allowing creators in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to convert images from their camera roll into engaging short videos suitable for Shorts. To use this feature, simply open the YouTube mobile app, tap the ➕ (create) button, select an image, choose "Photo to video", and apply AI-powered prompts.
YouTube Shorts is also introducing new generative effects that can transform selfies and doodles into unique, animated videos. These effects will be gradually rolled out in the coming weeks and can be accessed via the Effects icon in the Shorts camera.
To ensure transparency about AI usage, all AI-generated content from these new tools will include a SynthID digital watermark. This marks the generated nature of the media clearly.
Google and YouTube are also working to implement more transparency on what is AI and what isn't, with the introduction of YouTube's AI Playground. This place offers the latest AI tools, examples, and pre-filled prompts, and is currently available in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Moreover, YouTube is planning to roll out the newer Veo 3 to its platform later this summer. The Create tab, which will house these new features, is expected for release in August.
The rollout of these features is currently happening or imminent as of late July 2025, with availability expanding worldwide for Google Photos and region-limited initially for YouTube Shorts. For more information, update your Google Photos or YouTube mobile app and explore the new features today.
Technology is revolutionizing the way we interact with media as Google Photos and YouTube Shorts implement innovative AI-powered features. With the new photo-to-video and Remix features, users worldwide can animate their photos and transform them into various styles, such as anime or 3D animations, using AI technology.
