Google is adding new AI-powered features to Google Photos and YouTube shorts that allow users to convert photos to videos. The tool is similar to the VEO 3-powered photo-to-video feature that was added to Google's Gemini app earlier this month. Instead it features Google's older VEO 2 video model, with more limitations.
The Google Photos Photo to Video AI generation is limited to creating 6-second clips, but the YouTube Shorts version allows you to choose the length of the clips that you want to generate. However, unlike using Gemini or Veo 2 itself, neither tool can guide the results by entering a user's own quick description. Instead, users can only select from a list of prompts provided in Google Photos, such as “Subtle Movement” or “I feel lucky.”
This feature will be rolled out next week for Google Photos on Android and iOS devices, for YouTube Shorts users in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand today.
Google Photos' remix tool will also be available to Android and iOS users in the next few weeks to US users. This tool converts photos into different styles, such as anime, comics, sketches, 3D animations. The Photo-to-Video and Remix tools will be housed under the new creation tab for the Photo App, which will be launched in the US next month. Create Tab places tools alongside other creative features such as collages, highlight videos and more, making it all in one place and easier to find.
Google warns users that remix and photo to video functionality is “experimental” and can result in inaccurate results. You can taste the generated images and videos or give a thumbs up to provide feedback that Google can use to improve future tools. All generated videos and photos include Google's Invisible SynthID digital watermark. Videos generated with photos are equipped with visible watermarks, making it easier to identify visible watermarks.
YouTube Shorts cameras get new generated AI effects that allow you to create images based on doodles and apply video effects to selfies that replicate users or make them appear to be swimming underwater. YouTube makes these effects and other generation AI tools easier to find on the new AI Playground Hub. Users can access it by tapping the Sparkle icon in the top right corner when creating a video. According to Google, AI Playground is now available to shorts users in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to “get started.”
This update has been added to Google Photo Generation AI feature, and is already more miles than what Apple offers in the iOS Photos app. However, the two companies have different approaches. While Google runs your imagination (about limitations), Apple's Image Playground tool does not generate photorealistic images to reduce concerns such as deepfakes and misinformation.
