YouTube Shorts is adding an image-to-video AI tool, new AI effects
YouTube Shorts is set to revolutionize content creation with the introduction of powerful new generative AI features, as officially announced by YouTube. These exciting additions include an advanced image-to-video AI tool and a suite of innovative AI effects, empowering creators to transform static visuals into dynamic short-form videos with unprecedented ease.
The new image-to-video capability allows users to convert any picture from their camera roll into a captivating six-second video. Upon uploading a photo, the tool provides a selection of relevant suggestions, enabling users to effortlessly add movement to landscape photographs, animate everyday snapshots, or bring group photos to life with subtle motion. For instance, YouTube showcased an example where a static image of a pedestrian signal was transformed into a short video, gradually zooming in on a lively, dancing version of the walking man symbol.
This functionality mirrors existing offerings like Gemini’s image-to-video feature and Meta’s Animate tool within its Edits app, both of which utilize AI to convert still images into videos. The rollout of YouTube Shorts’ new image-to-video tool is slated for the coming week in key regions including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with broader international availability planned for later this year. Notably, Google Photos is also set to receive a similar image-to-video integration.
Beyond image-to-video, YouTube Shorts is introducing new AI effects designed to spark creativity. Creators will be able to transform simple doodles into artistic images and convert selfies into imaginative videos, such as appearing to swim underwater or twinning with an on-screen counterpart. These new effects are easily accessible through the “Effects” icon in the Shorts camera, under a dedicated “AI” category.
YouTube confirms that these new generative features are powered by Veo 2, Google’s sophisticated AI model for video generation. In line with its commitment to responsible AI innovation, YouTube will employ SynthID watermarks and clear labels to distinctly indicate content that has been generated using AI, ensuring transparency for viewers.
These developments follow recent announcements by YouTube CEO Neal Mohan at Cannes Lions 2025, where he revealed that Google’s Veo 3 video generator—capable of producing both video and accompanying audio—is slated to arrive on Shorts later this summer. Mohan also highlighted the immense growth of Shorts, which now collectively garners over 200 billion daily views.
Further enhancing the creator experience, YouTube has launched “AI Playground,” a new hub for all generative AI creation tools. This dedicated space offers inspirational examples and prefilled prompts to assist creators in harnessing AI effectively. AI Playground is currently available to users in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, accessible by tapping the Create button and then the sparkle icon in the top right corner.
