YouTube has introduced new creation tools for its Shorts feature, aiming to make it easier and more fun for users to bring their ideas to life.
The company has rolled out two main features: Photo to Video and generative effects. The former allows users to transform photos into videos instantly, while the latter enables dynamic transformations of doodles and selfies using artificial intelligence (AI).
Photo to Video can add movement to landscape photos, animate everyday photos, or bring group photos to life. This feature is currently available for free in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with more regions coming later this year.
Generative effects offer a constantly refreshing world of creative possibilities. Users can access these effects by navigating to the Effects icon in the Shorts camera and tapping on AI to browse all generative effects.
YouTube’s latest update also introduces an AI Playground, where users can discover new creation tools, inspirational examples, and pre-filled prompts to generate videos, images, music, and more.
The platform uses SynthID watermarks and clear labels to indicate that creations were generated with AI. While these tools aim to make creating fun, YouTube emphasizes the importance of unique creativity in making Shorts shine.
Source: https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/new-shorts-creation-tools-2025