YouTube has announced new features to enhance its Shorts platform, including an image-to-video AI tool and generative effects. The feature allows users to turn a static image into a six-second video, with suggestions based on the uploaded photo. This can be used to add movement to landscape photos, animate everyday pictures, or bring group photos to life.
The new AI effects enable creators to transform doodles into artistic images and turn selfies into underwater videos or twin with someone. These effects are powered by Veo 2, a Google-developed video generation AI model, and are available for users in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The features will be rolled out over the next week and later this year for other regions.
Additionally, YouTube has introduced an “AI Playground” hub where creators can find generative AI creation tools, inspirational examples, and prefilled prompts. This is available now in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/07/23/youtube-shorts-is-adding-an-image-to-video-ai-tool-new-ai-effects