Google is expanding its use of artificial intelligence across its platforms, with a new wave of features rolling out to YouTube Shorts and Google Photos. These additions aim to make content creation more visual and automatic, using existing images as starting points for short animated clips.
In Google Photos, users can now transform a single photo into a six-second video using a generative engine called Veo 2. The feature introduces preset styles that either apply subtle movement or let the system decide how to animate the image, offering different interpretations of the same visual. In addition to this, Google Photos is preparing to launch a creative tool called Remix. This option will allow people to reinterpret their pictures into other formats like anime, 3D models, comic book panels, or hand-drawn sketches. The company plans to introduce these features through a new section called the Create tab, which is expected to appear in the US version of the app sometime in August. Both Android and iOS versions of the app are included in the rollout.
At the same time, YouTube Shorts is getting a similar photo-to-video feature, also using the Veo 2 engine. This new function will become available first in a few countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with more regions expected to follow later in the year. YouTube Shorts is also preparing for an upgrade, with support for Veo 3 anticipated to arrive before the end of the summer. The updated tool will include a set of generative video effects designed to build on still images in a more dynamic way, bringing motion and texture into short-form clips.
Earlier this month, a version of the photo-to-video tool appeared inside the Gemini app, although that implementation requires a paid plan. In contrast, the new features in Google Photos and YouTube Shorts are set to be available at no cost during the rollout period.
By introducing these tools across platforms where users already store and share media, Google appears to be widening its approach to everyday generative AI. The company is steadily layering creative automation into its consumer services, quietly integrating machine learning into how people edit, animate, and enhance their visual memories.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
Read next: OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT Personality Modes, Study Together Feature, and Teases Sora 2 and GPT-5 Ahead of DevDay
In Google Photos, users can now transform a single photo into a six-second video using a generative engine called Veo 2. The feature introduces preset styles that either apply subtle movement or let the system decide how to animate the image, offering different interpretations of the same visual. In addition to this, Google Photos is preparing to launch a creative tool called Remix. This option will allow people to reinterpret their pictures into other formats like anime, 3D models, comic book panels, or hand-drawn sketches. The company plans to introduce these features through a new section called the Create tab, which is expected to appear in the US version of the app sometime in August. Both Android and iOS versions of the app are included in the rollout.
At the same time, YouTube Shorts is getting a similar photo-to-video feature, also using the Veo 2 engine. This new function will become available first in a few countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with more regions expected to follow later in the year. YouTube Shorts is also preparing for an upgrade, with support for Veo 3 anticipated to arrive before the end of the summer. The updated tool will include a set of generative video effects designed to build on still images in a more dynamic way, bringing motion and texture into short-form clips.
Earlier this month, a version of the photo-to-video tool appeared inside the Gemini app, although that implementation requires a paid plan. In contrast, the new features in Google Photos and YouTube Shorts are set to be available at no cost during the rollout period.
By introducing these tools across platforms where users already store and share media, Google appears to be widening its approach to everyday generative AI. The company is steadily layering creative automation into its consumer services, quietly integrating machine learning into how people edit, animate, and enhance their visual memories.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
Read next: OpenAI Introduces ChatGPT Personality Modes, Study Together Feature, and Teases Sora 2 and GPT-5 Ahead of DevDay
