Google Vids now lets you star in your own AI videos
Google is adding personalized AI avatars to Vids that let users create videos starring a digital version of themselves, alongside Gemini Omni-powered tools for generating and editing videos from prompts and reference images.
OpenAI’s Sora may have shut down , but Google apparently thinks there’s still interest in a tool that lets you star in your own AI videos. On Thursday, the tech giant announced an update to Google Vids that will allow you to create a custom digital avatar that looks and sounds like you based on a selfie and a voice recording you upload.
In addition, Google said it’s bringing its multi-modal AI model Gemini Omni to Vids, letting you create videos using a combination of a written prompt and reference images you upload. Omni then mixes those inputs together to create the AI video you want. It can also be used to do things like swap out the background or fix the lighting in a video recorded on your phone, or add effects.
Plus, Omni now supports step-by-step edits, meaning you can make changes to your video as you go instead of starting over from scratch.
The updates push Google Vids beyond its original role as an AI-assisted workplace presentation tool to become more of an all-in-one video creation platform. By making Vids a part of Google Workspace, the company is telegraphing its use as a business tool for things like company updates or training videos, but personalized avatars and conversational edits could put it in closer competition with other AI video startups and tools like HeyGen , Synthesia , Cap t ions , D-ID , and others.
Google notes that the new AI avatars will be tied to the account holder’s likeness, tied to their Google account, and watermarked invisibly with SynthID. (I suppose that means no one will be using the tool to make bizarre AI videos of Google CEO Sundar Pichai, the way that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had let users do with Sora when it was available!)
The company also says that access to personal avatars is limited to users in certain regions who are aged 18 or older.
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Key takeaways
- The introduction of personalized avatars in Google Vids could revolutionize digital content creation in Brazil.
- The integration of the Gemini Omni model may encourage the use of AI in local corporate communications.
- Age and regional limitations may impact the adoption of the tool in Brazil.
Editorial analysis
The introduction of personalized avatars in Google Vids represents a significant advancement in the democratization of digital content creation, especially in a landscape where personalization and interactivity are increasingly valued. For the Brazilian tech sector, this innovation could open new opportunities for local startups and developers looking to integrate AI solutions into their platforms. The ability to create videos with avatars that replicate users' appearance and voice could be a competitive differentiator in a market already populated by tools like HeyGen and Synthesia.
Moreover, the integration of the multi-modal AI model Gemini Omni into Google Vids suggests a growing trend towards tools that combine different types of inputs to generate richer and more personalized outcomes. This could encourage Brazilian companies to explore the use of AI in their internal and external communications, such as in training and corporate updates, enhancing efficiency and engagement.
However, it is important to note the limitations imposed by Google, such as age restrictions and regional availability for avatar use. This may impact the adoption of the tool in different markets, including Brazil, where age demographics and access to technology can vary significantly. The inclusion of an invisible watermark with SynthID also raises questions about image rights and the ethical use of digital avatars, which must be carefully considered by users and developers.
Finally, the evolution of Google Vids into a more comprehensive video creation platform may signal a new phase in the competition between major tech players and AI-focused startups. What to watch for next is how Google positions this tool in the market and whether it can attract users seeking more personalized and interactive solutions, especially in an environment where privacy and ethics in AI are increasingly discussed.
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