YouTube Shorts will use AI to make avatars that look and sound like you
9to5Google • • general
Key Points:
- YouTube has launched a new feature allowing users to create photorealistic AI avatars that mimic their appearance and voice for use in Shorts, created by recording a live selfie and reading prompts.
- The avatars can generate up to 8-second video clips based on user prompts and can be used repeatedly, with the option to update the avatar at any time.
- This feature builds on previous AI capabilities in YouTube Shorts but introduces voice replication for the first time, aiming to help users safely and securely include themselves in videos.
- Privacy measures include exclusive use of the selfie data for avatar creation, user control over avatar deletion, and automatic removal after three years of inactivity; all avatar videos will have watermarks and AI content disclosures.
- The feature is rolling out globally (except Europe) for users 18 and older who own a YouTube channel, accessible via the YouTube app’s Create menu and related options.
