Google has updated its Vids platform to allow users to create personalized AI videos featuring their own digital avatars. The update enables users to upload a selfie and a voice recording to generate an avatar that looks and sounds like them. This feature is part of a broader enhancement to the platform, which now integrates Google's multi-modal AI model Gemini Omni. According to Google, the new functionality lets users create videos by combining written prompts with uploaded reference images, which Omni then uses to produce the desired AI video. The updates aim to expand Vids beyond its original role as an AI-assisted workplace presentation tool into a more comprehensive video creation platform. The company also mentioned that the new AI avatars will be linked to the user’s Google account and watermarked with SynthID, ensuring they are tied to the account holder’s likeness. The feature is available to users aged 18 or older in certain regions. Google emphasized that the new capabilities could position Vids as a business tool for company updates or training videos, while also competing with other AI video startups like HeyGen and Synthesia. The updates also include step-by-step editing features, allowing users to make changes as they work rather than starting over. The company is integrating Vids into Google Workspace, signaling its intent to use the tool in professional settings. The new features are part of Google's ongoing efforts to enhance its AI video offerings. Google said the AI avatars will be tied to the account holder’s likeness and linked to their Google account. The company also noted that access to personal avatars is limited to users aged 18 or older in certain regions. The updates include step-by-step edits, enabling users to modify their videos as they go. Google is positioning Vids as a business tool within Google Workspace, which could help it compete with other AI video platforms. The company also mentioned that the new avatars are watermarked with SynthID, which may prevent unauthorized use of the tool to create AI videos of public figures. The new features are part of Google's broader strategy to expand its AI video capabilities. 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 signaling its use as a business tool for things like company updates or training videos. Personalized avatars and conversational edits could put it in closer competition with other AI video startups and tools like HeyGen, Synthesia, Captions, 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. Topics AI, AI, Apps, Google, Video When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence. Sarah Perez Consumer News Editor Sarah has worked as a reporter for TechCrunch since August 2011. She joined the company after having previously spent over three years at ReadWriteWeb. Prior to her work as a reporter, Sarah worked in I.T. across a number of industries, including banking, retail and software. You can contact or verify outreach from Sarah by emailing sarahp.com or via encrypted message at sarahperez.01 on Signal. View Bio November 4 Boston Last chance to save up to $190 on TechCrunch Founder Summit. Join 1,000+ founders and VCs at all stages for real-world scaling insights and connections that move the needle. Savings end June 26, 11:59 p.m. PT. REGISTER NOW Most Popular Tesla driver in fatal Texas crash pressed accelerator 100%, NTSB confirms Sean O'Kane Anthropic’s newest ad is creeping people out Lucas Ropek Satya Nadella has issued a shocking warning to companies using AI Julie Bort The wildest allegations in Apple’s trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI Sarah Perez Anthropic starts localizing Claude pricing for India, its biggest market after the US Jagmeet Singh Meta removes controversial AI feature on Instagram after backlash Lucas Ropek Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft Sarah Perez
Source: techcrunch
