Google has announced significant upgrades to Google Vids, its AI-powered video creation tool, in an effort to make video production more accessible for individuals and businesses.
The company on Wednesday rolled out several new features — from tools that turn photos into animated clips, to AI avatars that can deliver scripts, along with smarter editing options that make polishing videos a whole lot easier.
Since its launch last year for Workspace users, Vids has already surpassed one million monthly active users, a sign that businesses and individuals alike are eager for simpler, AI-powered video creation.
Photos Come To Life With Veo 3
The standout update is a new image-to-video feature powered by Google’s Veo 3 model. This capability allows users to upload a static image, type in a quick prompt, and watch it transform into animated eight-second video clips with sound — perfect for social media posts or presentations.
“This means you can upload a product shot, or company stock photography, and use a text prompt to create animated video clips with native audio that are aligned with your brand,” Google wrote in a blog post on Wednesday.
AI Avatars And Smarter Editing
For those who dread stepping in front of a camera, Google is rolling out AI avatars. This feature, which is generally available, enables users to generate videos by writing a script and picking an avatar, without the need for live recording. The AI handles the presentation, which is perfect for training, demos, onboarding, and more.
Additionally, to simplify editing, Google has introduced a transcript trimming function to take the pain out of polishing a video. The “transcript trim” feature automatically removes filler words like “um” and “ah,” and awkward pauses with just a few clicks, helping creators skip tedious manual edits.
Coming next month, Vids will also roll out features including noise cancellation, backgrounds, filters, and appearance enhancements, just like the ones in Google Meet.
More Formats, More Access
Responding to user feedback, Google says Vids will soon support portrait, landscape, and square formats, making it easier to create videos tailored for different platforms. This feature will be generally available next quarter.
Access is also expanding. In addition to Workspace Business, Enterprise Starter, AI Pro, or Ultra subscribers and education customers, Google has also launched a basic, free version of Vids for all Google account holders. While this basic editor doesn’t include AI tools, it does come with new templates for things like tips and tricks, tutorials, event invites, or even a teaser for your latest podcast launch.
Helping Users Learn: “Vids On Vids”
To help beginners, Google has launched a new tutorial series called “Vids on Vids,” guiding users through the entire process — from planning AI-powered video stories to using animations and transitions.
Organizations such as Mercer International and Fullstory are already putting Vids to work for critical employee safety training and content production.
“Google Vids has given us the ability to create safety content, developed and curated by our organization rather than having to go to market to hire very expensive resources to produce that for us,” shared Alistair Skey, CIO at Mercer International.
Video For Everyone
The full AI editor in Vids will roll out to Google Workspace Business and Enterprise Starter users, as well as AI Pro, Ultra, and Education plan subscribers.
By rolling out the above updates, Google is aiming to put video creation on par with slideshow-making: quick, routine, and stress-free.
