At the recent Made on YouTube event, YouTube announced a range of new AI-driven tools aimed at enhancing content creation. Specifically, Shorts creators can now leverage a free AI tool to create video backgrounds and clips with accompanying audio. Additionally, the platform is expanding the functionality of Playables on Live, allowing creators to incorporate over 75 games to interact with their audiences.
YouTube has partnered with Google DeepMind to bring a tailored version of the Veo 3 video generation AI model to YouTube Shorts. This integration enables creators to generate video backgrounds and clips with sound directly within the platform. The tool is designed to produce 480p videos optimized for speed and quality, all accessible at no cost.
The new Shorts feature is currently available to creators in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. To access the tool, creators should click the create button followed by tapping the “sparkle icon” in the upper right corner. YouTube has indicated plans to expand the feature to additional regions in the near future.
Future updates for Shorts creators will allow users to transform static images into videos, apply stylistic treatments like “pop art” and “origami,” and integrate objects and effects using text-based prompts. These enhancements are expected to be released in the coming months.
Podcast creators will benefit from the integration of the Google Veo 3 AI model, allowing them to produce video clips and Shorts from full podcast episodes. For podcasts without existing video, the AI tool can generate custom videos using the audio files.
Live streaming also sees several new features. Playables, previously restricted to certain users, are now available to all creators, providing expanded audience engagement and monetization options. Additional updates include vertical livestream capabilities and an AI tool designed to create highlights and Shorts from live sessions.
Key takeaways include enhanced AI features for Shorts, upgrades to YouTube Studio such as the introduction of Ask Studio, AI tools for Podcast creators, features for music fans including album pre-saves and artist rewards, and streamlined options for brand deals and shopping integrations.