In a move aimed at simplifying content creation, YouTube has begun rolling out a new feature that allows users to generate AI-powered avatars that look and sound like them for use in Shorts. The feature, teased earlier this year, is now becoming available globally, excluding Europe, for users aged 18+.
The avatar creation process is accessible within the main YouTube app and YouTube Create. Users are required to capture a “live selfie” by recording their face and voice while reading a few prompts. This setup generates a photorealistic avatar that can be used in Shorts. Each prompt-based clip can run up to 8 seconds, and users can create multiple clips back-to-back. The setup needs to be completed only once, but it can be retaken anytime to update appearance.
This launch builds on the integration of Google Veo models in YouTube Shorts. While similar functionality existed earlier through the ingredients-to-video feature using images, the addition of voice capabilities marks a significant upgrade. YouTube stated that “the avatar feature gives users an easier way to include themselves safely and securely in videos.”
To address safety concerns, YouTube clarified that selfie videos and voice data will be used only for avatar creation, and no one else will be able to use the avatar to create original Shorts. Users can delete their avatars at any time, while the platform will automatically remove unused avatars after 3 years. However, videos already created with the avatar will remain until manually deleted.
All avatar-based content will include watermarks and digital labels such as SynthID and C2PA, along with clear disclosures indicating AI-generated content. Once the feature is available, users can access it by tapping the Create ‘+’ button in the YouTube app, selecting the Gemini spark icon, and choosing “Create video.” The option “Make a video with my avatar” will appear, or users can navigate via Remix > Reimagine > Add me to this scene.
The feature rollout begins today, with wider availability expected in the coming days. Users must own an existing YouTube channel to access this capability.
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