Signalling a sharper shift toward AI-led creation, YouTube said it will let users create AI versions of themselves for video sharing later this year, aligning with a similar capability offered by Sora, the video-generation app from ChatGPT-maker OpenAI.
“AI will be a boon to the creatives who are ready to lean in,” CEO Neal Mohan said in an annual letter that laid out the platform’s priorities for 2026. He compared AI’s impact on content creation to earlier tools such as the music synthesizer and Photoshop, and said the platform sees AI as the next major leap for creators.
YouTube said more than 1,000,000 channels used its AI creation tools daily in December. Mohan added that YouTube plans to significantly expand its AI toolkit this year, including features that would allow creators to build games using simple text prompts.
The planned ability to generate short videos using a creator’s own likeness would follow Sora’s cameo feature. OpenAI launched that feature last year, allowing users to insert their likeness and voice into AI-generated videos.
The move comes as Google and OpenAI compete closely in AI. Google has been adding generative AI features across products such as Gmail and Maps, while also pushing its Gemini chatbot as a rival to ChatGPT.
In an email to a news agency, Google said it would share more details about the new YouTube feature soon.
Mohan also tried to address rising concerns around AI content. He said “AI will remain a tool for expression, not a replacement” for human creators. This comes amid worries about authenticity, content quality, and the long-term future of creative work.
YouTube said creators will need to disclose altered or synthetic content. It also plans to provide tools to manage unauthorized use of a creator’s likeness in AI-generated videos.
Mohan said YouTube is building systems to fight “AI slop,” or low-quality automated uploads, by adapting existing anti-spam and clickbait measures.
YouTube has been the top streaming platform by watch time in the United States for nearly 3 years, according to Nielsen data. Its short-form format, Shorts, now averages 200,000,000,000 daily views.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
