YouTube is set to enhance its Shorts feature by introducing Google's Veo, an AI model developed by DeepMind. The new capability is designed to give users more advanced tools for creating dynamic video backgrounds and brief six-second videos. Google's development was disclosed at the “Made On YouTube” event, highlighting YouTube's commitment to infusing artificial intelligence into its suite of tools.
Veo's Impact on Video Creation
Showcased at Google's I/O 2024 developer event, the Veo model is presented as a sophisticated tool for video generation. It aims to rival models like OpenAI's Sora, Pika, Runway, and Irreverent Labs by enabling the creation of 1080p videos in diverse cinematic formats.
The addition of Veo will bolster YouTube's existing “Dream Screen” feature, launched in 2023, which let creators craft video backdrops via text prompts. The enhanced capabilities will allow for more intricate editing and remixing, offering creators the means to produce more striking visual content.
Expanded Creative Options for Shorts
Creators can now generate self-contained six-second video clips tailored specifically for Shorts. By selecting the “Create” function and providing a text prompt, the Dream Screen feature can produce four images, from which creators can choose one to convert into a video.
The function allows for the inclusion of transition scenes—like cityscapes—to enrich storytelling. The Veo feature is scheduled for release later this year, and AI-generated content will be identified using DeepMind's SynthID technology to promote transparency.
In addition to Veo, YouTube is launching other updates to enhance user engagement and content creation. These include “Jewels” and gifts—digital items that viewers can buy to support streamers, similar to TikTok's “Gifts”. The platform's automatic dubbing tool is broadening its language offerings to include French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish with improved natural-sounding audio.
Google is also expanding its Community hubs and rolling out the “hyping” feature in new regions, enabling users to show creator support. Additionally, YouTube Studio introduces AI-powered tools to assist creators in brainstorming content ideas and designing thumbnails, making content production smoother.
