Google Vids Introduces Feature Allowing Users to Star in Custom AI-Generated Videos

Although OpenAI’s Sora has been discontinued, Google believes there remains strong demand for a tool that enables users to appear as the main character in their own AI-generated videos. On Thursday, the company released an update to Google Vids that adds the capability to create a personalized digital avatar based on a user‑uploaded selfie and voice recording.
Furthermore, Google is integrating its multi‑modal AI model Gemini Omni into Vids. This integration allows users to craft videos by combining a written description with reference images they upload. Gemini Omni then synthesizes these inputs to produce the desired AI video. It can also be utilized to modify elements such as background changes, lighting adjustments, or the addition of visual effects to videos recorded on a smartphone.
In addition, Omni now supports step‑by‑step editing, giving users the option to make incremental changes to their videos rather than starting from scratch each time.
These updates transform Google Vids from its original purpose as an AI‑assisted tool for workplace presentations into a comprehensive video creation platform. By incorporating Vids into Google Workspace, the company signals its potential use for business applications such as internal updates and training materials. At the same time, the ability to create personalized avatars and perform conversational edits positions Vids as a direct competitor to other AI video startups and services like HeyGen, Synthesia, Captions, and D-ID.
Google specifies that the new AI avatars will be designed to resemble the account holder, linked to their Google account, and will include an invisible watermark generated by SynthID. This measure is intended to prevent the misuse of the tool to produce unusual AI videos featuring individuals such as Google CEO Sundar Pichai, a scenario that was possible with OpenAI’s Sora.
The company also states that access to personalized avatars is restricted to users located in specific regions who are at least 18 years old.
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Although OpenAI’s Sora has been discontinued, Google believes there remains strong demand for a tool that enables users to appear as the main character in their own AI-generated videos. On Thursday, the company released an update to Google Vids that adds the capability to create a personalized digital avatar based on a user‑uploaded selfie and voice recording.
Furthermore, Google is integrating its multi‑modal AI model Gemini Omni into Vids. This integration allows users to craft videos by combining a written description with reference images they upload. Gemini Omni then synthesizes these inputs to produce the desired AI video. It can also be utilized to modify elements such as background changes, lighting adjustments, or the addition of visual effects to videos recorded on a smartphone.
In addition, Omni now supports step‑by‑step editing, giving users the option to make incremental changes to their videos rather than starting from scratch each time.
These updates transform Google Vids from its original purpose as an AI‑assisted tool for workplace presentations into a comprehensive video creation platform. By incorporating Vids into Google Workspace, the company signals its potential use for business applications such as internal updates and training materials. At the same time, the ability to create personalized avatars and perform conversational edits positions Vids as a direct competitor to other AI video startups and services like HeyGen, Synthesia, Captions, and D-ID.
Google specifies that the new AI avatars will be designed to resemble the account holder, linked to their Google account, and will include an invisible watermark generated by SynthID. This measure is intended to prevent the misuse of the tool to produce unusual AI videos featuring individuals such as Google CEO Sundar Pichai, a scenario that was possible with OpenAI’s Sora.
The company also states that access to personalized avatars is restricted to users located in specific regions who are at least 18 years old.
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