Google Photos AI Update Turns Still Images Into Videos

Google Photos is transforming from a simple storage service into a dynamic creative suite. In a recent update, Google has introduced a set of powerful AI-driven tools aimed at helping you reimagine and share your memories in new and exciting ways.

As announced on the official Google Blog, the app is receiving three major updates: a 'Photo to video' feature, a 'Remix' tool for artistic styling, and a new 'Create tab' to house all these functions.

Watch a demo of the new features in action.

Animate Your Memories with 'Photo to video'

Taking inspiration from the impressive capabilities of its Gemini model, Google is now embedding similar technology directly into Google Photos. The new 'Photo to video' feature, powered by the advanced Veo 2 model, allows you to generate short, engaging videos from your static photos. Imagine seeing a cherished old photograph of a relative smile back at you—that's the kind of magic this tool aims to deliver.

The process is straightforward: simply pick a photo from your gallery and apply one of two creative prompts, “Subtle movements” or “I’m feeling lucky.” The AI will then animate your image, creating a six-second video clip perfect for sharing. This feature has started its rollout in the U.S. for both Android and iOS users.

Unleash Your Inner Artist with 'Remix'

If you've ever wanted to see your world through a different artistic lens, the new Remix feature is for you. This tool lets you transform your ordinary photos into unique works of art. You can select a picture and choose from various styles, including anime, comics, sketches, or 3D animations, to instantly give your images a creative makeover.

Remix will start rolling out in the U.S. on both Android and iOS in the next few weeks.

A Central Hub for Creativity: The New 'Create tab'

To ensure these powerful features are easy to access, Google is introducing a dedicated Create tab within the Photos app. This new section will serve as a central hub for all of the app's creative functionalities, including the new Photo to video and Remix tools, as well as existing options like collages and highlight videos. The Create tab is scheduled to begin rolling out in the U.S. in August.

A Commitment to Responsible AI

Google is also emphasizing a responsible approach to deploying these generative AI tools. To maintain transparency, all photos and videos generated with these new features will be marked with an invisible SynthID digital watermark. Furthermore, videos created using the Photo to video tool will also include a visible watermark. Google has stated that these features are currently experimental and is actively encouraging users to provide feedback to aid in their continued improvement.