Google Photos Gets a Creative Boost with New AI Tools

Google is transforming how users relive their memories by introducing AI-powered features to Google Photos, aimed at turning static moments into dynamic creations. The new update brings tools for “remixing” photos into different styles and converting images into short videos, adding an artistic and animated layer to your gallery.

All these features are now conveniently housed under a centralized “Create” tab, which will start rolling out in the U.S. in August. This hub combines both traditional and AI-driven editing tools. The popular options like collages, highlight videos, and now the newly introduced features: Photo-to-Video and Remix.

Photo to Video

The Photo to Video feature lets users transform still images into six-second video clips, powered by Google’s Veo 2 model. Users can choose between two creative prompts: “Subtle movements” or “I’m feeling lucky”, bringing subtle animations or surprise elements to their shots.

This idea echoes the earlier trend of animating old family portraits, popularized by apps like MyHeritage. But now, this technology is integrated directly into a mainstream app. Also, available today for Android and iOS users in the United States.

Remix: A Style Makeover for Memories

The Remix feature, built on Google’s Imagen AI model, lets users reimagine any photo with a new artistic flair. In just a few taps, images can be transformed into anime, comic book panels, sketches, or 3D-like animations, injecting fun and novelty into everyday photos.

This feature will also roll out across Android and iOS in the coming weeks, exclusive to U.S. users for now.

To maintain transparency, both tools will embed SynthID digital watermarks into their AI-generated outputs. Videos will also carry a visible watermark, similar to those seen in Gemini creations, clearly indicating their artificial origin.

Since these features are in the experimental phase, users will be able to provide feedback via thumbs-up or thumbs-down options. It will help Google to fine-tune its models and improve the user experience over time.

Google Expands AI to the Masses

With over 1.5 billion users, Google Photos is one of the tech giant’s most widely-used services. By integrating AI features here, Google is putting creative, intelligent tools into the hands of a massive global audience. Many of whom may be exploring AI for the first time.

The rollout coincides with similar upgrades for YouTube Shorts, which now includes a photo-to-video feature and new AI effects powered by Veo 2. YouTube Shorts is expected to adopt Veo 3 later this summer.