Google has introduced a powerful new capability to its Gemini AI chatbot, enabling users to transform static images into dynamic short videos. This feature allows users to breathe life into pictures by adding movement, ambient sounds, background music, and even dialogue.
The technology behind this innovation is Google’s advanced video generation model called View Three. For now, the feature is available exclusively to users of Gemini AI Ultra and Pro tiers in select countries. The web-based version of the feature rolled out on July 11, and Google has confirmed that a mobile version is coming soon.
Creating a video with Gemini is simple. Users just need to open the ’‘Prompt Bar’, select ‘Video from the ‘Tools’ section, upload an image, and provide detailed written instructions. These instructions describe how different elements of the image should move. Users can also specify the addition of voiceovers, sound effects, and environmental audio to enhance the final result. The finished video is exportable in MP4 format.
With this new tool, users can animate anything from personal drawings to scenic landscapes, turning still visuals into creative short clips. Importantly, each generated video includes Google’s ‘Synth ID’, an invisible digital watermark that identifies it as AI-generated content, ensuring transparency in how the media was created.
How the Feature Works: Bringing Still Images to Life
The process to create an AI-generated video is straightforward:
- Select the Video Tool: Users need to open the Prompt Bar in Gemini and choose ‘Video’ from the available tools.
- Upload an Image: Users upload a photo or drawing they want to animate.
- Provide Detailed Instructions: Through text prompts, users describe how elements in the image should move. They can define subtle motions like swaying trees, flowing water, or more complex animations like walking characters.
- Add Audio Elements: Users can enhance the video with ambient background sounds, music, or dialogue. Gemini supports layered audio tracks, allowing for richer storytelling.
- Export as MP4: The final video can be downloaded in MP4 format, making it easy to share across platforms.
AI Transparency: Introducing Synth ID Watermarking
Google has emphasized the importance of transparency in AI-generated content. All videos created through this feature will contain an invisible watermark known as ‘Synth ID’. This digital signature allows viewers and platforms to verify that the content was created using AI tools, helping combat misinformation and ensuring responsible AI use.
Expanding Creative Possibilities
This new feature unlocks fresh creative possibilities for:
- Artists and Designers: Animate digital artwork or concept designs.
- Content Creators: Quickly produce video content for social media.
- Educators and Storytellers: Bring lessons and narratives to life through animated visual aids.
- Casual Users: Turn personal photos into fun, animated keepsakes.
Users can animate not just photos but also their own illustrations, digital paintings, and even simple sketches.
A Step Forward in AI-Powered Media Creation
Google’s move comes as part of a broader push by tech giants to democratize content creation with generative AI. Companies like OpenAI, Meta, and Adobe are all developing tools that make it easier for non-professionals to produce high-quality multimedia using simple prompts.
With this addition, Gemini joins a growing list of AI tools that aim to streamline creative workflows, lowering the barrier to entry for video production.
Source: The Verge
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