YouTube Shorts now lets users create AI avatars

YouTube is introducing AI-generated avatars for Shorts that can look and sound like users, allowing creators to appear in videos without recording themselves.

The feature lets users create a photorealistic avatar by capturing a “live selfie” that records both face and voice. Once created, the avatar can be inserted into Shorts using prompts, with each generated clip lasting up to 8 seconds. Multiple clips can be created and combined into longer videos.

According to YouTube, “the avatar feature gives users an easier way to include themselves safely and securely in videos.”

The company says selfie recordings are used only for avatar creation. Other users cannot generate content using someone else’s avatar, and avatars can be deleted or retaken at any time. YouTube will also automatically delete avatars that remain unused for three years.

How to create a YouTube AI avatar

To create an avatar in the YouTube app:

• Open the Create (+) button
• Tap the Gemini spark in the corner
• Select Create video
• Choose Make a video with my avatar
• Enter your prompt to generate a Short

The feature is also available via:
Remix → Reimagine → Add me to this scene

The rollout begins globally for users aged 18 and older, excluding Europe, with broader availability expected in the coming days. Users must also have an existing YouTube channel to create an avatar.