YouTube Shorts viewers might soon encounter AI versions of their favorite creators while scrolling. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan announced that creators will soon be able to make Shorts using their own digital likeness. In his annual letter, Mohan stated that this year creators will be able to create a Short using their own likeness, produce games with a simple text prompt, and experiment with music. He emphasized that throughout this evolution, AI will remain a tool for expression, not a replacement.
Shorts, which now averages 200 billion daily views, is one of YouTube’s most popular formats. The company continues to invest in Shorts to sustain its viewership. While YouTube did not share additional details about these digital likenesses, the new capability will join the platform’s existing AI tools for Shorts. These current tools include the ability to generate AI clips, create AI stickers, and use AI auto-dubbing.
YouTube will also equip creators with new tools to manage the use of their likeness in AI-generated content. Although YouTube will allow creators to feature their own likeness in their videos, the Google-owned platform recently launched technology to prevent unauthorized use by others. Last October, YouTube rolled out likeness-detection technology for eligible creators. This technology helps identify AI-generated content featuring a creator’s likeness, such as their face and voice, allowing creators to request its removal.
As with other social platforms, YouTube has dealt with the spread of low-quality AI content. Mohan says the company is working to maintain a high-quality viewing experience. He explained that while YouTube maintains an open ecosystem for creators, it also has a responsibility to uphold quality. To reduce the spread of low-quality AI content, YouTube is actively building on its established systems that combat spam and clickbait, aiming to reduce repetitive and low-quality content.
YouTube is also set to expand Shorts with new formats, including image posts, which are already popular on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.