YouTube Launches AI Avatars for Shorts

YouTube began rolling out a new AI avatar feature for Shorts on April 8, 2026, allowing users to generate photorealistic digital versions of themselves that replicate both their appearance and voice. The tool enables creators to appear in vertical videos without needing to be physically present during the filming process.

The feature was previously teased in January 2026 by YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, who stated that creators would be able to create a Short using your own likeness during the year.

Avatar Creation and Implementation

To create an avatar, users must undergo a setup process available in the main YouTube app and the YouTube Create platform. This involves capturing a live selfie, which requires the user to record their face and voice by reading a series of prompts provided by the application.

Once the setup is complete, users can generate prompt-based video clips. Each individual AI-generated clip can be up to eight seconds long, though creators can chain multiple clips together to produce longer sequences. While the initial setup only needs to be performed once, users have the option to retake the selfie and voice recordings at any time to update their avatar’s appearance.

Users can access the tool through two primary paths in the interface:

• Opening the Create + button in the YouTube app, tapping the Gemini spark in the corner, selecting Create video in the top-left, and choosing Make a video with my avatar.
• Using the Remix menu, selecting Reimagine, and then choosing Add me to this scene.

Technical Foundation and Evolution

The AI avatar tool is a continuation of the integration of Google Veo models within YouTube Shorts. Google had previously introduced an ingredients-to-video capability that allowed users to upload a picture to generate video content, but the addition of synchronized voice cloning is a new development for the platform.

According to YouTube, the implementation of this feature gives users an easier way to include themselves safely and securely in videos.

Privacy and Safety Guardrails

YouTube has implemented several safeguards to prevent the misuse of user likenesses. The data captured during the live selfie process, including the video and voice recordings, is used exclusively for the creation of that specific user’s avatar. The platform has stated that no other users can utilize another person’s likeness to create original Shorts.

Regarding data retention, users can delete their avatars at any time. YouTube will also automatically delete an avatar after three years of inactivity. However, any existing videos that were published using the avatar will remain on the platform until the specific video clip is manually deleted by the creator.

To ensure transparency regarding AI-generated content, all videos featuring these avatars will include digital labels and watermarks. These include disclosures about AI-generated content as well as technical standards such as C2PA and SynthID.

Availability and Access

As of April 8, 2026, the AI avatar feature is rolling out globally for users aged 18 and older. The rollout excludes users located in Europe, although full global availability is expected to follow within a few days.