YouTube has introduced a new feature allowing users to generate a personalized AI avatar for use in Shorts. This functionality was previously hinted at earlier this year and is now accessible in the YouTube app and YouTube Create. Users can create a photorealistic avatar by capturing a “live selfie,” which involves recording their face and voice by responding to prompts.
The avatar creation process enables up to 8 seconds of prompt-based generation, and users can make multiple clips in succession. The initial setup is needed only once, but individuals can retake their selfie at any time to refresh their avatar’s appearance. YouTube emphasizes that the video and voice recordings are strictly for avatar development and cannot be used by others for new Shorts.
This feature, rolling out globally today for users above 18 (excluding Europe), is part of a broader initiative that includes AI-generated content disclosures and watermarks. To access the feature, users must own an existing YouTube channel and can find it under the Create ‘+’ section in the app.