YouTube is preparing to roll out a major new feature that will allow creators to generate Shorts using AI versions of themselves. Announced by YouTube CEO Neal Mohan in his annual letter, the update signals the platform’s growing investment in artificial intelligence tools that enhance creativity while giving creators more control over how their identity is used online.
According to Mohan, creators will soon be able to make Shorts using their own likeness, generate games from simple text prompts, and experiment with AI-powered music tools. While YouTube has not shared exact rollout dates or technical details, the announcement highlights how AI is becoming central to content creation across the platform especially within Shorts, which now average over 200 billion daily views globally.
How AI Likeness Will Work on YouTube Shorts
Although YouTube hasn’t disclosed specifics, the new feature will allow creators to use AI-generated versions of their face and voice to produce videos without needing to film themselves every time. This could help creators maintain posting schedules, localize content into multiple languages, or experiment with new storytelling formats all while retaining their personal brand.
Importantly, YouTube says creators will also receive new tools to manage and control how their likeness is used in AI-generated content. This builds on the platform’s likeness-detection technology launched last October, which helps eligible creators identify and request removal of unauthorized AI content featuring their face or voice.
Why YouTube Is Investing in AI Shorts
Short-form video is one of YouTube’s fastest-growing segments, driven by competition from TikTok and Instagram Reels. By adding AI-powered creation tools, YouTube aims to help creators produce content faster while keeping audiences engaged. Existing AI features already include AI-generated clips, stickers, auto-dubbing, and creative effects and likeness-based Shorts represent the next evolution.
Mohan emphasized that AI is meant to support creativity rather than replace human creators. “AI will remain a tool for expression, not a replacement,” he wrote, addressing concerns that automation could dilute originality.
Tackling AI Slop and Content Quality
Like other social platforms, YouTube has faced criticism over the spread of low-quality, repetitive AI-generated content often called “AI slop.” Mohan said the company is strengthening its spam, clickbait, and content-quality detection systems to prevent Shorts from becoming overrun with generic or misleading videos.
Alongside AI upgrades, YouTube is also planning to expand Shorts with new formats such as image posts, mirroring features already popular on TikTok and Instagram.
What This Means for Creators and Viewers
For creators, AI likeness tools could unlock scalable content creation, multilingual reach, and new creative formats. For viewers, it may introduce a new era of personalized and immersive Shorts while raising important conversations around authenticity and identity.
As YouTube continues to blend AI with short-form video, its success will depend on balancing innovation with trust, transparency, and content quality all while empowering creators, not replacing them.
