Google has announced a significant update to its Vids video editing application, introducing the ability for users to direct AI-generated avatars using natural language prompts. The company also added direct export to YouTube, support for the Veo 3.1 video generation model, and a new screen recording Chrome extension.
The updates, announced on Thursday, are part of Google's ongoing effort to enhance its suite of AI-powered creative tools for both enterprise and consumer users. The Vids app, first unveiled in 2024, is positioned to compete with established players in the AI video creation market.
AI Avatars Take Direction
The headline feature allows users to instruct avatars through text prompts, directing them to interact with products, props, or equipment within a scene. Google states that the app maintains character consistency despite the dynamic nature of the AI-generated output.
Users can further customise these avatars by tweaking their appearance, changing apparel, and generating new backgrounds—all controlled through descriptive prompts based on the video's theme.
Enhanced Video and Audio Generation
This rollout integrates Google's latest Veo 3.1 video generation model directly into the editing workflow. The model can create eight-second video clips within the tool. Google is offering 10 free Veo generations per month to all users, while subscribers on the Google AI Ultra and Workspace AI Ultra plans can generate up to 1,000 videos monthly.
The update follows last month's addition of the Lyria 3 and Lyria 3 Pro AI music models, which enable users to add sound effects or music to their projects.
Streamlined Publishing and New Tools
A major workflow improvement is the new ability to export finished videos directly to a YouTube channel, eliminating the need to download and manually upload files. All videos exported via this method are set to private by default, allowing for review before public release.
Google has also introduced a screen recording Chrome extension to the Vids suite, enabling users to capture their screen with accompanying audio or video narration.
Context and Competition
Google has consistently expanded Vids since its debut, adding AI avatars for consumer use last year and introducing 2D and 3D cartoon-style avatars in February. That same update added voiceover support for seven new languages: French, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Japanese.
The application now competes in a growing market that includes companies like Synthesia, HeyGen, D-ID, and Lemon Slice, all offering AI-driven video production solutions.