Major updates to Google Vids video editor
Google has launched a new version of the Vids video editor, previously available as part of the Google Workspace productivity suite, to provide more powerful editing tools for consumers and organizations. These updates include AI-optimized avatars, automatic cropping of unwanted text, and a tool to turn photos into a short video. These features are meant to simplify the process of creating fast, professional video content, especially for users without a large production budget or advanced editing experience.
The basic free version offers basic controls, such as access to the template library, font collection, and stored media library, but does not currently include advanced AI features. The goal of the free version is to enable any user to experience basic editing before subscribing to the advanced versions.
Create videos with AI avatars
The most notable feature in the new update is AI Avatars, which allows users to post written text, select a voice or avatar from a variety of options, and automatically turn the text into a video. This feature is similar to tools offered by startups like Synthesia and D-ID, which use AI to create educational and training videos. The feature was previously available in beta since the Google I/O conference in May, but is now available to everyone, allowing users to quickly create video content without the need for recordings or a full production team.
Improved video editing and text handling
Google has introduced smart tools for video editing, including detecting filler words like "hmm" and "uh" and long pauses. These elements can be deleted with a single tap, and the editor will automatically adjust the timing and visual content. An eight-second short-form video conversion tool has also been added using the Veo 3 template, which helps create quick and engaging short-form content that can be used for educational, marketing, or entertainment purposes.
Future features and expanded editing capabilities
Google is working on improving noise cancellation, introducing backgrounds and effects similar to Google Meet, and supporting different video formats such as portrait, landscape, and square, to cater to multiple platforms including TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. The release date for these features has not yet been determined, but they represent an important expansion of Vids' capabilities, especially for educational institutions and small businesses that rely on video for training and internal communication.
Access and availability
The new features are available to users who own Workspace Business or Enterprise Starter, as well as Google AI Pro or Ultra subscribers, and Workspace for Education customers. This allows organizations and schools to leverage AI tools to easily create innovative video content, with the ability to incorporate avatars, text, and automatic transitions, without the need for large production teams or complex editing software, making it easier for everyone to produce high-quality, professional content faster.
Analysis and future direction
This move represents a clear strategy by Google to strengthen its position in the AI video production market, offering easy-to-access tools for consumers and businesses alike. As startups move to provide similar solutions, this update demonstrates Google's desire to enable users to create innovative content quickly and efficiently, while providing tools to minimize human error and improve production quality.
This could lead to significant changes in the short-form video market, especially as AI features are seamlessly integrated into the editing process, making Vids a competitive platform for both consumer and enterprise users.
Google adds artificial intelligence avatars to Fidesz.
