Google has announced a major update to Google Vids, its video creation platform integrated into Workspace. The key new feature is the ability to create a personalized digital avatar based on a selfie and a voice recording, which can then star in AI-generated videos. This brings Vids closer to tools like HeyGen and Synthesia, but with the advantage of being part of the Google ecosystem.
Gemini Omni arrives turning Vids into a full-fledged video platform
Beyond avatars, Google has integrated the multimodal Gemini Omni model into Vids. Users can now create videos by combining a text prompt with uploaded reference images. Omni mixes these inputs to generate the desired video and supports step-by-step edits allowing changes without starting over. Features like background replacement or lighting enhancement are now available with simple commands.
Sponsored Protocol
Google Vids moves beyond presentations toward custom corporate videos
Originally conceived as an AI-assisted presentation tool, Vids evolves into a complete video creation platform. Its integration within Google Workspace makes it ideal for company updates, training videos, and internal communications. Personalized avatars tied to each user's Google account open interesting opportunities for video marketing and personalized messaging. Google clarified that avatars are reserved for users aged 18 and older in certain regions and are protected by SynthID digital watermarking to prevent misuse.
The use of generative AI in corporate video is rapidly growing. While China accelerates on AI and Europe debates regulations, Google Vids positions itself as an integrated solution for businesses. The ability to create videos featuring one's own face and voice without recording is a game-changer for corporate communication. However, privacy and ethical concerns remain, as highlighted by recent industry developments.
Sponsored Protocol
According to TechCrunch, Google emphasized that avatars are strictly tied to account identity and cannot be used to impersonate others. This attempt to limit abuse may not be foolproof but represents a step forward compared to other platforms. The invisible SynthID watermark helps track AI-generated content.
Additionally, Google updated Vids' interface to support incremental edits, allowing users to add or remove elements without regenerating the entire video. This feature, powered by Gemini Omni, reduces production time and increases flexibility. Users can now create more complex videos starting from simple prompts and reference images, then refine them iteratively.
Sponsored Protocol
Despite OpenAI shutting down Sora, Google is betting on the AI video market. The difference lies in integration with existing productivity tools. Google Vids is not a standalone product but part of an ecosystem already used by millions of businesses. This could give Google a competitive edge, as illustrated in an analysis of Predicd AI showing how AI is penetrating various sectors.
The challenge for Google is balancing innovation and responsibility. With the new feature, every employee could become a video creator but also a potential vector for deepfakes. Google's policies, with age and geographic restrictions, aim to mitigate risks but the game is still open.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/16/google-vids-now-lets-you-star-in-your-own-ai-videos
