Google has announced a significant update to its AI-powered video editing tool, Vids, making it accessible to all users. Previously limited to subscribers of Google Workspace or specific AI plans, Vids will now be available to a broader audience, complete with templates, stock media, and a selection of AI capabilities. This change marks a pivotal moment for users looking for efficient tools to create video presentations.
Launched in 2023, Vids is part of Google’s expanding suite of Workspace tools. The video editor offers a variety of features designed to streamline the video creation process. Users can benefit from tools that assist in storyboarding, suggesting scenes, providing stock images, and selecting background music. Notably, the editor includes twelve AI avatars that users can choose from for personalized video delivery.
In an interview with The Verge, product director Vishnu Sivaji explained that while the free version of Vids will encompass many functions of the full application, it will not include the latest AI-powered features. These features, which include the ability to create a personalized AI avatar that can present messages, are reserved for paid subscribers. Currently, users can only select from pre-made avatars to deliver their scripts.
Alongside avatar functionality, Google has upgraded Vids’ existing video generation capabilities. Users now have the option to create short, eight-second videos that can feature specific images, such as a new product launch. For those incorporating personal video footage into their presentations, an AI tool can automatically eliminate filler words and pauses, enhancing the overall quality of the content.
Sivaji highlighted the potential impact of Vids on businesses, particularly in reducing the time and costs associated with video production. “A 10-minute-long clip with real actors can take as long as six months and cost tens of thousands of dollars,” he noted. By making video creation more accessible, Google aims to empower companies to produce product demonstrations, training content, and support materials more efficiently.
As the demand for video content continues to rise in various industries, tools like Vids offer a compelling solution for both efficiency and creativity. The expansion of Vids to all users reflects Google’s commitment to enhancing digital communication and collaboration in an increasingly remote work environment.
