Article contents:
- Introduction: “Vids” available to everyone
- What is Google Vids?
- Free vs. paid version: What is the difference?
- New features exclusive to subscribers: Avatars and image-to-video
- Why is Google betting on Vids?
- Can you create an avatar for yourself?
- Conclusion: Democratizing video creation
Introduction: “Vids” available to everyone
In a move to make AI-powered video creation tools accessible to everyone, Google announced the rollout of a basic version of its intelligent video editor, “Vids”, to all users. Until now, this application was only available to Google Workspace subscribers or paid AI plans. Now, regular users can access the application with a set of templates, ready-made media, and a “subset of AI capabilities”.
What is Google Vids?
Vids was launched last year as the latest addition to Google’s Workspace suite of tools. The application is designed to help you quickly assemble video presentations. It offers a range of AI video editing and creation tools, including a feature to help you create a storyboard with suggested scenes, stock images, and background music. The goal is to simplify the video production process, especially for business users and educators who have no editing experience.
Free vs. paid version: What is the difference?
Although Vishnu Sivaji, product manager at Google, points out that the free version of Vids will come with “almost all the amazing capabilities” inside the app, there is a fundamental difference. The free version does not contain any of the new AI-powered features rolling out today, which are considered the most interesting. This means free users will get a good experience, but the true power of AI will remain reserved for subscribers.
New features exclusive to subscribers: Avatars and image-to-video
Paid subscribers get a set of powerful new tools:
- AI-generated avatars: You can choose one of 12 pre-made avatars, each with a different look and voice, and then add your text for the avatar to deliver on your behalf. This feature is useful for creating quick messages or explainer clips without needing to appear on camera.
- Image-to-video: You can now create 8-second video clips featuring a specific image, such as a new product. The AI animates the image and adds effects to make it a short and engaging video clip.
- Filler word removal: If you choose to record a video of yourself, you can now use an AI-powered tool that automatically removes filler words (like “um” and “uh”) and pauses from your recording, making the video more professional.
Why is Google betting on Vids?
Google is betting that these features can help companies save time and money when producing product demos, training videos, or support content. Sivaji says: “A 10-minute clip with real actors can take up to six months and cost tens of thousands of dollars… What we’re hearing from customers is that [Vids] allows them to dramatically scale the number of people who can make these types of videos and how often they can make them.”
Can you create an avatar for yourself?
Currently, you cannot use Vids to create an AI-generated avatar of yourself, a feature currently offered by Zoom. When asked about this possibility, Sivaji said that Google “has no further updates to share” at this time. However, this appears to be the natural next direction for the technology.
Conclusion: Democratizing video creation
By making a basic version of Vids available to everyone, Google is taking an important step toward “democratizing” video creation. You no longer need to be a professional editor to create a polished video presentation. However, keeping the most advanced features behind a paywall also illustrates Google’s strategy of using AI as a key incentive to drive users toward its paid subscriptions. Either way, video creation has become easier, faster, and smarter than ever before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a Google Workspace account to use Vids now?
A: No, anyone with a Google account will be able to access the basic version of Vids.
Q: What are the main limitations of the free version?
A: The main limitation is that it does not include the latest AI features, such as AI-generated avatars, the image-to-video tool, and the filler word remover.
Q: What is the benefit of using avatars in videos?
A: They can be useful for creating content quickly without worrying about lighting, background, or appearing on camera. They are also useful for unifying the look of training videos or corporate messages.
