Trending Now - Youtube Shorts Introduces Ai-generated Avatars From Selfies

WHO:

Techmeme - YouTube is the organization launching the new feature.

9to5Google - The feature is powered by Veo.

WHAT:

9to5Google - YouTube's avatar feature allows users to create deepfake avatars of themselves, which can be used in Shorts.

Engadget - The avatar feature is part of YouTube's ongoing efforts to combat the proliferation of deepfakes and enhance user control over digital identities.

9to5Google - The avatar creation process requires users to be the owner of an existing YouTube channel and over the age of 18.

9to5Google - Users can create multiple clips back-to-back and can retake their avatar at any time to update their appearance.

9to5Google - All avatar videos will feature watermarks and digital labels, including SynthID and C2PA.

Engadget - YouTube's avatar feature allows users to create a digital version of themselves that can be inserted into existing Shorts videos or used to generate entirely new ones.

9to5Google - The avatar creation process involves following a series of prompts while recording a "live selfie" that captures both face and voice.

9to5Google - Users can select “make a video with my avatar” while creating a video to generate a clip from prompts, which can be up to eight seconds long.

The Verge - YouTube's avatar feature will be rolling out gradually, but no specific timeline or initial availability locations were provided.

9to5Google - YouTube's avatar feature was teased earlier in 2026.

Engadget - The avatar feature is part of YouTube's ongoing efforts to combat the proliferation of deepfakes and enhance user control over digital identities.

Engadget - YouTube will automatically delete any avatar that has not been used to create new video content after three years.

Engadget - YouTube's avatar feature allows users to create a photorealistic virtual self by taking a "live selfie" that records their voice, with the option to preview and redo the avatar if unsatisfied.

Engadget - Users can add their avatar to existing "eligible" Shorts by selecting "Remix" and then "Reimagine" with their avatar.

9to5Google - The avatar creation process requires users to be the owner of an existing YouTube channel and over the age of 18.

Techmeme - YouTube has launched a Shorts feature that allows creators to generate photorealistic AI avatars using a "live selfie" recording of their face and voice.

9to5Google - The avatar creation process involves capturing a “live selfie” by recording face and voice, with each prompt-based generation lasting up to 8 seconds.

9to5Google - Users can create multiple clips back-to-back and can retake their avatar at any time to update their appearance.

9to5Google - All avatar videos will feature watermarks and digital labels, including SynthID and C2PA.

WHERE:

9to5Google - The feature is available in the main YouTube app and YouTube Create.

WHEN:

9to5Google - The avatar feature is rolling out globally starting on April 9th, 2026, for users aged 18 and older, with full availability expected in the coming days.

9to5Google - The feature is rolling out globally starting on April 9th, 2026, for users aged 18 and older, with full availability expected in the coming days.

WHY:

9to5Google - YouTube states that the avatar feature provides users with an easier way to include themselves safely and securely in videos.

HOW:

Engadget - YouTube recommends that users hold their phone at eye level and keep themselves centered as much as possible during the "live selfie" recording process.

Engadget - YouTube recommends that users record their "live selfie" in a quiet area, ensuring good lighting and a background free of other people or images of faces.

Engadget - YouTube recommends that users hold their phone at eye level and keep themselves centered as much as possible during the "live selfie" recording process.

Engadget - YouTube recommends that users record their "live selfie" in a quiet area, ensuring good lighting and a background free of other people or images of faces.

Engadget - Users can create an avatar by navigating to the AI Playground in the YouTube app, where they will take a "live selfie" that records their voice.

Engadget - YouTube recommends users hold their phone at eye level, ensure good lighting, and keep their face fully visible during the selfie recording process.

9to5Google - Users can create an avatar by opening the Create ‘+’ in the YouTube app, tapping the Gemini spark, and selecting “Create video” to enter their prompt.

9to5Google - The selfie video and voice will only be used for avatar creation, ensuring that no one else can use the avatar to create original Shorts. Users can delete their avatar at any time, with YouTube automatically deleting it after 3 years of no use.

(UPDATED April 10, 2026 11:16 UTC)

YouTube has launched a new avatar feature that allows users to create deepfake avatars of themselves for use in Shorts, with the rollout beginning on Thursday. To use this feature, users must be over 18 and own an existing YouTube channel, and they can create multiple clips and update their avatars at any time, all while ensuring their videos include watermarks and digital labels for authenticity. YouTube advises users to record their "live selfie" in a quiet, well-lit area, holding their phone at eye level and keeping themselves centered for the best results.

(UPDATED April 10, 2026 01:21 UTC)

The new avatar feature on YouTube is rolling out globally for users aged 18 and older, starting on Thursday, with full availability expected in the coming days. To make the most of the "live selfie" recording process, YouTube recommends that users hold their phones at eye level and stay centered in the frame. This update aims to enhance user engagement and creativity on the platform.

(UPDATED April 9, 2026 23:10 UTC)

YouTube has introduced a new avatar feature that allows users to create a digital version of themselves for use in Shorts videos, either by inserting their avatar into existing clips or generating entirely new ones. The process involves recording a "live selfie" that captures both the user's face and voice, and users can select the option to make a video with their avatar, creating clips that can be up to eight seconds long. While the feature is set to roll out gradually, YouTube has not provided a specific timeline or details on where it will initially be available, though they recommend recording in a quiet area with good lighting and a clear background.

(UPDATED April 9, 2026 19:20 UTC)

YouTube has unveiled a new avatar feature as part of its efforts to combat deepfakes and enhance user control over digital identities. Users can create their avatars by heading to the AI Playground in the YouTube app, where they will take a live selfie that also records their voice. Additionally, any avatar that hasn't been used to create new video content will be automatically deleted after three years.

(UPDATED April 9, 2026 15:22 UTC)

YouTube has launched a new avatar feature that allows users to create a photorealistic virtual self by taking a "live selfie" that captures their voice, with options to preview and redo the avatar if needed. Users can then add their avatar to eligible Shorts by selecting "Remix" and choosing "Reimagine." To use this feature, individuals must be over 18 and own an existing YouTube channel, and it's recommended to hold the phone at eye level with good lighting for the best results.

(UPDATED April 9, 2026 11:18 UTC)

YouTube has launched a new Shorts feature that allows creators to generate photorealistic AI avatars using a "live selfie" recording of their face and voice, with the rollout starting on Thursday, for users aged 18 and older. The avatar creation process involves capturing a selfie video and voice, with each prompt-based generation lasting up to 8 seconds, and users can create multiple clips back-to-back while retaining the option to update their avatars at any time. All avatar videos will include watermarks and digital labels for identification, and users can easily delete their avatars whenever they choose, with YouTube ensuring that unused avatars are automatically deleted after three years.