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Ever looked at an old photo and wondered what it would look like as a 3D animation or a comic strip? Or wished you could turn your favorite moment into a short movie? Google Photos is now giving you the tools to do exactly that — and it’s all thanks to some serious AI magic.
In its latest update, Google Photos is evolving from a simple photo storage app into a full-on creativity hub. With over 1.5 billion users worldwide, Google is making it easier (and more fun) than ever to remix, reimagine, and relive your favorite moments. And the best part? You don’t need to be a designer or video editor — just curious enough to tap a few buttons.
A Whole New “Create” Tab — Say Hello to the Fun Zone
First things first: Google is rolling out a brand-new “Create” tab inside the Photos app. Think of this as your creative control center. This is where you’ll find all the magic — from classic collage-making tools to the brand-new AI features that take creativity to the next level.
This new tab will house everything you need to play, explore, and experiment with your photos and videos. Over time, Google promises to keep it fresh by adding new tools and AI experiments.
Remix Mode: Your Photos, Your Style
One of the coolest new additions is the Remix feature. Ever imagined what your selfie would look like as an anime character? Or maybe a pencil sketch? With Remix, you can transform any photo into a new artistic style — all in a few seconds.
Powered by Google’s Imagen AI model, Remix lets you pick a photo and apply different creative styles — from whimsical to realistic. Whether you’re in the mood for something fun or something dramatic, you can now give your photos a new personality with just a tap.
This feature is rolling out in the U.S. on Android and iOS in the coming weeks, and it’s designed to be effortless and addictive.
From Snap to Short Film: Turn Photos Into Videos
Also arriving in your Google Photos toolkit is the new Photo to Video feature, which uses Google’s powerful Veo 2 AI model. This one’s a game-changer: it turns still images into six-second animated video clips. Think of it like breathing motion into your memories.
After choosing your image, you can pick from two animation styles — “Subtle movements” for a gentle, cinematic feel, or “I’m feeling lucky” for a surprise effect. It’s an easy and fun way to give your photos a new dimension (literally).
The Photo to Video feature is available now in the U.S. for both Android and iOS users.
Watermarks, Feedback, and What’s Next
To ensure transparency, both new features will include a SynthID digital watermark, so you’ll always know when a creation was AI-generated. Videos will also include a visual watermark, just like those created with Google’s Gemini tools.
Since these tools are still experimental, Google is actively asking for user feedback via thumbs-up or thumbs-down icons. Your clicks will help fine-tune the AI, shaping how these features evolve.
More AI, More Fun: Coming Soon to YouTube Shorts Too
These upgrades to Google Photos are launching alongside similar AI-powered goodies in YouTube Shorts, which is also getting its own photo-to-video feature — with even more effects coming soon thanks to the upcoming Veo 3 model.
Final Snap
With these updates, Google Photos is becoming more than just a digital shoebox for your memories. It’s a playground where AI helps you reinterpret and relive the moments you love — in bold, unexpected ways.
So if you’ve got a favorite photo sitting quietly in your gallery, it might be time to let it dance, dream, or doodle. Just head over to the new Create tab and start exploring.
Because when your memories meet AI, things get way more interesting.
