YouTube Will Soon Let Creators Make Shorts Using Their Own AI Likeness

YouTube Shorts may soon look very different. While scrolling, viewers could start seeing AI-generated versions of their favorite creators made with the creators’ own permission.

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan revealed the update in his annual letter, announcing that creators will soon be able to produce Shorts using their own AI likeness.

“This year you’ll be able to create a Short using your own likeness, produce games with a simple text prompt, and experiment with music,” Mohan wrote. He also emphasized that AI is meant to be a creative tool, not a replacement for real creators.

Shorts remains one of YouTube’s biggest successes, now averaging around 200 billion daily views. To keep that momentum going, YouTube continues to roll out new AI-powered features. The AI likeness option will join existing tools such as AI-generated clips, AI stickers, auto-dubbing, and more. While YouTube hasn’t shared full details yet, the feature is expected to give creators more flexibility and creative freedom.

At the same time, YouTube says it’s taking creator protection seriously. New tools will allow creators to manage how their likeness is used in AI-generated content. This follows YouTube’s rollout of likeness-detection technology last October, which helps eligible creators identify AI videos that copy their face or voice. Creators can request removal of such content if it’s used without permission.

Like other platforms, YouTube has been dealing with an influx of low-quality “AI slop.” Mohan acknowledged the issue, saying the company is focused on protecting the viewing experience.

“Openness has always driven creativity on YouTube,” he wrote, “but it also comes with a responsibility to maintain quality.” To tackle spam, clickbait, and repetitive AI content, YouTube is strengthening the same systems that have successfully handled these problems in the past.

On top of all that, YouTube plans to expand Shorts with new formats, including image posts, a feature already popular on TikTok and Instagram Reels.

In short, YouTube is betting big on AI but with tighter controls as it reshapes the future of Shorts and creator content.