Gemini can now create videos from photos!

Google has taken a significant step forward in generative AI with a new feature that transforms photos into short videos, directly through the Gemini app. This announcement builds on the company’s momentum from Google I/O 2025, where it introduced Veo 3, its most advanced video generation model to date. Since its debut, Veo 3 has gradually become available to more users globally, and now, Google is bringing even more creative functionality to Gemini.

As of this week, users with a Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription can turn any photo into an eight-second video using the same Veo 3 technology. The process is simple and intuitive. Within the Gemini app, users select the “Videos” option from the prompt tool, upload a photo, and enter scene and audio descriptions. Gemini then generates a short video based on the provided input, leveraging Veo 3’s capabilities to produce dynamic, AI-powered animations from static images.

This feature is now available in select countries and adds another layer to Google's growing portfolio of AI tools for consumers. According to Google, more than 40 million videos have already been created with Veo 3 since May through the Gemini app and Flow. The addition of a photo-to-video tool is expected to drive even more engagement, especially among users eager to experiment with creative AI outputs.

Google is also prioritizing transparency and digital integrity with this new feature. All videos generated by Gemini will include two types of watermarking: a visible label indicating the content is AI-generated, and an invisible SynthID watermark embedded within the video data itself. This approach is designed to prevent misuse and ensure the authenticity of AI content, especially in an era where distinguishing real from synthetic media is becoming increasingly difficult.

The move comes as competition in the generative AI space intensifies. While OpenAI’s ChatGPT has already gone viral with its ability to create Studio Ghibli-style images and other artistic content, Google’s Gemini has yet to achieve the same level of public fascination. In an effort to boost visibility and user adoption, Google has been actively promoting its AI tools through social media campaigns involving employees and high-profile executives.

In fact, Google CEO Sundar Pichai took to X (formerly Twitter) to promote the new feature, sharing a lighthearted video created with Gemini that imagines the company’s mascot dinosaur, Stan, wandering around Google’s campus. Pichai’s post highlights the creative potential of the tool and signals Google’s intent to generate buzz organically through user-generated content.

Despite its quieter start compared to its rivals, Gemini is steadily expanding its footprint. The integration of Veo 3 into more regions and platforms suggests that Google is committed to making its generative video tools widely accessible. The company has already rolled out Veo 3 access to Google AI Pro subscribers in over 150 countries, and the new photo-to-video feature is now included as part of this broader offering.

This development also underscores Google's broader strategy of blending user-friendly design with powerful machine learning models. Rather than requiring technical knowledge or complex workflows, Gemini allows anyone to create visually engaging content with just a few taps. This ease of use is likely to attract casual users, content creators, and marketers alike, especially those looking for quick ways to generate engaging video content without the need for traditional editing tools.

Looking ahead, this new feature could position Gemini as a strong contender in the consumer AI content space. With tools like image animation and video synthesis becoming more mainstream, tech companies are racing to provide intuitive platforms that make creative AI accessible to all. Google’s latest addition to Gemini could help it close the gap with competitors and potentially set the stage for the app’s first viral moment.

As generative AI continues to evolve, tools like Gemini's photo-to-video converter demonstrate how quickly the boundaries of creativity are being redrawn. For now, the feature remains exclusive to Google AI Pro and Ultra users, but its success could lead to wider availability in the near future. For those eager to turn everyday moments into cinematic clips, Gemini now offers one of the simplest and most powerful ways to do so.