Google Photos now turns your still photos into life-like videos with AI

Your old photos might not stay still for long. Google Photos is getting a creative upgrade that lets users breathe new life into their snapshots — literally turning pictures into mini videos, a nice upgrade from the stickers feature they introduced earlier this year.

Google has rolled out its latest video-generation model, Veo 3, directly into Google Photos. Previously tucked inside the Gemini app, Veo 3 now powers Photos’ “photo-to-video” feature, giving everyday users access to sharper, more realistic animations without needing expensive subscriptions.

What’s Changing

The existing “Photo to video” tool in Google Photos used Veo 2, generating basic six-second animations. With Veo 3, results look smoother and more lifelike. Users can pick a photo, head to the new Create tab, and choose between two prompts:

• Subtle Motion for realistic touches.
• I’m Feeling Lucky for playful, unpredictable effects.

The app then generates a short video clip, ready to share or save.

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Who Gets It

For now, the update is rolling out to U.S. users but will be available globally soon. Free users will have a limited number of daily generations, while AI Pro and Ultra subscribers get higher limits. Unlike Gemini, which offers audio and longer videos, Google Photos’ clips remain silent and capped at 4–6 seconds.

More Than Just Videos

The Create tab isn’t just about Veo 3. Google has packed in several AI-driven tools:

• Remix → turn photos into anime, comic, or sketch styles.
• Highlight reels → auto-generate short videos from your library.
• Collages, GIFs, and 3D cinematic photos → creative formats beyond simple vids.

Why It Matters

Google Photos is already a giant, with 1.5 billion monthly active users (as of May 2025). By folding Veo 3 into such a widely used app, Google is making advanced AI creativity tools accessible to casual users — not just those paying $250 per month for Gemini Ultra.

Add Life & Motion

Google spokesperson Michael Marconi says Veo 3 produces “a more lifelike effect compared to what came before.” In practice, that means your vacation selfie could subtly wave with moving clouds, or an old family portrait might gain gentle head tilts or background motion — without veering into uncanny territory.

Any Catch?

On one hand, this is a clear win for users who want to experiment with AI without paying extra. On the other hand, limitations remain: no audio, short runtimes, and restricted free use. Professional creators may still find Gemini or other AI editors more powerful.

If you’re a Google Photos user, you’ll soon be able to animate your favorite snapshots for free — no new app, no premium subscription required. It’s a quick way to add personality to memories, social posts, or even short-form content.

Going Forward

Google Photos is quietly evolving from a storage locker into a creative suite. With Veo 3 setting the pace, it’s only a matter of time before audio, longer clips, or even full AI-edited videos find their way into the app. For now, your photo library just got a little more alive.