YouTube AI Likeness: Create Shorts Now

YouTube's New AI Feature: Creators to Make Shorts with Their Own Likeness in 2026

YouTube is revolutionizing content creation by introducing an AI tool that lets creators generate Shorts using their own likeness. Announced by CEO Neal Mohan, this feature promises to unlock new creative possibilities while addressing concerns about AI misuse.

What the New AI Likeness Feature Means for Creators

YouTube plans to expand its AI suite in 2026, enabling users to produce Shorts featuring an AI version of themselves. This voluntary tool aims to boost creative expression without replacing human creators. Neal Mohan emphasized that AI serves as a tool for innovation, similar to past technologies like Photoshop or CGI that transformed content production.

Currently, over one million channels use YouTube's AI creation tools daily, showing strong adoption. The likeness feature joins existing Shorts AI capabilities, such as generating clips, stickers, and auto-dubbing, which already attract six million daily viewers for sessions over 10 minutes.

Broader AI Innovations Coming to YouTube

Beyond likeness-based Shorts, YouTube is rolling out additional AI features this year. Creators can produce games via simple text prompts using the experimental Playables program powered by Gemini. Music creation tools will also allow experimentation with AI-generated sounds.

• Shorts now averages 200 billion daily views, underscoring its dominance.
• New formats like image posts will integrate into the Shorts feed for more variety.
• AI aids in content discovery, with 20 million users learning about content through the Ask tool in December.

Protections Against AI Misuse and Deepfakes

YouTube prioritizes safety amid rising deepfake concerns. All content made with its AI tools receives clear labels, and creators must disclose realistic alterations or synthetic media. The platform removes harmful synthetic content violating Community Guidelines.

New tools build on Content ID to help creators manage their likeness in AI-generated videos. Last October, YouTube launched likeness-detection technology for eligible creators to spot and request removal of unauthorized uses of their face or voice. The company supports legislation like the NO FAKES Act to protect creative integrity.

To combat low-quality AI content, often called "AI slop," YouTube enhances systems against spam, clickbait, and repetitive material. This ensures a high-quality viewing experience as AI evolves.

Other Key Updates in YouTube's 2026 Roadmap

The AI announcements form part of a larger strategy. Enhanced monetization includes brand partnership tools, like adding links to brand sites in Shorts and swapping branded segments for recurring revenue. In-app shopping with checkout reduces friction for viewers.

Parental controls expand with time limits on Shorts scrolling for kids and teens, including an option to set it to zero. YouTube TV gains fully customizable multiview, and music discovery improves for finding artists and releases.

Conclusion

YouTube's 2026 vision positions AI as a creative ally, with the likeness feature for Shorts leading the charge. By balancing innovation with robust protections, the platform empowers creators to thrive in an AI-driven era.

This development signals a future where personal likeness enhances storytelling on Shorts, potentially transforming how creators engage massive audiences while safeguarding authenticity.