The TikTok social network has launched a new AI-based tool — TikTok AI Alive, which allows users to transform ordinary photos into short dynamic videos with atmospheric effects. This feature is already available in the Stories section, and according to the developers, it opens up new opportunities for creativity and self-expression for platform participants.
With AI Alive, users can animate images by adding motion, sound, and various effects. For example, a photo with an ocean landscape can turn into a video where clouds float across the sky, waves roll onto the shore, and the sunset gradually changes the color of the sky. As TechCrunch notes, you can also “revive” a group selfie, in which AI will emphasize the emotions and facial expressions of the people in the shot.
Currently, the feature is only accessible through the Story Camera. Users can select a photo from the Stories album and activate AI Alive using a dedicated icon on the editing screen. All videos created with the help of AI Alive will include a special label indicating that they were generated using AI. These videos will also include C2PA metadata — a technical standard that enables identifying the content’s origin even outside the TikTok platform.
Content Safety and Future Updates
Before publication, videos undergo a multi-step review process. This includes analyzing the uploaded photo, the text prompt, and the final result. TikTok users can also report any videos that violate the platform’s rules. The company emphasizes that safety and transparency remain a key part of the new feature’s rollout.
This marks TikTok’s first step into image-based content generation — previously, the platform only offered AI tools for text, notes NIX Solutions. While Instagram and Snapchat also offer similar tools, TikTok is the first to implement a complete solution for turning images into videos. Interestingly, Snapchat has also announced a comparable function in its mobile app, which will become available soon.
AI Alive represents a notable shift in how users can interact with and enhance their content. We’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available and as TikTok expands its creative capabilities.