Google has upgraded its Google Vids app with two new capabilities that let people create AI videos featuring digital versions of themselves and edit clips through natural-language chat. The July 16, 2026 update introduces *personal avatars* and *Gemini Omni*, pushing the Workspace video tool well beyond the generic talking-head templates it launched with.
July 16, 2026 · Google Workspace
Star in Your Own AI Videos: Google Vids Gets Personal Avatars
A new update lets users generate a digital version of themselves from a selfie and voice clip, and edit footage through natural-language chat powered by the new Gemini Omni model.
2
New capabilities: personal avatars + Gemini Omni
1
Selfie + one voice recording needed to build an avatar
18+
Age limit in select regions, tied to your own account
The Two New Features
Personal Avatars
Upload a selfie + a short voice clip. Typed text then drives a digital you to deliver a scripted message on camera — no repeated takes.
Gemini Omni
A multimodal model that turns a text prompt + reference image into video, and edits existing footage step-by-step via chat — swap backgrounds, fix lighting, add effects.
How Google Vids Evolved
From generic talking-head templates to a personalized video studio
2024 · GOOGLE NEXT
Launch: Gemini-driven scripts, voiceovers and templates.
→
APRIL 2026
Veo 3.1 clips, Lyria 3 music, directable preset AI avatars.
→
JULY 2026
Personal avatars + Gemini Omni chat editing.
Consent & Provenance Guardrails
Built to limit deepfake-style misuse
• Avatars are tied to a Google account, restricted to the account holder's likeness only.• Every clip carries an invisible SynthID watermark signaling AI-made content.• Limited to users 18+ in select regions. Available to AI Pro, Ultra and Workspace customers.
Welcomed
Personalized video without repeated filming; earlier Veo 3.1 avatars praised for a consistent face and voice across takes.
Constraints
Regional & age limits, own-likeness only, and the mandatory watermark narrow scope. Side-by-side comparisons vs rivals still limited.
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