TikTok has unveiled a new AI-driven feature named “AI Alive” that allows users to convert their photos into videos based on user-defined prompts. This innovative tool aims to provide a fresh way to create engaging video content.
Accessible through TikTok’s Story Camera, AI Alive employs “intelligent editing tools,” enabling users of all skill levels to transform static images into dynamic, short videos featuring movement and a variety of visual effects, as stated in a recent blog post.
In a test of the feature using images from my camera roll, I selected a photo and was prompted by TikTok’s suggested text, “make this photo come alive.” The upload process took a few minutes, while the final videos were only a few seconds in length. However, the tool struggled with specific requests, such as animating a cat to jump in an anime style.
According to TikTok, several safety protocols are implemented for videos generated with this feature. The platform stated, “To help prevent users from creating content that violates our policies, moderation technology reviews the uploaded photo and written prompt, as well as the finished AI Alive video before it is made visible to the creator.” A final review occurs when the creator opts to share the video in their Story, and the content will be tagged as AI-generated, with C2PA metadata included.
There are hopes that this tool will not unintentionally attract a wave of new users, similar to previous instances involving TikTok’s AI “sway dance” filter.
