TikTok Launches “AI Live,” A New AI-Powered Photo Animation Feature

TikTok introduced its new feature, “AI Alive,” this Tuesday. The social media company explained that the AI-powered tool can transform photos into videos within TikTok Stories.

According to the official announcement,  creators will be able to animate static images by using the new editing tool and adding a prompt. The feature will be available in Stories after uploading a photo.

“We’re excited to introduce TikTok AI Alive, our first-of-its-kind creative feature that transforms static photos into dynamic, immersive videos directly within TikTok Stories,” states the document. “AI Alive uses intelligent editing tools that give anyone, regardless of editing experience, the ability to transform static images into captivating, short-form videos enhanced with movement, atmospheric, and creative effects.”

Users with the latest update will see the AI Alive icon in the top right corner of the photo editing page. After tapping the new icon, creators can choose from suggested prompts or enter their own.

Karissa Bell, a journalist from Engadget, tested the tool with a photo of her cat. AI Alive transformed the image into an anime-style figure, a retro video game character, and a realistic clip of the cat walking carefully along a railing.

@karissabe5TikTok’s AI Alive feature did some weird things to my cat♬ Little Things – Adrián Berenguer

The content created with AI Alive on TikTok Stories will include a label to clarify that it has been generated with artificial intelligence and embed Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) metadata for transparency.

TikTok also explained that, to prevent users from creating content that could violate the social media’s policies, the company will monitor the content published in the Stories using this new technology.

The new AI tool could soon get content creators’ attention, gaining popularity and relevance in the social media race. A few months ago, a Business Insider report revealed that Meta was offering up to $300,000 to post exclusively on Instagram.