YouTube Will Allow Shorts to Be Created Using a Digital Twin

AI becomes a new stage of content creation

YouTube is preparing a major update that could significantly change how short-form video content is produced. The platform plans to allow creators to generate Shorts using their own AI-powered digital twin, without recording real footage. According to YouTube CEO Neal Mohan, this feature is expected to roll out later this year as part of a broader AI strategy.

YouTube continues to position artificial intelligence not as a replacement for creators, but as a tool for creative expression. Alongside digital avatars, the platform is testing AI-generated music, text-to-game mechanics, and advanced video generation tools.

Why Shorts matter for YouTube

Shorts remain a critical growth driver. According to official data, YouTube Shorts receive around 200 billion views every day, making it one of the most consumed video formats globally. More than 70% of YouTube users watch Shorts regularly, and creators who actively use short-form video see faster audience growth compared to long-form only channels.

At the same time, competition with TikTok continues to intensify. In response, Google has already integrated its generative video model Veo 3 into Shorts, enabling creators to produce AI-generated videos without traditional filming.

Safety, deepfakes, and quality control

As AI-generated content grows, YouTube is tightening its policies. The platform has implemented face and voice recognition systems to prevent unauthorized use of other people’s likenesses. This is part of a broader effort to fight deepfakes, misinformation, and low-quality automated content.

According to internal estimates, platforms that fail to control AI-generated abuse risk losing up to 25% of user trust within two years. YouTube aims to avoid this by strengthening moderation tools already used to combat spam, clickbait, and repetitive videos.

What this means for creators

Digital twins could dramatically reduce production time and open new possibilities for scaling content. However, YouTube emphasizes that authenticity and originality will remain key ranking factors. AI is a multiplier — not a shortcut.