YouTube Shorts users may soon encounter AI-generated versions of popular creators as they browse. In a Wednesday announcement, CEO Neal Mohan revealed that creators will gain the ability to produce Shorts using their own digital likeness. "This year you’ll be able to create a Short using your own likeness, produce games with a simple text prompt, and experiment with music," Mohan stated in his annual letter. He emphasized that "throughout this evolution, AI will remain a tool for expression, not a replacement."

Shorts has become one of YouTube's most widely used formats, now averaging 200 billion daily views. To maintain this momentum, the platform is continuing to invest in the feature. Although specific details about the likeness functionality were not disclosed, it will join existing AI tools for Shorts, such as AI clip generation, AI stickers, and AI auto-dubbing.

According to Mohan, YouTube will also provide creators with new controls to manage how their likeness is used in AI-generated content. While creators can choose to feature their own digital personas, the platform has introduced technology to prevent unauthorized use by others. Last October, YouTube launched likeness-detection tools for eligible creators, enabling them to identify AI content that mimics their appearance or voice. Creators can then request the removal of such material.

Like other social platforms, YouTube has faced challenges with low-quality AI content. Mohan noted that the company is focused on preserving a high-quality viewing experience. "Over the past 20 years, we’ve learned not to impose any preconceived notions on the creator ecosystem," he wrote. "Today, once-odd trends like ASMR and watching other people play video games are mainstream hits. But with this openness comes a responsibility to maintain the high quality viewing experience that people want."

To address the issue, YouTube is building on existing systems that have effectively combated spam and clickbait, aiming to reduce the spread of repetitive or low-quality AI content.

In addition to these updates, YouTube plans to expand Shorts with new formats, including image posts—a feature already popular on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.