YouTube has just taken its Shorts feature to the next level with the introduction of AI-generated video backgrounds through its Dream Screen tool, announced on Thursday
Previously limited to creating image backgrounds, the new update now allows creators to generate dynamic 1080p video backgrounds using simple text prompts. This exciting feature brings new creative possibilities for content creators, setting YouTube apart from its competitors in the short-form video space.
Powered by Google DeepMind’s AI video-generation model, Veo, Dream Screen lets creators transform text prompts like “magical forest with a stream” or “candy landscape” into cinematic video clips.
Once a prompt is typed, users can select an animation style and generate a series of video backgrounds to choose from. These AI-generated clips can then be used as backdrops while recording a video, offering endless creative options for YouTube Shorts.
To use the new feature, creators simply need to open the Shorts camera, tap the “green screen” icon, and select “Dream Screen.” After typing in their desired prompt, they can choose from various video backgrounds and record their videos with them in the background.
This innovative feature sets YouTube apart from other short-form platforms like TikTok, which only supports AI-generated image backgrounds. While TikTok users can create static backgrounds, YouTube now provides video backgrounds, giving creators an edge in producing more engaging content.
Currently, the Dream Screen video background feature is available to creators in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. YouTube also plans to expand its capabilities, including allowing creators to generate stand-alone six-second video clips for Shorts in the future.
This marks an exciting development for YouTube Shorts, offering creators even more tools to boost their creativity and audience engagement.
