YouTube Anticipates That Its New AI-generated Backgrounds Will Encourage Users To Transition From TikTok To Shorts

YouTube may have recently introduced an ideal solution for fast, ready-to-publish AI videos. Although YouTube's Shorts segment has not significantly succeeded in competing with TikTok as the premier short-form video platform, its newly introduced AI background generator may warrant consideration.

YouTube has stated on X that AI-generated backdrops will be introduced, enabling users to effortlessly produce rapid videos with AI-created images in the background. The function, termed Dream Screen, facilitates text-to-image cues, akin to the TikTok effect recognized as AI Greenscreen.

You may perceive this as yet another instance of YouTube attempting to emulate TikTok, thereby lagging behind the trend. To a certain degree, you would be correct. This feature surpasses TikTok's in some aspects.

Dream Screen may incorporate motion into its AI-generated images. In addition to generating a static background, you can also have a video playing behind you. Moreover, these graphics are not limited to a singular aesthetic, such as the traditional AI magical realism art commonly associated with TikTok's current greenscreen functionality. Dream Screen offers a style selection, including "Vintage," which emulates retro pictures, and "Clay," which is intended to replicate a claymation aesthetic.

Utilizing Dream Screen on YouTube Shorts

Upon its release, YouTube's Dream Screen feature is accessible to users in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. Moreover, it is somewhat more accessible than utilizing TikTok's AI Greenscreen functionality, which necessitates searching for the function within the app's effects.

Upon opening the YouTube app, scroll to the Shorts page and select the plus symbol to create a post. Select the Greenscreen symbol on the right-hand panel, where the Dream Screen icon will appear first in the list. Input your desired creation, and once the platform produces photos in your selected style, you will have the ability to designate it as a still or video background.

Tip: Ensure that the YouTube application is updated as usual.

Currently, Dream Screen will display the term "Experiment" throughout the process to encourage you to overlook its errors. Nonetheless, I was rather amazed by its motion production capabilities. I requested the creation of a basic film depicting coffee being poured into a mug. The created image possessed a warm, old cinema aesthetic and was highly realistic, devoid of the prevalent anomalies such as distorted hands or other typical AI indicators. The motion was practically flawless—until the conclusion, when the flow of coffee seemed to contravene the laws of physics.

The technology appears beneficial, particularly for individuals with limited resources, such as the capacity to design and produce a teaser for a fledgling coffee brand. As a film enthusiast, I assert that AI-generated content does not, and likely never will, rival authentic filmmaking. However, I recognize its value for entrepreneurs or creatives requiring a concept film with limited time, budget, or novice video skills. Furthermore, with YouTube increasing its Shorts duration limit to three minutes, you have greater flexibility to explore your AI domain.