YouTube has announced a major expansion of its AI tools for creators, including plans to let users generate Shorts using their own likeness. The update was shared by CEO Neal Mohan in the company’s annual 2026 priorities letter, which places artificial intelligence at the center of YouTube’s future creator strategy.
One of the key initiatives is a new AI-powered Shorts feature that allows creators to use their own likeness when producing short-form videos, alongside additional AI tools for music, games, and other creative formats. Mohan described the feature as an optional way to enhance creativity, not replace creators, noting that more than one million channels were already using YouTube’s AI creation tools daily as of December.
YouTube also said it is strengthening safeguards around AI-generated content, including continued labeling of AI-created videos and requirements for creators to disclose realistic or synthetic media. New systems are also being developed to help creators control how their likeness is used in AI content, building on the platform’s existing Content ID framework.
The AI Shorts plans are part of a broader set of 2026 priorities that include expanded monetization options, new shopping features, updates to YouTube TV, and additional parental controls for children and teens.