Video is one of the most effective ways to get attention online, but not every business has video clips ready to go. If all you have are still photos you can still create engaging, scroll-stopping content, and now Google is making it even easier.
Google recently rolled out updates to both YouTube Shorts and the Google Photos app that allow you to remix your existing photos into short videos. These features are built directly into the apps, so you don’t need extra software or advanced editing skills to get started.
How the New Tools Work
On YouTube Shorts, you can now take a photo from your device and turn it into a quick video choosing from a variety of creative suggestions. This opens up new options for sharing product photos, event snapshots, or customer images in a format designed for mobile viewing.
In Google Photos, a new “Create” tab makes it simple to select an image and instantly generate a short six-second video clip. This can be a great b-roll clip to use as background for your short video.
These updates are rolling out now to iOS and Android users, so if you don’t see them yet, keep an eye out for the next app update.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Short-form video is favored by social media algorithms, meaning it often gets more reach than static posts. But creating video can feel intimidating if you don’t have clips, B-roll, or a dedicated camera setup.
With these new tools, you can take the photos you already have — from behind-the-scenes shots to before-and-after images — and give them a second life as video content. It’s a low-effort, high-impact way to increase visibility without having to plan or shoot new footage.
Action Steps for This Week
- Check out the new Ai video tools in YouTube Shorts and the Create tab in Google Photos.
- Select a handful of photos from an event, product launch, or behind the scenes.
- Create short videos and share them on your social channels to boost visibility.
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to be a video expert to create content that works. With Google’s new tools, turning photos into short videos is simple, fast, and effective. Consistency is what builds traction, and finding ways to show up without the overwhelm is how you make marketing doable.
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Links in this episode: Transform your photos into videos and remix your pics in Google Photos
