TikTok’s new AI Alive tool lets you animate photos into creative videos
AI Alive lets creators easily animate static images to dynamic videos directly within TikTok Stories.
TikTok has launched a brand-new feature called AI Alive, and it could change the way creators share content. With just one photo and a short text prompt, TikTok will turn your still image into a short AI-generated video. Whether you want to make a moment feel more alive or experiment with new creative ideas, AI Alive makes it simple.
This feature is built into TikTok’s Story Camera and use AI to generate motion and effects based on what you type in. TikTok describes it as using “intelligent editing tools that give anyone, regardless of editing experience, the ability to transform static images into captivating, short-form videos enhanced with movement, atmospheric and creative effects.”
It’s a great way for independent musicians and creators to turn a simple behind-the-scenes photo, album cover, or studio shot into something eye-catching. The tool gives you the freedom to add movement and style without needing video-editing skills.
Here’s how to use TikTok AI Alive:
- Open the Story Camera by tapping the blue “+” on your Inbox or Profile page
- Choose one photo from your Story Album
- Tap the AI Alive icon on the right-hand side
- Enter a prompt – TikTok may suggest something like “make this photo come alive”
- Wait a few minutes for the video to generate
The resulting video can be shared directly to your Story. It will appear in your For You and Following feeds and on your profile, giving your followers more ways to engage with your content.
Safety is a big part of the new feature. TikTok says, “To help prevent people from creating content that violates our policies, moderation technology reviews the uploaded photo and written AI generation prompt as well as the AI Alive video before it’s shown to the creator.” There’s a final safety check before your video goes live, and each video is clearly marked as AI-generated. The content also includes C2PA metadata, which helps identify that the video was made using AI – even if it’s downloaded and shared outside of TikTok.
TikTok is encouraging users to explore new forms of creative expression. In their announcement, they said, “We’re excited to see how creators embrace AI Alive to enhance storytelling, share authentic moments, and inspire creativity throughout the TikTok community.”
While it’s not perfect – it may struggle with very specific or stylised prompts (as reported by The Verge) – it’s a quick and fun way to make your content stand out. If you’re an artist or musician looking to bring new life to your photos and connect with fans in fresh ways, AI Alive is well worth trying.