YouTube has outlined a major expansion of its AI tools for creators, including plans that would allow users to generate YouTube Shorts using their own likeness.
The update was revealed by YouTube CEO Neal Mohan in the company’s annual letter outlining its priorities for 2026, which positions artificial intelligence as a central part of YouTube’s future creator strategy.
Among the announced initiatives is a new AI-powered Shorts feature that would let creators use their own likeness when generating short-form videos, alongside additional tools for music, games, and other creative formats.
AI-generated Shorts and creator protections
According to Mohan, YouTube plans to expand its AI creation suite in 2026, allowing creators to “create a Short using your own likeness” as part of what the company describes as a new creative frontier. The feature is framed as an optional tool designed to support creative expression rather than replace creators.
Mohan said more than one million channels were already using YouTube’s AI creation tools on an average day in December, signaling broader adoption ahead of the planned rollout.
Alongside the new capabilities, YouTube said it is building additional safeguards around AI-generated content. The platform will continue labeling content created with its AI tools and require creators to disclose realistic altered, or synthetic media.
YouTube also said it is developing new systems to help creators manage how their likeness is used in AI-generated content, building on its existing Content ID framework.
The AI Shorts announcement was part of a wider set of 2026 priorities that also included expanded monetization tools, new shopping features, updates to YouTube TV, and additional parental controls for kids and teens.
Back in December 2025, it was reported that over 20% of the platform is “AI slop,” and the videos are making millions of dollars.
Mohen also doubled down on using AI for moderation as the platform faced backlash from creators who reported wrongful bans and mass takedowns tied to automated systems.
