YouTube on Tuesday revealed that it has paid content creators over $100 billion in the past four years. At the same time, it unveiled new artificial intelligence tools to enhance creativity across Shorts, podcasts, music, shopping and live streaming.

Chief executive Neal Mohan described AI as an "evolution" meant to boost creativity and storytelling. "New AI-powered products will shape our next 20 years," he said at an event in New York City. He added, "these are tools, nothing more," stressing they are "designed to foster human creativity."

How is AI being integrated into Shorts?

YouTube has started integrating Google DeepMind’s Veo 3 Fast into Shorts. This tool lets creators generate video backgrounds, add sound, and experiment with props and styles.

"New capabilities powered by Veo allow you to apply motion, restyle videos, and add props to your scenes," YouTube chief product officer Johanna Voolich said. She added that AI can also turn raw footage into draft content or convert dialogue into a song.

YouTube confirmed: “We’ve started integrating Google DeepMind’s Veo 3 Fast into YouTube Shorts so you can easily create video backgrounds or clips with sound, for free.”

What new creative tools are coming?

The new Edit with AI feature will help turn raw footage into a first draft. Speech to song can transform dialogue into a soundtrack for Shorts. A photo-to-video tool will let creators animate still images.

Creators will also get a new conversational tool, Ask Studio, which provides insights to optimise channels. Other updates include A/B testing for titles, upgrades to the Inspiration Tab, and improved auto-dubbing. YouTube said these are designed to act as “a true creative partner across every phase of the creation journey.”

How will YouTube protect against deepfakes?

To counter impersonation, YouTube is expanding its likeness detection tool, which will be available in open beta for all YouTube Partner Program creators. The tool will help creators detect and manage AI-generated content using their facial likeness.

What changes are planned for podcasts and live content?

Podcasters will soon be able to generate video versions of audio shows and create Shorts or clips from longer episodes. For those without video resources, Google DeepMind’s Veo can generate customisable video from audio files.

Live streaming, which drew over 30% of daily logged-in viewers in Q2 2025, is receiving its biggest upgrade yet. YouTube said it will introduce new ways to connect with existing fans, expand audiences, and monetise live streams.

How will artists and fans connect?

Music features will allow fans to pre-save upcoming releases on YouTube Music and join countdowns to launch. Artists will gain tools to connect with top fans through exclusive merchandise, “thank you” videos, and behind-the-scenes content.

What about brand deals and shopping?

YouTube is making it easier for creators to work with brands. New features include direct linking to brand websites from Shorts and improved AI tagging for products. YouTube Shopping will also expand to more markets and merchants.