Google is making it easier to create personalized AI avatars in Google Vids. Users can now upload their own photos to generate custom avatars, removing the need to build an avatar entirely from scratch. The update gives creators more control over how digital presenters look in their videos while making the customization process considerably simpler.

Previously, Google Vids allowed users to generate custom avatars using prompts and available customization options. With the latest addition, users can start with an image they already have, making it easier to create an avatar that better matches their intended appearance.

Create an AI avatar from your photos

The new feature lets users upload an image directly from their computer, Google Drive, or Google Photos. Once uploaded, Google Vids can use that image as the starting point for a custom avatar.

Users can also refine the resulting appearance directly within Vids. Available adjustments include cleaning up backgrounds, improving lighting, and adding decorations to personalize the avatar further.

Another useful addition is project-level reuse. Custom avatars are saved within the Google Vids project, allowing creators to use the same avatar consistently across different scenes in a video. This can be particularly helpful when producing training materials, presentations, internal announcements, or other videos that benefit from having a recognizable digital presenter.

The update also complements Google’s existing AI avatar capabilities, which let users create video content without having to record themselves every time. Rather than relying entirely on predefined characters or starting with a blank canvas, creators now have another way to build an avatar around their own visual references.

Availability and rollout

Google began rolling out the ability to create custom avatars from uploaded images on October 30, 2026, for Rapid Release domains. The gradual rollout can take up to 15 days before the feature becomes visible to eligible users.

For Scheduled Release domains, the rollout is scheduled to begin on November 20, 2026, with full visibility expected within one to three days.

The feature is available across several Google Workspace editions, including Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, and Enterprise Plus. Eligible Education, Enterprise Essentials, Nonprofits, and Workspace Individual customers are also included.

For personal Google accounts, the feature is available to users with Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra subscriptions, alongside the other eligible editions and add-ons listed by Google.

One important detail for Workspace administrators is that this feature does not come with a separate admin control. Google says there is no administrator setting to enable or disable the uploaded-image avatar functionality.

With this addition, Google Vids is becoming a more flexible option for people who regularly create video content but don’t necessarily want to appear in front of a camera. Being able to start with an existing photograph also makes personalized digital presenters more accessible to creators who want a consistent visual identity across their videos.