Google Vids now turns an uploaded photo into an AI avatar, so your training videos needn't star a stranger
By Brett Gavaghan, Founder of Adaptd ·
Google Vids can now build a custom AI avatar from an image you upload. It's rolling out on Workspace Business and Enterprise plans and Google AI Pro.
The short version
- Google Vids can now create a custom AI avatar from an image you upload, including one stored in Google Drive or Google Photos.
- It started rolling out on 30 October 2026, with Scheduled Release domains from 20 November, on Workspace Business and Enterprise plans and AI Pro.
- Use it for internal training and explainer videos, and get written permission before turning anyone's photo into an avatar.
Until now, the presenter in a Google Vids explainer came from Google's line-up or a build-your-own menu. Perfectly nice people, but none of them has ever worked a shift at your business.
What is new in Google Vids?
Google Vids now lets you upload an image to create a custom AI avatar, as well as building one from scratch. The image can come from your computer or straight from Google Drive and Google Photos.
Vids can tidy the image first, for example cleaning up the background. Custom avatars are saved to the Vids project, so the same presenter can appear all the way through a video.
Who can use it, and when?
Custom avatars from uploaded images are available on Google Workspace Business and Enterprise plans (Starter, Standard and Plus), and on personal Google accounts with Google AI Pro or Ultra, among other editions. Rapid Release domains started a gradual rollout on 30 October 2026 that can take up to 15 days, and Scheduled Release domains get it from 20 November.
There's no admin control for this feature, so once it reaches your domain, anyone with Vids can use it.
Should your business use it?
Custom avatars suit internal videos such as onboarding and how-to guides, where a consistent presenter helps and filming someone every time doesn't make sense. And if you think it's only for big companies, it's included in Business Starter, the entry Workspace plan.
My advice: only upload a photo of someone who has agreed in writing to become an avatar, and think twice before using one with customers. A friendly presenter explaining the leave form is fine. An AI version of your sales manager quoting prices is a different conversation.
Used well, it's a presenter who never needs a second take. Just make sure they agreed to the role.
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