TikTok Launches “AI Alive,” a New Tool That Turns Images into Videos
TikTok has introduced AI Alive , a new creative feature integrated into TikTok Stories that allows users to convert still images into short, animated videos. The tool is designed to make visual storytelling more engaging by adding motion, voiceovers, and music to static photos — turning them into lively, dynamic clips.
The feature draws comparisons to recent tools like Character.AI’s AvatarFX, which also uses artificial intelligence to animate images. With AI Alive, users can upload a photo from their Story Album through the TikTok Story Camera, then tap the AI Alive icon to generate an animation based on the image.
Imagine transforming a still sunset photo into a video with shifting colors across the sky, or bringing a group photo to life to create the illusion of movement. According to TikTok, the goal is to help users express themselves creatively
To prevent misuse, TikTok applies automated moderation checks before any AI-generated video is displayed. The system reviews both the uploaded image and user instructions to ensure they meet community guidelines. There’s also a final safety review before the video can be posted to a Story.
As with all content on the platform, users can report AI Alive videos if they believe they violate TikTok’s policies. Additionally, all AI-generated stories are clearly labeled as such, promoting transparency.
AI Alive videos also include C2PA metadata , a digital standard that helps identify the content as AI-generated — even when it’s downloaded and shared outside of TikTok.
This added layer of transparency ensures that viewers know when media has been created or altered using artificial intelligence, reinforcing TikTok’s commitment to responsible AI use.
