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YouTube’s avatar feature lets creators make Shorts using an AI-generated version of themselves. YouTube says only the creator can use their avatar to make original videos; its official description does not present the feature as a way to clone another creator. Unauthorized, deceptive AI copies of someone else’s likeness or voice may violate YouTube’s impersonation policy.
What YouTube’s AI avatar feature does
The feature builds on YouTube’s existing ingredients-to-video tools. A creator can make an avatar in the YouTube mobile app or YouTube Create app, then add it while creating a video. For eligible Shorts, YouTube documents this route: Remix → Reimagine → Add me to this scene. The exact options may depend on the video and feature availability. YouTube’s avatar help page explains the feature and its current availability.
YouTube says only the creator can use their avatar to make original videos, the creator can delete it at any time, and all output is labeled as AI. Avatar-generated videos also receive YouTube’s AI disclosure; if downloaded or published, they include visible watermarks and digital labels such as SynthID and C2PA.
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Where it is available
YouTube lists availability in its mobile app in Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand, with gradual rollout elsewhere. Availability can change, so check YouTube’s help page for the latest supported regions.
Can someone use it to make an AI avatar of another creator?
YouTube’s documented feature is for a creator to generate and use their own avatar. The official description does not establish a built-in option for making another creator’s avatar. That distinction matters: other AI tools may imitate a person, but that does not make the use authorized or permitted on YouTube.
YouTube’s impersonation policy prohibits unauthorized impersonation that could mislead viewers and harm the community. It specifically includes AI copying someone’s voice or likeness to make it appear that the person owns or authorized a channel or content. YouTube says people can submit a privacy removal request if AI-generated content mimics their likeness or voice without consent. In reviewing a complaint, YouTube says it may consider context such as parody or satire and whether the person is a public official or well-known person.
How YouTube labels AI-generated Shorts
YouTube’s March 18, 2024 announcement said creators must disclose realistic altered or synthetic media, with examples including replacing a real person’s face or synthetically generating their voice. The announcement distinguished those uses from clearly unrealistic or animated content and AI used as production assistance. For a specific video, follow YouTube’s current help guidance and policies rather than assuming every use of AI has the same disclosure requirement.
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In an update dated May 27, 2026, YouTube said labels for photorealistic or meaningfully AI-altered or generated Shorts would appear as an overlay on the video. YouTube also said it began rolling out internal signals in May 2026 to identify significant photorealistic AI use and may automatically apply a label when a creator does not disclose it. Read YouTube’s update on AI labels.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do if a video uses your likeness without permission
- Report the video through YouTube’s privacy complaint process. YouTube says this route may be used for AI-generated content that mimics your likeness or voice without consent. Include the relevant video and explain how it represents you.
- Consider whether Likeness detection is available to you. YouTube describes this tool as experimental and unavailable in some countries. Setup is for people over 18 who are channel owners or managers and requires a government-issued ID and a brief video selfie.
- Review matches and request removal if appropriate. Enrolled creators can review detected matches and may request removal through the privacy complaint process. Detection is not guaranteed: YouTube says the software is still being tuned and may miss altered or AI-generated material.
YouTube’s avatar help page and impersonation policy cover the product and reporting context; the Likeness detection help page describes enrollment and limitations.
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