TikTok can use AI to create short videos from given images

The video portal TikTok is introducing a new function for creating moving images. “AI Alive” allows users to produce short videos from static images with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The AI is supposed to follow instructions given to it via a text prompt. TikTok promises to check the AI-generated videos in advance and mark them accordingly so that they can be identified as AI content.

This is to be integrated into the videos via C2PA metadata. TikTok joined the Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) almost exactly a year ago and has been using C2PA labeling for AI content ever since. C2PA is an open standard for digitally labeling media and verifying its origin. Other AI services are also part of this initiative. For example, OpenAI integrates C2PA metadata into generated images and Meta also uses C2PA for its AI image generator.

AI videos only in TikTok stories

On TikTok, the AI function is only accessible via the “Story Camera”. The user selects a single photo from the story album, whereupon an icon for AI Alive appears. According to TikTok, “AI Alive uses intelligent editing tools that allow anyone, regardless of their editing experience, to transform static images into captivating short videos enhanced with motion, atmospheric and creative effects”.

When AI Alive is activated after selecting a photo, a text input field appears that is pre-filled with the words “bring this photo to life”, as The Verge writes. According to this, the process takes a few minutes, although the generated video is only a few seconds long. In addition, the AI ignored some commands or simply understood them incorrectly or not at all, for example when a cat was supposed to jump and the video was to be created in cartoon style.

TikTok checks AI videos several times

The somewhat longer creation of the AI video could be due to TikTok's security measures. This is because every uploaded image, the textual instructions and the generated videos are first checked to see whether they violate TikTok guidelines. A final check takes place when the user publishes the AI-generated video as a story. In addition, other users can report AI videos if they suspect violations of the guidelines, similar to any content on the platform.

(fds)