It’s now possible to animate our old photos in just a few seconds. Which app should you choose? What are the risks? Here’s a guide.
In brief:
- Apps now allow you to animate old or recent photos using AI.
- Turning a photo or a text prompt into a video using AI has become a viral trend on social media.
- These generative AI tools are appealing due to their simplicity and creative power, but they also carry several risks (data protection, self-esteem, scams).
A deceased grandfather smiling at us, a baby waving hello, or a great-grandmother we never knew giving us a wink. These video edits are both moving and surprising. And for good reason: artificial intelligence now allows us to animate photos and turn them into videos.
This technology brings old photos back to life, creating a powerful emotional impact. But the possibilities don’t stop there. Here’s everything you need to know.
What are we talking about?
Generative artificial intelligence is taking up more and more space, particularly through the creation of videos and creative images. But how does this technology work, and what does it allow us to do?
Generative AI refers to technologies capable of creating content such as text, images, or videos. These systems rely on models trained on massive datasets (images, videos, texts). AI can then generate entirely new content.
The possibilities are almost limitless. Turning an image into a video is done through dedicated platforms or applications.
Some offer pre-designed templates, while others allow fully customised animations using a prompt. A prompt lets you precisely describe the desired effect (for example: “make the woman in the photo smile and wave”).
Examples of effects include:
- Bringing photos to life by animating facial movements or having the person perform an action, such as dancing.
- Creating your own avatar (a digital representation of yourself) and adapting it to different styles (figurine, illustration, manga, cartoon).
Why is there so much enthusiasm?
A quick look at social media shows how viral these AI-generated videos have become. Many of us are also receiving amusing edits made by friends. Several factors explain this excitement.
Enhanced creativity
Generative AI opens up a new creative space where anyone can produce videos they would never have imagined before. It often generates unexpected results, which people enjoy. There is also a strong emotional component. These creations are quickly shared and commented on by friends and family, reinforcing the experience.
Steven Meyer, co-founder of the cybersecurity company Zendata, and Patrick Bellair, CEO of the communication agency La Dictature du Beau, also highlight the playful nature of these filters, which delight many users.
Simplicity and immediacy
One of the biggest advantages of generative AI is how easy it is to use. There is no need to master graphic design software or coding; the interfaces are generally simple.
“Before, you had to work in audiovisual production and have a large team or a big budget to create this kind of video. Today, it’s accessible to anyone,” explains AI specialist Patrick Bellair. He also points out “the lightning-fast pace at which this technology is evolving.”
The instant results and the ability to try again also stimulate dopamine circuits in the brain, similar to endlessly scrolling social media content.
What are the risks?
Like any trend, this one comes with risks. Here are the main points to watch out for.
Data protection
By downloading an app, you may consciously or unconsciously share a lot of data, including photos, location, habits, and preferences.
“This gives companies enormous influence, as they can sell this data, particularly for targeted advertising. Based on the edits people create, a lot can be inferred about them,” explains Steven Meyer.
He also warns about potential misuse: “Imagine your insurance company suddenly charging you more because you smoke, based on information obtained from a video of you holding a cigarette.”
Image protection
It’s already essential to be careful about what we publish, but it’s even harder to control what others might do with our image. Abuse involving AI is widespread and particularly affects women, with suggestive or pornographic videos created without their consent.
Steven Meyer warns of the risks for teenage girls, who may be exposed to school bullying through these edits. “Children need particular protection when it comes to AI,” he says. Patrick Bellair agrees: “I personally know a young girl who was a victim of this.”
Mental health and self-esteem
Since the rise of generative AI, various biases have been identified, and videos are no exception. Edits can reproduce sexist or racist stereotypes or have negative effects by creating insecurities. Morale can also suffer.
The trend of recreating deceased loved ones should also be approached with caution. “It can be emotionally destabilising, especially if the grieving process isn’t complete,” warns Patrick Bellair, who is also a photographer.
Scams
Downloading certain photo animation apps can quickly lead to high costs that are not always justified. Despite sometimes expensive subscriptions, results may be disappointing.
Many of these apps are designed more to capitalise on a trend and generate revenue than to offer a high-quality service. The most aggressively marketed apps are not always the best.
8 tips for beginners
- Be cautious of overly attractive offers or aggressive advertising.
- Choose well-known tools and be wary of gimmicky apps.
- Test the app for free, if possible, before subscribing.
- Stay vigilant about protecting your personal data.
- Watch out for hidden costs: monitor subscriptions and avoid stacking paid options.
- Test several photos: results depend heavily on lighting, framing, and sharpness.
- Avoid using photos that don’t belong to you without consent, and only create edits you’re comfortable sharing publicly.
- For parents, monitor children’s use of these technologies and stay alert to possible effects.
4 apps that stand out
Between advanced tools and playful apps, AI solutions for animating photos don’t always deliver optimal results. We selected four that stand out.
Veo 3.1
The latest generative AI model from Google DeepMind, Veo 3.1 allows the creation of highly realistic videos from descriptive text, optionally combined with images. Available via the paid version of Gemini (website and app), Google’s AI assistant.
Price: 17 francs per month for Gemini Premium access.
Sora 2
Comparable to Veo 3.1, Sora 2 was developed by OpenAI. Available through a paid ChatGPT account, it enables impressive video creation from prompts, including images. The app is not yet available in Switzerland.
Price: between 29 and 34 euros per month (around 30 to 35 francs) for OpenAI’s business subscription.
Renew
A simple app that brings photos to life, colourises, or restores them. Effects are basic but easy to generate without using prompts.
Price: 10 francs per week or 50 francs per year.
YouCam Perfect
More “gadget-oriented,” this tool offers many trendy creative templates that are easy to use. It also allows AI-powered photo retouching and content creation via prompts.
Price: between 9.90 and 19.90 francs per month, depending on the subscription.
