Gemini lets you put your friends in AI photos and videos

Google has made the personal AI avatars in its Gemini app social. You can now share your digital likeness with friends, tag each other in prompts, and create images and videos that feature your whole group. You can also remove anyone's access whenever you want.

What it does

Gemini builds an avatar from a recording of your face and voice. That gives the AI a reference for recreating how you look and sound in the content it generates. Once friends share their avatars with you, you can tag them in a prompt. Google says the feature keeps each person's character and voice consistent.

How to set it up

Start on a computer. Open gemini.google.com, click Add Files in the text box, then More, then Avatar. Scan the QR code with your phone and record a short video of your face while you speak. Gemini needs both your look and your voice. Then go back to your computer and click the option to use your avatar.

• Record in a quiet room.
• Use even, eye-level light that is not too bright or too dim.
• Skip sunglasses, hats, or anything covering your face.

After setup, you tag your own avatar in a prompt with @ followed by your Google username. The same works for anyone who has shared their avatar with you.

How sharing works

Go to Settings, open the Avatar section, and enter the Gmail address of the person you want to include. They get a choice to accept or decline. Google says you stay in full control and can grant or revoke someone's access at any point.

Who can use it

You must be at least 18 and have a personal Google account. The feature currently supports English only. It is not available in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the UK. The material does not say what it costs or whether a paid plan is required.

What to keep in mind

Sharing your avatar means other people can make content that looks and sounds like you. Share only with people you trust. Check your Avatar settings now and then, and remove anyone who no longer needs access.