How to use the newest AI video editing tools in Google Photos

Google Photos is regularly updated with new and enhanced features, with the latest Android updates focusing on video editing. Even if you don’t own the latest Pixel 9 (which is required to try the new Reimagine tool), you can now easily adjust the speed of your clips, enhance their quality, and trim them with a few simple taps.

Additionally, both Android and iOS versions now feature what Google calls “AI-powered video presets.” After the app analyzes your video, it provides a selection of effects — trims, zooms, slow-mos — that you can apply instantly. The app acts as the editor, automatically determining where to apply these effects.

When these updates arrive on your device, you’ll notice a cleaner interface with larger icons and text, making it easier to apply quick edits without needing another editor.

Trim Tool Google has also improved controls for trimming clips, though the changes are subtle. The trim tool’s handles are now slightly larger, making them easier to adjust with a tap. A timestamp displays as you drag the handles, making editing more straightforward. The trim tool appears as soon as you start editing a video, or you can access it through the Video button.

Auto-Enhance Tool The auto-enhance tool in Google Photos now analyzes and applies color enhancements and stabilizes your video automatically. You can access it by tapping Video > Enhance. You can preview the changes, and if you’re happy with the results, save a copy. If you only want to stabilize the video without color changes, select Stabilize from the Video tools panel.

Speed Tool A new speed tool now lets you control the playback speed, whether you want to slow down or speed up the action. You can apply this effect to a specific section or the entire clip by selecting the Speed option under Video. Set your preferred playback speed, then preview and save the edited video as a separate file.

Though not the most advanced editing tool, it produces impressive results with minimal effort.

AI-Powered Presets (Coming Soon) Unlike the other tools, which are Android-exclusive, the AI-powered video presets will be available on both Android and iOS, though they have yet to appear on all devices. When they do, the Presets button will appear in the options between Video and Crop. Tap Presets to see various edits like Basic Cut, Slow-mo, Zoom, and Track, which will be applied as the Google Photos AI sees fit based on the video content.

Google’s example showcases a skateboard video that is trimmed to a key jump, with the clip slowed down and color enhancements applied. You can preview these changes, then save the edited version as a new file, leaving your original intact.