TikTok Enters the AI Chat with New “AI Alive” Feature

Author

Shira Lazar
May 18, 2025

TikTok just rolled out a new feature called AI Alive, designed to bring your photos to life, literally. It lets users animate static images with movement, effects, and ambient sounds, all within TikTok Stories.

The idea is to make storytelling through photos feel more cinematic and immersive, without needing editing experience.

How it works:
AI Alive lives inside the Story Camera (accessed via the blue “+” on your inbox or profile). Upload a photo, tap the AI Alive icon, and the tool handles the rest. Once posted, your story appears on your profile and in your followers' feeds.

This is TikTok’s first AI-driven image-to-video feature, part of a broader trend in social media where platforms are using generative AI to make content creation more accessible.

📲 How Other Platforms Are Using AI

Snapchat:

  • One of the early adopters with its My AI chatbot, integrated into the chat screen.

  • Focused mostly on real-time interactions and AR-based AI features like lenses and filters.

LinkedIn:

YouTube:

We have all seen the slow rise of AI becoming a core feature across nearly every major platform. These tools are designed to make it easier (and faster) to churn out content.

At the same time, it raises questions about authenticity, transparency, and ownership. TikTok is addressing this by embedding metadata (C2PA) and labeling AI-generated content, something we’ll likely see more of across platforms.

But here’s the thing: easier doesn’t always mean better.

🔥My hot take: Sure, animating your sunset photo is cool. But at what point does creativity turn into automation?

Every platform is pushing AI to “help us create,” but what happens to originality, thoughtfulness, or even just... pausing?

We’re in an era where creativity risks becoming homogenous. Templates, filters, and AI-generated everything make it easier to churn out content, but they can also flatten what makes it feel human.

That said, as a creator juggling everything myself, I get the appeal. If a tool helps me stay consistent and share my voice without burning out, I’m here for it.

Shira Lazar

The real question is whether these tools are actually empowering creators or just helping platforms fill feeds with AI-flavored noise.

The flex isn’t just knowing how to use AI. It’s knowing when not to.

Other headlines to check out:

AI

Creator Economy

Web3 

ICYMI: 5 Essential Business Lessons from Mark Cuban (Including His Take on AI!)

After my recent interview with Mark Cuban on The AI Download, Business Insider reached out and asked me to share some more insights.

Mark has always been generous with his time and insight. He has given me some of the best business advice and the toughest love.

A few gems from this episode:
1. Always be selling.
2. Kindness is a secret weapon. Few use it.
3. There are two kinds of companies: those great at AI and everyone else. Learn AI.
4. Sweat equity is the best equity. Raising money isn’t an accomplishment—it’s an obligation.
5. Profitable companies don’t go out of business.

Read the full article HERE.

🎧 New Episode of The AI Download: ARtistry & AI: Paige Piskin on Crafting Viral Filters and XR Worlds

From 300 B+ views on her viral filters to crafting AI-powered music video vibes, @paigepiskin is a top digital artist you need to know.

On this week’s episode of The AI Download, we explore the intersection of AI and creativity, from ethics to aesthetics and everything in between.

She shares how she created an award-worthy AI film in just 4 hours, the rise of “brainrot” trends and virality, and what the future looks like for AR glasses and Gen Z tech style.

One of the few women leading in this space, Paige breaks it all down.

🎙️ Listen now to get caught up on the AI headlines you need to know plus insights on future of life, creativity and culture. 

Gentle Reminder 🙏

“Sometimes the best motivation is being underestimated. Tell me I can’t, and watch what I do next. Alchemy, baby.”

Advertise with Us

Remember, I'm Bullish on you!

With gratitude,