Photo by Aaron Weiss on Unsplash
TikTok Launches “AI Live,” a New AI-Powered Photo Animation Feature
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
TikTok introduced its new feature, “AI Alive,” this Tuesday. The social media company explained that the AI-powered tool can transform photos into videos within TikTok Stories.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- TikTok announced AI Live, a new tool that transforms static photos into animated videos.
- The new feature will be available on TikTok Stories, and a new icon will show in the photo edit page.
- The content will include an AI label and C2PA metadata.
According to the official announcement , creators will be able to animate static images by using the new editing tool and adding a prompt. The feature will be available in Stories after uploading a photo.
“We’re excited to introduce TikTok AI Alive, our first-of-its-kind creative feature that transforms static photos into dynamic, immersive videos directly within TikTok Stories,” states the document. “AI Alive uses intelligent editing tools that give anyone, regardless of editing experience, the ability to transform static images into captivating, short-form videos enhanced with movement, atmospheric, and creative effects.”
Users with the latest update will see the AI Alive icon in the top right corner of the photo editing page. After tapping the new icon, creators can choose from suggested prompts or enter their own.
Karissa Bell, a journalist from Engadget , tested the tool with a photo of her cat. AI Alive transformed the image into an anime-style figure, a retro video game character, and a realistic clip of the cat walking carefully along a railing.
The content created with AI Alive on TikTok Stories will include a label to clarify that it has been generated with artificial intelligence and embed Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) metadata for transparency.
TikTok also explained that, to prevent users from creating content that could violate the social media’s policies, the company will monitor the content published in the Stories using this new technology.
The new AI tool could soon get content creators’ attention, gaining popularity and relevance in the social media race. A few months ago, a Business Insider report revealed that Meta was offering up to $300,000 to post exclusively on Instagram.
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash
Airbnb Launches Redesigned App And New Hotel-Like Services
- Written by Andrea Miliani Former Tech News Expert
- Fact-Checked by Sarah Frazier Former Content Manager
Airbnb announced on Tuesday a new redesign of its app, along with two new offerings: Airbnb Experiences and Airbnb Services. The company aims to provide customers with experiences similar to those available through hotels and guided tours.
In a rush? Here are the quick facts:
- Airbnb announced a new redesign and two new offerings: Airbnb Services and Airbnb Experiences.
- The company will offer more hotel-like experiences, including spa treatments, culinary experiences, and beauty services.
- Select cities will include Originals, a category for unique experiences, including local experts and celebrities such as Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G.
According to the press release , Airbnb is launching 10 new service categories in 260 cities across the globe, and plans to add more over time. Among the new offerings, the hospitality company highlights culinary experiences with professional chefs, spa treatments such as massages and facials, and beauty services including makeup, manicures, and blowouts.
“With the launch of services and experiences, we’re changing travel again. Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb,” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO.
Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb pic.twitter.com/UBz4unyrzU — Brian Chesky (@bchesky) May 13, 2025
The redesigned app allows customers to add new experiences and services to their reservations—not just book a place to stay. Now, users who reserve accommodations will receive suggestions for local experiences and personalized itineraries based on their destination.
“People choose hotels for their services. People choose Airbnbs for the space,” added Chesky. “Now, we’re giving you the best of both worlds—amazing homes with services that make them even more special.”
Airbnb Experiences is not new—it was first launched in 2016—but the company has now redefined the concept. According to the New York Times , the original offerings lacked quality and reliability, and the company is now focusing more on professionalism and authenticity.
In select cities, Airbnb will offer “Originals,” a new category of “extraordinary experiences hosted by the world’s most interesting people” available only on its platform. Users will get exclusive services, such as visiting Notre Dame in Paris with one of the architects who worked on the restoration of the cathedral. Celebrities are also part of Airbnb’s revamped experiences.
According to the upcoming options currently listed on the website, travelers could hang out on a rooftop in Medellin with Colombian singer Karol G , or enjoy a glow-up session with singer Sabrina Carpenter in Los Angeles. The prices for these experiences have not yet been disclosed.
Last year, Airbnb introduced co-hosting options for homeowners and promised to expand and offer new services in 2025.
