Douyin Explores Creator-Inspired AI Avatars, Instagram Introduces New “Reset” Feature, YouTube Expands Dream Screen to Include AI-Gen Video Background

Douyin's 'V Project': Creating Engaging AI Avatars

According to a report from AIbase, Douyin, TikTok’s Chinese sister app, is in development of its "V Project," introducing a new AI Avatar feature to enhance live streaming and user interaction. Douyin’s developing AI feature will allow creators to generate a virtual avatar that mirrors their personality and thoughts, similar to those we previously reported from Meta, enabling 24/7 interaction with users even when the creator is offline. Powered by the Doubao large model algorithm, Douyin AI Avatars will automatically generate content for user interactions, providing a continuous, real-time experience.

As shared by AIbase, Douyin’s AI Avatars include five main sub-features: AI Interactive Space, AI Group Chat, AI Private Messaging, AI Comments, and AI Live Streaming. AIbase reports that Douyin aims to attract more users and creators with its AI Avatar feature, fostering greater interactivity on the platform. Successfully promoting this project could strengthen Douyin’s competitive edge against other platforms, potentially challenging Meta's expansive AI initiatives.

Instagram’s 'Reset' Feature for Content Recommendations

Meta is testing a new feature on Instagram that allows users, including teens, to reset their content recommendations across Explore, Reels, and Feed, providing a fresh start. According to the official Meta Newsroom, the new Instagram feature lets users clear existing recommendations and personalize their content over time based on interactions.

Teens can also review and unfollow accounts that no longer align with their interests as part of Meta’s teen safety initiative. Previously, Instagram introduced teen accounts with protective parental monitoring for users under 16. With Instagram’s new recommendations reset feature, young users can confidently reshape their social media experience to reflect their passions and interests while filtering for parent-approved age-appropriate content.

To learn more Meta’s teen safety efforts and Instagram updates, check out the official Meta Newsroom and stay tuned to Spreading The Influence.

YouTuber Alan Chikin Chow Opens Production Studio

Alan Chikin Chow, the YouTube storytelling sensation with over 67 million subscribers, is expanding his content operations with a new 10,000-square-foot production facility in Los Angeles. Tubefilter reports that the facility features 10 sets equipped with top-tier cameras and lighting, and Chow plans to use it to create content for his YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram channels with his 20-person team.

Chow’s rise to fame came after the 2021 launch of YouTube Shorts, where he gained millions of views weekly with fun, shareable content. While Shorts fueled his growth, the new facility will focus on his long-form series, Alan’s Universe, aimed at young women with dramatic and genre-based storylines.

Tubefilter notes that Chow envisions expanding this series into a multiplatform franchise, including film, TV, music, and live tours. Chow's recent business endeavors reflect a broader trend of creators building in-house studios to compete with traditional media and elevate their content, like YouTube comedian Kinigra Deon. As YouTube continues to dominate streaming services like Netflix on CCTV, we may expect more creators to transition to similar content production initiatives.

YouTube Expands Dream Screen: New Shorts AI Tools

According to a recent report from TechCrunch , YouTube has expanded its Dream Screen feature for Shorts to enable AI-generated video backgrounds, a step up from the previously available image backgrounds. Powered by Google DeepMind’s Veo model, the tool creates 1080p video clips in various styles based on text prompts.

To try Dream Screen’s latest feature, access the Shorts camera, select "Dream Screen," input prompts like "candy landscape," and choose an animation style. Backgrounds generated by the new AI tool can then be used to record videos in-app. According to a report from TechCrunch, the new feature also supports creative uses, such as reimagining book settings or crafting animated intros.

Dream Screen offers a unique capability not available on TikTok, which only supports AI-generated images. Currently, the feature is available in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with plans to add stand-alone six-second video clips.