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Google Vids: A Detailed Look at Google’s New Video Editor
If one were to inquire about Google’s video editing software in the past, the likely response would have been “YouTube Studio.” However, Google Workspace has introduced a new productivity application called “Google Vids.” While video editing tools are usually considered secondary applications in most productivity suites, Google is positioning Vids as a cornerstone of Workspace, stating that it is an “all-in-one video creation app for work” to complement Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
During the demonstration of this new video editor, Google emphasized its functionality not for creating YouTube videos or cinematic productions, but rather as a powerful tool for corporate use, such as developing training materials or product demonstrations. Interestingly, Google Vids appears to offer a comprehensive solution that could potentially replace Google Slides entirely, as its interface closely resembles Slides but with a video timeline instead of a slideshow timeline.
Key Features and Functionality
Google showcased an example video—a “sales training video”—that began with a Slides presentation serving as the basic outline. The platform includes an outline editor where each slide corresponds to a major section of the video. Users can choose from a variety of video styles, reminiscent of PowerPoint presentations, featuring prominent titles, subheadings, and spaces for video content. Additionally, Google prompts users to write a script and provides the option to either read it aloud or utilize text-to-speech technology.
A notable component of Google Vids is the “stock media” library, enabling users to incorporate generic corporate visuals, such as sunset clips, as well as select background music and images. Furthermore, individuals can leverage their webcams to record content, akin to pre-recorded Zoom meetings. Collaboration features—such as real-time editing with visible mouse cursors indicating each participant’s activity and a comments stream—are also integrated into the application.
AI Integration and Future Prospects
Despite Google’s emphasis on Vids being an “AI-powered” video editor, the software does not prominently feature generative AI capabilities in its current iteration. While Google suggests that a Gemini-powered script-writing assistance tool and an initial outline generation feature from existing Slides presentations are available, other advanced AI functions—like content generation similar to OpenAI’s “Sora”—are absent.
Google has announced that Vids will be released to “Workspace Labs” in June, allowing interested users to participate in testing and provide feedback on the software’s performance and usability.
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