Beijing-based Shengshu Technology announced a major update to its AI-powered text-to-video tool, Vidu. The tool, which was previously able to create 8-second video clips based on written prompts, can now generate videos by combining images as well.

While OpenAI’s AI model Sora has demonstrated the ability to create one-minute videos from text, it has not yet been released to the public. In contrast, Vidu’s new feature allows users to combine three images, such as a shirt, person, and moped, into a cohesive video. This breakthrough sets Vidu apart from other platforms that claim to create videos from text or images using AI.

According to Fan Bao, chief technology officer at Shengshu, the key focus during the development of Vidu was on achieving visual consistency in the output videos. This attention to detail has paid off, as Vidu has gained popularity since its launch in April. One of its viral videos featured two profile photos being transformed into a lifelike video of people hugging, which gained traction on TikTok.

The AI video generator is already attracting interest from advertisers, animators, and businesses, with monthly usage rates ranging from 100,000 yuan to 1 million yuan ($13,871 to $138,711) per customer. To address copyright concerns, Vidu allows companies to sign deals with artists to mimic their painting styles for advertisements. Additionally, the tool prohibits the use of images of celebrities, sensitive individuals, nudes, and violent content.

Shengshu, founded last year, has received backing from prominent investors including Baidu Ventures, Ant Group (an affiliate of Alibaba), Zhipu AI, Qiming Venture Partners, and the city of Beijing. Vidu’s AI operates on rented cloud servers in China and internationally, ensuring efficient performance and data protection in accordance with global regulations.

Overall, the advancements in Vidu’s AI capabilities mark a significant milestone in the field of text-to-video technology, offering users a versatile and user-friendly tool for creating dynamic video content. The platform’s commitment to visual consistency and regulatory compliance sets it apart in a competitive market, making it a valuable asset for businesses and creatives alike.