Are you aware that you can effortlessly create and edit videos directly within Google Drive? This functionality is provided by Google Vids, a complimentary app integrated into your Google Drive environment, similar to the popular applications like Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Below is a complete guide to understanding Google Vids and leveraging it to craft impactful video stories or upload content to YouTube.
Understanding Google Vids
Google Vids is an AI-enhanced video editing application found in Google Drive, introduced as part of the Google Workspace suite (previously known as G Suite).It harnesses the power of the Gemini AI assistant to facilitate basic video editing tasks such as trimming videos, adding scenes, and sourcing stock footage.
Initially, Google Vids—often referred to as ‘Vids’—was accessible to only advanced Google Workspace users, notably those with Business, Education, or Nonprofit accounts. However, since late 2025, it has been gradually made available to individual Google Drive users. If you have yet to see it in your account, be patient as the rollout progresses.
You can easily access Google Vids from your desktop through any web browser after logging into your Google Drive. Currently, there are no dedicated mobile apps for iOS or Android; nonetheless, you can still view Vids using a mobile browser, although editing features are not supported on smartphones or tablets.
Creating and Editing Videos with Google Vids
To get started on crafting new videos using Google Vids, navigate to your signed-in Google Drive account via a desktop browser.
Select the New button and then click on Google Vids.
Alternatively, you can access the application directly through the link vids.google.com, where you will find an option that says Start a new video.
You can also find Vids within the Google Workspace page. No matter which method you choose, you’ll arrive at the main dashboard, where you can either create a video from scratch, record a video using your webcam, upload a pre-existing video, start from a template, or even convert your PowerPoint slides into a video format.
To begin crafting a video from scratch, simply click on Blank vid.
You will then be directed to a video editing interface that should feel familiar to anyone who has used video editing software. From the File menu, you can access several options, including Rename.
Next, head to the Insert tab, where you can enrich your video by adding various components to craft a compelling scene.
- Click Upload to include your own images or videos, allowing for personalized creations, like collages.
- Access Drive and Photos to incorporate images stored in Google Drive or Google Photos.
- Video Placeholder enables the addition of shapes such as rectangles and ovals.
If you’re in need of high-quality stock footage, you’re in luck. Simply click on Stock and web to explore an extensive library of royalty-free videos, images, and music.
Any inserted elements will appear in the timeline displayed below, allowing you to adjust their timing easily. To add a new scene, click on the large plus button on the right, or select New Scene from the Insert menu.
Additionally, you can explore a variety of attractive templates by navigating to the Templates section under the Insert menu. These templates can serve as highly engaging scene elements.
If you wish to record your own footage, select Recording from the Insert tab, enabling you to capture videos directly via your webcam or record audio. Make sure to grant your browser permission to access your camera. For improved quality, you can even use your Android phone as a webcam.
As you progress in assembling your video scenes, navigate to the Scene tab to apply various effects. For example, the Split scenes at playhead feature allows you to separate a scene at your designated timestamp, akin to functionalities found in Windows Movie Maker.
Next, explore the Arrange tab, where you can set a stock video as a background, group or ungroup elements, and much more.
Add as many scenes as you wish; however, be aware that the current maximum length for any video created through Google Vids is 10 minutes. This limit may vary based on your Google Workspace membership level or other account attributes, like student status.
After finalizing your scenes, you can save your creation by selecting File -> Download as MP4 to your computer. You can also choose to Export to Drive. Be conscious of Google Drive storage limits, especially if you are using a free account, as all videos will contribute to your total storage consumption.
Google Vids undoubtedly ranks as one of the most effective free tools bundled with your Google Drive account. Although it has its limits—particularly for professional-grade video editing—it serves as a robust platform for creating videos suitable for YouTube, including YouTube Shorts, with ease and proficiency.
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