An AI-powered service called Deep Nostalgia, which presents photos on these photos, has become the main character on Twitter this Sunday, as people try to create, apparently, the creepiest fake “video”.
The Gene Noline genealogy company Deep Heritage, provided by My Heritage, uses AI licensed from D-ID to create the effect of moving a still photo. It’s like the iOS Live Photos feature, which will add a few seconds of video to help smartphone photographers find the best start.
But Deep Nostalgia can take photos from any camera and bring it to “life”. The program uses pre-recorded driver videos of facial movements and applies one that works best for the static photos in question. Its purpose is to allow you to upload photos of dead loved ones and to see them in “action” that sounds like a beautiful idea.
Users must sign up for a free account on My Heritage and then upload a photo. From there the process is automated; Extend it before animating the site image and creating a GIF. The site’s FAQ states that it does not provide photos to any third parties, and writes a message on its home page stating that “photos uploaded without completing signup are automatically deleted to protect your privacy.”
Naturally, the program has become something of a meme-generator on Twitter, with users trying to push AI to its limits. One archaeologist used photographs of ancient statues, and yes some of them with blank eyes. Sorry in advance for the night fuel dream fuel (but at most there Alexander the Great):
Deep nostalgia can only handle one headshot and only animate the face, so you can’t run the mummies again as they seem to be moving (hey, I’m surprised, OK?). For deep nostalgia treatment you can upload five photos for free on my heritage website, then you have to register for a paid account.
I wonder if there are some photos left un-animated best? I’m careful not to upload photos to any site, and I think general privacy precautions still apply. But if you’re trying to brace yourself for a deep nostalgia for a surreal experience. AI is nicely good.
