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LiveMemory - What is LiveMemory™ and how do I use it?

LiveMemory™ enables you to turn any still photo into a short video clip using AI. It animates the scene in the photo, reimagining it as if you had traveled back in time to watch it live. The AI was trained on a large number of photos and videos in order to create highly realistic results. It’s the ultimate way to reminisce. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

In addition to reenacting the scene, we’ve added a set of 10 custom animations so that if you wish, you can choose what happens in the video and have fun. You can choose from emotional gestures such as hugging or laughing, which is perfect when you upload a favorite photo of your loved ones, or if you’re feeling more playful, try out fun effects like underwater, zero gravity, or balloons.

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How does this technology work? ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​LiveMemory™ uses cutting-edge AI technology to animate whole photos and simulate the scenes depicted in them in a highly realistic way. When a photo is uploaded, the AI model analyzes it to create the most suitable animation to reenact the scene. In photos with multiple people, the algorithm will animate the gestures and make them interact based on what it thinks will be most realistic. The result is a stunning 5-second video clip. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

The custom animations are designed to make you smile, laugh, and reminisce. They consist of 5 emotional gestures and several fun effects. The emotional gestures include hugging, kissing, dancing, laughing, and singing. Thanks to the genius of AI, they completely adapt to the photo you upload, ensuring that every video generated is unique and original.

LiveMemory™ of Golan Levi, our Concept Manager and UX Expert who initiated the LiveMemory™ project ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

LiveMemory™ is perfect for reenacting nostalgic family photos. It also works well on photos with non-human subjects such as pets or vehicles. The algorithm can simulate parts of the scene not pictured in the original photo, as if a camera is following the movement beyond the edges of the photo. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​How do I use LiveMemory™? ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​LiveMemory™ is available on the MyHeritage website and mobile app for iOS and Android. If you don’t have the MyHeritage app installed on your phone, download it from the App Store or Google Play. If you already have the app, please update it so you have the latest version. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​How to use LiveMemory via the Website: ​​​​​​​​​​​​To use LiveMemory™ via the website, hover the “Photos” tab, the click “LiveMemory™”:

Click on “Upload Photo” to upload the photo of your choice (you can also drag and drop the file if you prefer). To find out more about the types of photos you can use, please click here. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

Note: You can also use LiveMemory™ on any existing photo that you’ve already uploaded to MyHeritage, including photos available in your online photo gallery.

The MyHeritage Mobile App, also allows you to select any photo you have previously uploaded to MyHeritage or choose a photo from your mobile device’s photo gallery. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

Next, choose how you wish to animate your photo: ​​​​​​​​​​​​

Custom animations: You can choose from emotional gestures such as hugging or laughing, which is perfect when you upload a favorite photo of your parents, or if you’re feeling more playful, try out fun effects like Underwater, Zero Gravity, Balloons, Making Faces, Hair Raiser or Superhero. Once you have chosen this option, click "Continue", then choose your custom animation. Once you have chosen your custom animation, click “Create Your LiveMemory™”. (You’ll be notified via email once it’s ready)

​​​​​​​​​​Relive the memory: Animates the scene in the photo, reimagining it as if you had traveled back in time to watch it live. It’s the ultimate way to reminisce. Once you have chosen this option, click “Continue”. Your Video will automatically be brought to life (You’ll be notified by email once it’s ready).

Note: Before you can create your video, you’ll be asked to consent to the LiveMemory™ terms. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

You’ll be notified by email once your results are ready. To access your results, make sure to be logged in. While you wait for your results, you can create another LiveMemory™!

Deleting my LiveMemoryresults:

The original photo that was used to create your LiveMemory™ is by default saved in the “Photos” section in your account. After selecting the original photo, click the three dots in the upper left hand side, then hover over the trash icon and select the LiveMemory™ you wish to delete.

From the Mobile App, once you select the original photo, please click on "LiveMemory" in the bottom right corner and select the trash icon.

How to use LiveMemory via the Mobile App:

You can access LiveMemory™ from: ​​​​​​​​​​​​

The 'Photos' tab at the top of the home screen and selecting 'LiveMemory'.

  • The “hamburger menu” on the top left of the screen, marked above in green.

  • By clicking on a photo directly from your photo gallery : ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Before uploading a photo to MyHeritage from your device, you’ll need to enable photo gallery access. You can also select photos that you have previously uploaded to MyHeritage. Any photos you’ve uploaded to MyHeritage in the past are accessible on the mobile app, under the section called App Gallery. Tap to select the photo you want to use for your LiveMemory™, either from your device or from the App Gallery, and then tap “Next”.

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You can also use LiveMemory™ on any existing photo directly from your online gallery, and delete any LiveMemory™ videos from within the app or your online site.

Before you can create your video, you’ll be asked to consent to the LiveMemory™ terms. ​​​​​​​You’ll receive an email when your video clip is ready.​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​How long does it take to create a LiveMemory™? ​​​​​​​​​​​​Creating a LiveMemory™ takes only a few minutes; however, when there is high demand and the servers are busy, it can take longer. You’ll receive an email when your video clip is ready. You can also view all LiveMemory™ videos through the galleries in the online site and the MyHeritage app. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

Can I share my LiveMemory? ​​​​​​​​​​​​Absolutely​​​​​​! You are encouraged to share your results on social media with friends and family. When you do, please use the hashtags #MyHeritage #LiveMemory.

Please Note (Our Commitment to Safety)

To maintain a secure environment for everyone, LiveMemory uses automated safety systems to review images. Please be aware that photos containing child nudity or suggestive content involving minors will be blocked. This includes:

  • Family Moments: Even non-sexual photos like bath time, beach days, or baby pictures.

  • Artistic Intent: Personal, sentimental, or artistic photos that include partial nudity.

We understand these are often cherished family memories; however, our strict policy is in place to ensure the highest level of protection for minors. For more details, please see our Terms and Conditions. ​​​​​​​​​​​​

To learn more about this amazing feature, read this article on the MyHeritage Blog: New: LiveMemory™ Custom Animations, Seamless Sharing, and More! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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