Google is giving users greater control over AI-generated media by making visible Gemini watermarks optional on certain images, videos and audio created through its generative artificial intelligence tools.
The change was announced by Google Vice President for Gemini Josh Woodward on Friday, August 14. The update means users will have the option to remove the visible watermark from eligible AI-generated content while Google continues to maintain its underlying systems for identifying AI-generated media.
The new option applies to content created using Nano Banana, Omni and Lyria, which are part of Google’s growing range of generative AI technologies for creating images, videos and music.
Visible watermarks have become an important way for technology companies to indicate that digital content was produced or modified using artificial intelligence. Google’s latest move gives creators more flexibility over how their finished media appears without removing the technology’s ability to identify its AI origins.
For content creators, photographers, marketers and other users who rely on AI tools, visible branding can sometimes affect the appearance of a finished image or video. Making the watermark optional could therefore make generated content more suitable for creative projects where a clean visual presentation is preferred.
At the same time, Google’s decision to retain underlying AI-identification mechanisms is significant. Removing a visible mark does not necessarily mean that the content will become impossible to identify as AI-generated.
The development comes as Google and other technology companies continue to expand their generative AI platforms. AI tools are increasingly being used to create realistic images, videos, music and other forms of digital content, increasing the importance of systems that can help users distinguish synthetic media from traditionally created material.
Nano Banana has been associated with Google’s image-generation capabilities, while Omni and Lyria extend the company’s AI efforts into other forms of media generation. The latest policy change brings more flexibility to users working across these tools.
The optional watermark approach could also appeal to professional creators who want to integrate AI-generated elements into larger creative projects without prominent platform branding appearing on the final output.
However, the change does not remove the broader need for transparency around AI-generated content. As synthetic media becomes increasingly realistic, reliable identification technologies and responsible disclosure can play an important role in helping audiences understand the origins of digital material.
Google’s latest update therefore represents a balance between creator control and AI transparency. Users can have greater freedom over the visible appearance of their generated media while Google maintains systems designed to preserve information about its AI-generated origins.
The change is expected to attract attention from users of Google’s Gemini ecosystem, particularly those who regularly generate images, videos or audio for personal and professional purposes.
