Google Vids Adds Japanese Support: Automating Internal Training with AI Video

"We want to produce internal training videos, but nobody has video editing skills." "Outsourcing video production costs far too much."—These are common frustrations voiced by small business executives.

On February 24, 2026, Google announced a major update to Google Vids. AI voiceovers and AI avatars expanded to seven new languages, including Japanese. Capabilities previously restricted to English-language environments can now be used natively in Japanese.

The era where anyone can generate professional-quality narrated videos simply by typing text—without specialized video editing skills—is now a reality for Google Workspace users.

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What is Google Vids?

Google Vids is an AI video creation tool built directly into Google Workspace. Unveiled at Google I/O in 2024, it runs smoothly in web browsers alongside tools like Google Docs and Slides.

Its core capabilities include:

• Gemini integration: Gemini acts as an AI assistant, supporting everything from script writing to video outline recommendations
• Slides integration: Ingests existing Google Slides decks to automatically generate videos based on their content
• Templates: Offers a rich catalog of purpose-built templates for product demos, company updates, training sessions, and event announcements
• Stock media: Includes built-in libraries of stock videos, still images, and background music, streamlining asset sourcing

Having all these capabilities included within existing Google Workspace subscriptions provides a major competitive advantage over dedicated third-party video editors or SaaS tools.

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The February 2026 update: Details on Japanese language support

The most significant milestone in this update is multilingual support for AI avatars and AI voiceovers.

The seven newly supported languages are Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, and Korean (joining the original English support).

AI voiceovers

Once you input a script, the AI generates natural-sounding spoken narration. You can choose voice tones and speaking paces to fit your company's brand voice and video goals. With Japanese support, typing a Japanese script immediately generates natural Japanese audio narration.

Traditional video production required contracting voice actors, recording in studios, and editing audio tracks; this update dramatically condenses that entire workflow.

AI avatars

This capability allows an AI-generated digital avatar to present your script on camera. The addition of 2D animation-style avatars expands creative options. This is especially helpful for organizations where employees prefer not to appear on camera, or when teams want a consistent mascot persona.

Avatar visuals are powered by Google's video generation model, "Veo 3.1," delivering natural facial expressions and lip-syncing movements.

Rollout schedule

• Rapid Release domains: Gradual rollout starting February 24, 2026 (up to 15 days)
• Scheduled Release domains: Full rollout starting March 9, 2026 (1 to 3 days)

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Concrete advantages for small businesses

Cost savings through in-house video training production

Outsourcing training or instructional videos to production agencies often costs hundreds of thousands to millions of yen. With Google Vids, HR and general affairs teams can draft and finalize videos within hours or a single workday.

Reducing external vendor costs to near zero while drastically increasing update agility is a practical game-changer. When internal regulations change or statutory laws are updated, revised training videos can be deployed immediately.

Faster information dissemination with higher consistency

Verbal explanations and paper manuals tend to produce uneven results depending on who delivers them. Video ensures every team member receives identical content at the exact same quality standard.

In particular, for distributed teams operating across multiple branches or adopting remote work, video effectively resolves disparities in training quality between locations.

Zero learning curve for video editing

Google Vids feels very similar to Google Slides, meaning team members accustomed to Google's productivity tools can start producing videos with virtually no onboarding overhead.

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Eligible plans and pricing

Google Vids is included with Google Workspace subscriptions. Through May 31, 2026, generative AI features are accessible on the following plans:

Business Starter is the easiest tier to get started, providing core tools like Gmail, Calendar, and Drive, along with Google Vids.

To learn more about selecting the right Google Workspace tier, please see our Complete Guide to Google Workspace Implementation (2026 Edition).

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How to create internal training videos: Basic workflow

Here is the general workflow for creating training videos with Google Vids:

1. Create the script Simply prompt Gemini with "Generate a video script explaining the expense reimbursement process for new hires" to produce a ready-to-use draft. You can also ingest existing documents or slide presentations to derive scripts.

2. Choose a template Select a template suited to your use case and apply your company colors and logo.

3. Configure AI voiceovers and avatars Enter the script and choose your preferred narration voice and language (Japanese). If using an avatar, pair the digital presenter with the spoken lines.

4. Add and adjust assets Insert slides, graphics, or stock footage, and fine-tune timing along the timeline.

5. Share and publish Generate a shareable Google Drive link or export the completed video file directly.

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Combining NotebookLM to handle research through video creation

You can also create an end-to-end pipeline inside Google Workspace that runs from information synthesis straight to video production.

First, load source documents and PDFs into NotebookLM to structure the core points of your training material. Taking those synthesized insights directly into Google Vids as scripts drastically reduces the cycle time from raw input to finished video output.

For the latest NotebookLM features, read our in-depth guide: NotebookLM's Major Evolution: Infographics, Video Generation, and Slide Editing.

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Important points to verify before adoption

Generative AI feature availability window After May 31, 2026, terms for accessing generative AI capabilities (AI voiceovers and AI avatars) on Business Starter, Enterprise Starter, and Nonprofit plans are scheduled to change. Because this may require plan changes or additional licensing fees, we recommend monitoring Google's official announcements.

Script quality determines output quality The naturalness of AI voiceovers depends directly on how well the script is written. Having human team members review and refine drafts generated by Gemini produces far more polished and accurate videos.

Avatar terms of service Generated avatars are fictitious digital characters created by AI. Generating or publishing content designed to closely imitate real individuals is prohibited under terms of service. Even for internal training use, reviewing usage guidelines is essential.

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Conclusion

With Japanese language support now available in Google Vids, AI video creation has eliminated the barrier of needing fluency in English.

• Produce internal training and procedural videos in-house to reduce costs
• Complete full video assets using AI voiceovers and avatars without voice recording or cameras
• Included in Google Workspace subscriptions, requiring no extra tool investments
• Repurpose existing slide presentations and documentation directly

If your organization uses Google Workspace but has not yet tested Google Vids, now is the ideal time. If you want advice on bringing video training in-house or structuring knowledge sharing, get in touch with GleamHub.

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References

• Google Workspace Updates: AI avatars and AI voiceovers in Google Vids now available in seven new languages
• Google Vids AI Avatars and AI Voiceovers Add Japanese Language Support | HelenTech
• Google Workspace Updates: Our best avatars in Google Vids yet, now powered by Veo 3.1
• Availability of Gemini Features in Google Vids
• Google Workspace Pricing Plans