Microsoft Advertising is rolling out Image Animation, a new Copilot-powered feature that automatically converts static images into short, dynamic video assets — giving advertisers a faster path into video without traditional production.

How it works:

  • Copilot transforms existing static images into scroll-stopping animated video formats.
  • The tool extends the lifespan of strong image creatives by repurposing them for video placements across Microsoft’s global publisher network.
  • The feature is now in global pilot (excluding mainland China) and accessible through Ads Studio’s video templates.
Blog 76359 Hero New 833x469 1Blog 76359 Hero New 833x469 1

Why we care. Video continues to dominate digital attention, with the average American now watching more than four hours of digital video per day. As video becomes essential in performance campaigns, advertisers need scalable ways to produce it — especially when budgets or resources are tight.

This update reduces production barriers, extends the value of top-performing images, and unlocks broader inventory across Microsoft’s premium video network.

Between the lines. For many advertisers, the biggest bottleneck to entering video isn’t strategy — it’s production. Microsoft is positioning Copilot as a creative multiplier, letting performance marketers upgrade image-based campaigns with lightweight, AI-generated motion.

The bottom line. Microsoft Advertising is working on their AI advances to close the gap between static creative and video demand — helping advertisers stay competitive as video consumption accelerates.


Search Engine Land is owned by Semrush. We remain committed to providing high-quality coverage of marketing topics. Unless otherwise noted, this page’s content was written by either an employee or a paid contractor of Semrush Inc.


Anu AdegbolaAnu Adegbola

Anu Adegbola has been Paid Media Editor of Search Engine Land since 2024. She covers paid search, paid social, retail media, video and more.

In 2008, Anu started her career delivering digital marketing campaigns (mostly but not exclusively Paid Search) by building strategies, maximising ROI, automating repetitive processes and bringing efficiency from every part of marketing departments through inspiring leadership both on agency, client and marketing tech side. Outside editing Search Engine Land article she is the founder of PPC networking event – PPC Live and host of weekly podcast PPC Live The Podcast.

She is also an international speaker with some of the stages she has presented on being SMX (US, UK, Munich, Berlin), Friends of Search (Amsterdam, NL), brightonSEO, The Marketing Meetup, HeroConf (PPC Hero), SearchLove, BiddableWorld, SESLondon, PPC Chat Live, AdWorld Experience (Bologna, IT) and more.