Reliving Family Memories with MyHeritage’s Latest AI Innovation, LiveMemory

MyHeritage Updates: Reliving Family Memories with MyHeritage’s Latest AI Innovation, LiveMemory

Reliving Family Memories with MyHeritage’s LiveMemory

When it comes to family history, photographs hold incredible power. They capture moments frozen in time, allowing us to get a glimpse into the lives and stories of our loved ones. But what if those moments could come alive, offering a richer and more emotional connection to the past? That’s exactly what MyHeritage’s newest feature, LiveMemory, aims to do.

This AI-driven tool breathes life into still photos, animating scenes to create short video clips that feel like stepping back in time. As an early tester, I couldn’t wait to dive in and see how it worked with some of my cherished family photos. While the results varied, the emotional impact was undeniable. Here are a few examples from my collection, along with thoughts on this exciting new feature.

Bringing My Family’s Photos to Life

*Note: Next to each photo, I’ve included the animated video created with MyHeritage LiveMemory so you can see the transformation in action. The results showcase the potential of this new feature to turn still moments into dynamic memories.​
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1. Boxing Brothers (Circa 1950)

One of my favorite photos of my father and his brother captures a playful moment in their childhood. Wearing boxing gloves and sparring in the yard, the scene is full of energy and sibling camaraderie. With LiveMemory, the photo was transformed into an animated clip that reimagined the movement of their playful punches and added a dynamic, lively feel to this treasured memory.

Two brothers sparring with boxing gloves in their yard, now brought to life with MyHeritage LiveMemory. Watch the video to see their playful moment reimagined! →

2. Lunch Counter Vacation (Circa 1950-1951)

​This one shows my grandparents with my aunt as a toddler, seated on bar stools at what looks like a lunch counter during a family vacation. My grandparents’ smiles and my aunt’s curiosity shine through the still image, but with LiveMemory, the scene was reanimated with subtle movements—my aunt wriggling slightly on her stool and my grandmother gesturing mid-laugh. It was as if I’d been transported to that moment in their lives.

My grandparents and toddler aunt smile for the camera during a family trip. See how LiveMemory animates this cherished moment! →

3. A Fountain of Laughter (Circa 1951-1952)

Another treasured photo shows my father as a mischievous boy, goofing off by my great-grandmother’s front-yard fountain—a fountain notorious in the family for its ability to “christen” grandchildren who fell into it. LiveMemory turned this snapshot into a whimsical video clip, capturing the joy and silliness of my father’s antics.

A mischievous childhood memory by the family fountain, animated with MyHeritage LiveMemory. Check out the video to see how this playful scene was relived →

4. Beachside Bliss (Circa 1972-1973)

One of my most nostalgic family photos features my mother, my sister, and me at the beach. My sister and I, then six and three, were savoring ice cream cones while taking a break from playing in the sand. The LiveMemory animation brought this scene to life with happenings in the background and a touch of movement as we posed mid-lick with our cones. How did MyHeritage know that my sister was full of mischievous antics, always picking on me, haha?! 

A sweet moment of ice cream and smiles at the beach with mom, me, and my sisters. Watch the video to see the animation of this sunny memory! →

5. Coffee Shop Elegance (1981)

This final photo is a personal favorite of my mom, seated at a coffee shop in an outfit that made her look like a businesswoman, even though she wasn’t. With her coffee cup in hand and an air of casual sophistication, the LiveMemory animation enhanced the scene with her chatting away, while drinking her cup of coffee. The result was subtle but deeply moving, especially since she just passed away a few years ago and I miss her deeply.

A favorite photo of mom enjoying coffee at a café, now animated with LiveMemory. See how the video brings her stylish charm to life! →

The Hits and Misses of LiveMemory

LiveMemory isn’t perfect—yet. While some animations were magical, others were more humorous surprises. For example, in one animation, the AI misinterpreted my photo, replacing my father and uncle with children of a completely different ethnicity! While it was amusing, it underscored that this feature is still in its early stages. 

Despite these quirks, I found LiveMemory to be a compelling tool with immense potential. It’s clear that as the technology improves, the results will only get better.

Why You Should Try LiveMemory

If you’re passionate about family history, LiveMemory is a must-try. It offers a unique way to engage with your photos, sparking nostalgia and deepening your emotional connection to your ancestors. Plus, it’s a fantastic tool for sharing your family stories with others, whether at reunions, online, or in your personal genealogy projects.
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Here’s how to get started and try it for FREE:

1. Download the MyHeritage mobile app (or update to the latest version).
2. Select a favorite family photo and apply LiveMemory.

Watch the animation bring your memories to life—and share the results with friends and family using the hashtags #MyHeritage and #LiveMemory.

Final Thoughts

​While LiveMemory is still a work in progress, it’s an inspiring glimpse into the future of genealogy tools. It’s a reminder of how technology can bring our family histories closer, making the past feel detailed and alive. I can’t wait to see how this feature evolves and what stories it will help us tell in the years to come.

Have you tried LiveMemory yet? I’d love to hear about your experience and see your animated memories!

​Try It for FREE

There is currently an unspecified number of free LiveMemory trys for anyone who wants to try out this new groundbreaking feature! So, give it a try at: MyHeritage LiveMemory (app downloads available)

TRY for FREE

More MyHeritage, AI, and Other Genealogy Resources

Learn about more MyHeritage, AI in Genealogy, and other family history and genealogy resources under the MyHeritage, AI in Genealogy, Genealogy Resources category and on my dedicated Genealogy Resources page.