Deep Nostalgia

What is Deep Nostalgia?

Deep Nostalgia is a feature from MyHeritage that animates the faces in old photos, turning still images into short, lifelike video clips. MyHeritage licensed the underlying technology from D-ID, and it uses deep learning to generate the animations.

The tool works by applying pre-made movement sequences, called drivers, developed by MyHeritage. Each driver has a set pattern of movements and gestures. When applied to a face in a still photo, Deep Nostalgia™ produces a short video in which the person may smile, blink, or turn their head — a distinctive way to connect with family history through visual storytelling.

Who created Deep Nostalgia?

Deep Nostalgia was developed by MyHeritage, a company known for its genealogy and DNA testing services. Founded by Gilad Japhet in 2003, MyHeritage has become a major name in family history research and has introduced several AI-powered technologies, including Deep Nostalgia, to help people explore and celebrate their heritage.

How to use Deep Nostalgia?

1. Go to the MyHeritage website and navigate to the “My Photos” section.
2. Select a photo and click the “Animate” button.
3. Physical photos can be scanned and imported using the MyHeritage mobile app, available on the App Store and Google Play.
4. A MyHeritage account is required; you can create one for free on the Deep Nostalgia page.
5. Users with a Complete subscription can animate unlimited photos. Without a subscription, you can create a limited number of free animations.
6. Free animations include a small MyHeritage logo watermark; subscribers get watermark-free videos.

Privacy

MyHeritage states that animated photos are not shared with any third parties.