A Smarter Way to Edit
Adobe has officially launched version 25.2 of Premiere Pro, bringing a new wave of AI-assisted features that aim to streamline the video editing process. Leading the lineup is Generative Extend, a tool powered by Adobe’s proprietary Firefly generative AI model, which allows users to add up to two seconds of seamlessly generated footage to an existing video clip. The feature offers practical applications—smoothing out awkward transitions or compensating for missing shots—without the need to reshoot.
For a limited time, Generative Extend is free to use, but it will eventually require Firefly generative credits. The amount of credits needed will vary depending on the resolution, frame rate, and format of the video. Plans under Adobe Creative Cloud include a monthly credit allocation ranging from 25 to 1,000, with additional credit packs available for purchase.
In addition to the video extension capability, the tool also supports ambient audio generation—up to ten seconds if the clip is audio-only, and two seconds when paired with video. Notably, this does not include dialogue or music, focusing instead on enhancing atmospheric continuity.
Precision Tools, Powered by AI
Another standout in this update is the AI-powered Search panel, which allows users to find footage in their libraries through simple text prompts. Descriptions like “wide shot of forest at sunset” or “close-up of hands mixing dough” now pull up relevant clips using object, location, and angle detection. It’s a feature that draws parallels with image-search technology seen in platforms like Lightroom, but now tailored for video editors.
Captioning has also been enhanced. Premiere Pro can now translate captions into 27 languages, and display multiple caption tracks during editing—a valuable tool for international content creators or multi-language deliverables.
Color management improvements round out the AI additions. With Premiere Color Management, raw and log footage is instantly converted into SDR or HDR without the need for LUTs. This speeds up workflow and helps editors visualize the final look earlier in the process. There’s also a new wide-gamut pipeline, including ACEScct color space support, ensuring higher fidelity for color grading.
Image source: The Verge
More Than Just the Headliners
Beyond the flagship features, Adobe has introduced a host of performance and usability upgrades. Audio waveforms now dynamically respond to volume changes, providing instant visual feedback. New labeling options for sequences help editors keep projects organized. Premiere Pro also now supports enhanced H.264 playback and export—offering up to 4x performance boosts on Apple silicon and 2x on Windows machines.
This release arrives alongside updates to After Effects, which now supports 3D FBX models, HDR monitoring, and an upgraded caching system for smoother playback of longer compositions. Adobe’s Frame.io platform is also getting attention, with boosted cloud storage and more robust transcription features.
Closing Frame
At NAB 2025, Adobe signaled a broader ambition: using generative AI not just as a creative gimmick, but as a foundational editing tool. With Generative Extend and other AI-powered features now out of beta and in users’ hands, Adobe continues to expand its role in shaping modern video workflows. Whether these tools become indispensable or remain conveniences will depend on how editors fold them into their daily projects—but one thing is clear: the AI era of video editing has taken its next step.
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