What is AI Video Generation?
AI video generation creates short video clips from text prompts or reference images. You describe a scene, specify a style, and the AI generates a video clip (typically 5 to 20 seconds long) with realistic motion, lighting, and physics. This technology is still in its early stages compared to image generation, but it is advancing rapidly and already useful for creating short form content, prototyping ideas, and visual storytelling.
Common use cases- Creating short promotional clips, social media content, or animated explainers
- Prototyping video concepts before investing in full production
- Generating visual effects, transitions, or artistic video content
Veo Release Timeline
Veo 2
2024
First generation. API access at $0.35/sec. No native audio.
Veo 3
Mid 2025
Native audio, 4K resolution, cinematic physics. Available in Whisk.
Veo 3.1
Late 2025
Improved audio and visual fidelity. Powers Flow and Gemini Ultra.
Veo 3.1 Fast
Early 2026
Speed optimized for everyday use in Gemini Plus and Pro.
Veo 2
2024
First generation. API access at $0.35/sec. No native audio.
Veo 3
Mid 2025
Native audio, 4K resolution, cinematic physics. Available in Whisk.
Veo 3.1
Late 2025
Improved audio and visual fidelity. Powers Flow and Gemini Ultra.
Veo 3.1 Fast
Early 2026
Speed optimized for everyday use in Gemini Plus and Pro.
| Veo 2 | Veo 3 | Veo 3.1 | Veo 3.1 Fast | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Native audio | Yes (improved) | Yes (improved) | ||
| Max resolution | 1080p | 4K | 4K | Up to 1080p |
| Speed | Moderate | Slower | Slower | Fast |
| Where available | API only | Whisk | Flow, Gemini (Ultra) | Gemini (Plus/Pro) |
| Best for | API developers | High quality creative work | Professional filmmaking | Everyday video generation |