Google's most advanced AI video model continues to be dominant. Veo 3 made a splash when it was released at Google I/O in May, boasting one big, audible difference from other AI video generators: It can create sound, synchronized to a scene's action. And people have been taking advantage of it -- more than 40 million Veo 3 videos have been created in the last seven weeks, across Gemini and its new filmmaker-focused tool called Flow, Google said in a blog post on Thursday.
Upgrades like the ones also announced Thursday mean that number will likely only increase. Google is introducing a new photo-to-video capability through the Gemini app. With the feature, you can upload a picture you took, or one you generated through Imagen, and Veo 3 will animate it. In your prompt, you can describe the audio you want in the video, like dialogue. The image-to-video capability is rolling out now on the web and throughout the week on mobile.
Even before these updates, Veo 3 users were quick to share their impressive-looking videos online. I spend a lot of time testing and reviewing AI, specifically image and video generators, and I've seen enough slop and hallucinations to approach it all with skepticism. But after seeing the videos, I knew I had to dive in and put Veo 3 to the test.
Without spoiling anything, I walked away from Veo feeling like this was the next natural step for Google, with one feature in particular giving the company an edge that might make it a more serious contender in the AI creative space. But there are serious limits and annoyances that I hope are addressed soon. Here's how my experience went and what you need to know.
Veo 3 availability, pricing and privacy
There are a couple of different ways to access Veo 3. Unfortunately, all of them will require you to pay up in some way. Veo 3 is currently available through Google AI Pro, Google AI Ultra, Flow and Google Vertex.
Google recently expanded access to a version of Veo 3 (Veo 3 fast) to its cheaper $20 per month plan, Google AI Pro. Pro users get limited access to Veo 3, which is good if you just want to play around with it. To get full access, you'll need Google AI Ultra -- the newest, priciest tier at $250 per month. (It's currently half off for $125 per month for three months.) Flow is Google's new filmmaking-focused AI tool, available for those paying Pro and Ultra subscribers. Vertex is Google's AI enterprise platform, and you'll know if you have access to it.
Google's Gemini privacy policy says the company can collect your info to improve its technologies, which is why it recommends not sharing any confidential information with Gemini. You also agree to Google's prohibited use policy, which outlaws the creation of abusive or illegal content.
My wild ride with Veo 3
The most impressive thing about Veo 3 is its new audio generation capabilities. You don't have to tell Gemini in your prompt that you want sound; it will automatically add it. This is a first among competitors like OpenAI's Sora and Adobe's Firefly and it certainly gives Google a huge edge.
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