Video Generation Overview¶
Generate AI videos using Google Veo models with 8 different generation modes.
Supported Models¶
| Model | Audio | Extension | Quality | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| veo-3.1-generate-preview |  Yes | Yes | Best | $$$ |
| veo-3.1-fast-generate-preview | Yes |  No | Good | $$ |
| veo-2.0 | No | Yes | Good | $$ |
| veo-2.0-exp | No | Yes | Good | $$ |
Recommended
Use veo-3.1-generate-preview for best quality with audio.
Generation Modes¶
| Mode | Description | Required Inputs |
|---|---|---|
| Text-to-Video | Generate from text only | Prompt |
| Image-to-Video | Animate from image | Prompt + Image |
| First & Last Frames | Interpolate two images | Prompt + 2 Images |
| Video Extension | Extend existing video | Prompt + Video |
| Reference Asset | Preserve subject | Prompt + 1-3 Images |
| Reference Style | Apply style | Prompt + Style Image |
| Insert Objects | Add to video | Prompt + Video + Mask |
| Remove Objects | Remove from video | Prompt + Video + Mask |
Quick Examples¶
# Text-to-Video
python video_gen.py "A cat walking in a garden"
# Image-to-Video
python video_gen.py "The cat starts running" --image cat.jpg
# Video Extension
python video_gen.py "Continue the scene" --extend-video previous.mp4
# Reference Asset (preserve subject)
python video_gen.py "A person dancing" --reference-image avatar.png:asset
Output Specifications¶
| Setting | Options |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5s, 6s, 7s, 8s (default: 5s) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9, 9:16, 1:1 |
| Resolution | 720p (16:9), 1280x720 |
| Frame Rate | 24 fps |
| Format | MP4 |
API Method¶
Video generation uses predictLongRunning (asynchronous):
Request → Operation ID → Poll for completion → Download video
Typical generation time: 60-180 seconds
Cost Overview¶
| Model | Per Video (5s) |
|---|---|
| veo-3.1-generate-preview | ~$0.50 |
| veo-3.1-fast-generate-preview | ~$0.25 |
| veo-2.0 | ~$0.20 |
Cost Estimation
Use --estimate-cost to preview cost before generating.
Smart Defaults (New in v2.25.1)¶
When extending a video, settings are automatically inherited from the source:
# Settings inherited automatically from source video
python video_gen.py "Continue the scene" --extend-video video.mp4
# ℹ Inherited model from metadata: veo-2.0
# ℹ Inherited resolution from metadata: 1080p
Video Extension Models
Video extension is supported by veo-2.0, veo-2.0-exp, and veo-3.1-generate-preview.
See CLI Reference - Smart Defaults for details.
Learn More¶
- Generation Modes - All 8 modes in detail
- Video Models - Model comparison
- Reference Images - Using reference images
- Video Extension - Extending videos