Google Enhances Veo AI Video Model with Better Image Reference, Vertical Output, and 4K Upscaling
Key Points
- Veo 3.1 improves consistency by focusing on up to three reference images.
- Native vertical video output (9:16) is ready for TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
- Videos can now be upscaled to 4K resolution on the platform.
- 1080p generation receives sharper, cleaner quality improvements.
- Features are being rolled out through the Gemini app and integrated into YouTube Shorts and YouTube Create.
- Creators gain more control over characters, backgrounds, and textures across scenes.
Google has upgraded its Veo 3.1 AI video model to improve how it uses reference images, allowing users to generate more consistent and expressive clips. The update adds native vertical video support for a 9:16 aspect ratio, making content ready for platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts without extra editing. Users can now upscale videos to 4K resolution, while 1080p generation receives sharper quality. These features are being rolled out through the Gemini app and integrated into YouTube Shorts and the YouTube Create app, expanding creative options for developers and creators.
Improved Reference Image Handling
Google’s Veo 3.1 AI video model now pays closer attention to the reference images that guide generated clips. The "Ingredients to Video" tool lets users supply up to three reference images, which can include characters, backgrounds, and textures. This refinement helps ensure that visual elements remain consistent across different scenes, allowing creators to reuse objects and maintain character continuity.
Native Vertical Video Support
The update introduces native vertical output in a 9:16 aspect ratio, tailored for short‑form platforms such as TikTok and YouTube Shorts. Instead of cropping generated footage in external editors, creators can select vertical mode directly, producing videos that are ready for upload.
Resolution Upscaling to 4K
Veo 3.1 now offers on‑platform upscaling to 4K resolution, an improvement over the previous 1080p ceiling. While the model’s native 4K generation has not yet been demonstrated publicly, the upscaling capability delivers higher‑definition results for users seeking sharper visuals.
Enhanced 1080p Quality
In addition to upscaling, the 1080p output has been refined to deliver a "sharper, cleaner video," further boosting the overall visual fidelity of generated content.
Integration Across Google Services
These features are being added to the Gemini app and integrated into YouTube Shorts and the YouTube Create app for the first time. This broader distribution aims to give developers and creators easier access to Veo’s advanced video‑generation tools within familiar Google ecosystems.
Implications for Creators
By combining more precise image reference handling, vertical video readiness, and higher‑resolution output, Veo 3.1 expands the creative possibilities for users ranging from individual creators to larger development teams. The enhancements promise richer storytelling, more expressive visuals, and streamlined workflows for short‑form video production.