Google Introduces Veo 3.1 Lite, a Cost‑Effective AI Video Generator
Key Points
- Google launches Veo 3.1 Lite, a lower‑cost AI video generation model.
- Pricing is about 50% less than Veo 3.1 Fast, with rates of $0.05/second for 720p and $0.08/second for 1080p.
- Supports text‑to‑video, image‑to‑video, audio, and both 16:9 and 9:16 aspect ratios.
- Maximum resolution is 1080p; 4K is not available in the Lite version.
- Developers can select video lengths of 4, 6, or 8 seconds, with costs adjusted accordingly.
- Available through the Gemini API and Google AI Studio, including the Flow studio.
- Launch coincides with OpenAI’s decision to discontinue its Sora video app.
- Google also plans to update pricing for the Veo 3.1 Fast model soon.
Google announced Veo 3.1 Lite, a new AI video generation model that costs roughly half as much as its faster counterpart while keeping the same speed and audio support. The model offers text‑to‑video and image‑to‑video capabilities, 16:9 and 9:16 aspect ratios, and up to 1080p resolution, though it does not support 4K. Developers can choose video lengths of 4, 6, or 8 seconds, with pricing adjusted accordingly. Veo 3.1 Lite is available through the Gemini API and Google AI Studio, arriving as competitors like OpenAI scale back video‑AI offerings.
Background
Google has added a new member to its Veo family, calling it Veo 3.1 Lite. The announcement emphasizes the company’s ongoing commitment to generative AI across all media types. By positioning the Lite version alongside the existing Veo 3.1 Fast model, Google aims to give developers a broader set of options that balance cost and performance.
Key Features
Veo 3.1 Lite supports both text‑to‑video and image‑to‑video generation, allowing creators to craft short clips from simple prompts. The model works with standard 16:9 and vertical 9:16 aspect ratios and can produce video up to 1080p resolution. While the higher‑end Veo models can handle 4K, the Lite version does not, which may affect creators seeking ultra‑high‑definition output. Audio integration remains a core feature, matching the capabilities of the rest of the Veo line.
Developers can specify video durations of four, six, or eight seconds. Pricing scales with the chosen length, ensuring that shorter clips remain especially affordable.
Pricing and Availability
The new model is priced at roughly half the rate of Veo 3.1 Fast. For 720p output, the cost is $0.05 per second, and for 1080p it is $0.08 per second. This pricing structure is intended to make AI‑generated video more accessible to a wider range of developers and businesses.
Veo 3.1 Lite launched on the same day as the announcement and is accessible through the paid tier of Google’s Gemini API and the Google AI Studio platform, including the Flow filmmaking studio.
Industry Context
The release comes shortly after OpenAI announced the shutdown of its Sora video‑generation app, citing a shift in focus toward core objectives and the high compute costs associated with AI video. Google’s move signals that the tech giant is not retreating from generative media but is instead exploring ways to reduce operational expenses for AI‑driven video creation.
In addition to introducing the Lite model, Google indicated that pricing for the Veo 3.1 Fast model will be updated soon, suggesting a broader effort to recalibrate costs across its video‑AI portfolio.