Google’s Veo 3.1 Update Adds 1080p and 4K Upscaled Video for Shorts
Key Points
- Veo 3.1 update launches Ingredients to Video and vertical output support in Gemini, YouTube Shorts, and YouTube Create.
- Eight‑second video clips remain the standard length per prompt, ideal for Shorts format.
- The update adds optional 1080p and 4K outputs, though all videos are generated at 720p and upscaled afterward.
- Upscaling is available through Flow, the Gemini API, and Vertex AI; Gemini app playback stays at 720p.
- The rollout fulfills a promise made last summer and highlights Google’s push toward higher‑fidelity AI video.
- Industry commentary notes AI video is becoming indistinguishable from real footage, with Google leading the shift.
Google has rolled out the Veo 3.1 update, bringing Ingredients to Video and vertical video support to the Gemini app, YouTube Shorts, and the YouTube Create app. The update introduces optional 1080p and 4K outputs, though all content is still generated at 720p and later upscaled via Flow, the Gemini API, or Vertex AI. Veo videos remain eight seconds per prompt, making them ideal for the Shorts format. The move fulfills a promise made last summer and signals Google’s push toward higher‑fidelity AI‑generated video.
Google Expands Veo Capabilities Across Its Video Platforms
Google announced that the latest Veo 3.1 update is now live, delivering enhanced support for Ingredients to Video and vertical video outputs across the Gemini app, YouTube Shorts, and the YouTube Create app. This rollout fulfills a promise originally made last summer, bringing the technology directly into the products where short‑form video thrives.
Veo’s core format continues to produce short clips that last eight seconds for each prompt. While the brief length makes it a natural fit for YouTube Shorts, the update also adds a new option for higher‑resolution video. The model now supports 1080p and 4K outputs, expanding the visual fidelity that creators can achieve.
Resolution and Upscaling Details
Despite the new resolution options, Veo still generates every video at a base resolution of 720p. The higher‑resolution outputs are achieved through upscaling, a process described as suitable for “high‑fidelity production workflows.” Upscaling capabilities are currently available in Google’s Flow platform, the Gemini API, and Vertex AI. Within the Gemini app itself, video playback remains locked at 720p, even though the upscaled files can be exported for use elsewhere.
The distinction between native and upscaled resolution is important. While 1080p was mentioned in prior announcements, the current update clarifies that neither 1080p nor 4K are native outputs; they are the result of post‑generation upscaling. This approach allows creators to retain the speed and efficiency of 720p generation while still delivering higher‑resolution assets when needed.
Implications for AI‑Generated Video
Industry observers note that the Veo update represents a significant step toward AI‑generated video that is increasingly indistinguishable from real footage. With Google’s dominant position in online video through YouTube, the company is positioned to influence how AI video tools are adopted by creators and brands alike. The addition of higher‑resolution upscaling aligns with broader trends toward more polished, production‑ready AI content.
Commentary from the source suggests that while the update did not merit a formal version number change, it may foreshadow larger leaps in video quality later in the year. The combination of short‑form suitability, vertical output support, and the ability to upscale to 4K positions Veo as a competitive tool for creators focused on platforms that prioritize quick, engaging clips.
Future Outlook
Google’s continued investment in Veo underscores its commitment to expanding AI video capabilities across its ecosystem. By integrating the technology into the Gemini app, YouTube Shorts, and YouTube Create, the company ensures that creators have immediate access to the latest features. As upscaling workflows become more streamlined, the line between AI‑generated and traditionally filmed content may continue to blur, shaping the future of digital media production.