Contents
Veo 3.1 tiers at a glanceWhat Veo 3.1 added over Veo 3Veo 3.1 prompt formulaGenerate with Veo 3.1 in RekreateVeo 3.1 vs other top modelsFrequently asked questionsVeo 3.1 is Google DeepMind's current video model generation, released in October 2025 and upgraded in January 2026 with 4K output and native vertical (9:16) video. It builds on Veo 3's native audio with richer sound, better prompt adherence and three creative controls: reference images, first and last frame transitions and scene extension.
Veo 3.1 comes in several tiers. Rekreate uses Veo 3.1 Fast for text/image-to-video at 720p, 1080p or 4K, and Veo 3.1 Lite for start-and-end-frame transitions and extending clips.
- Durations: 4, 6 or 8 s at 720p; 1080p, 4K and reference-image generations are 8 s.
- Audio: native dialogue, SFX and ambience.
- Controls: reference images, first/last frame, scene extension.
- Veo 3.1 Lite: cheapest tier, 720p/1080p, from about $0.05/second via API.
- In Rekreate: Fast (720p/1080p/4K), Lite transitions (720p/1080p), extension (720p), Magic Prompt.
Try Veo 3.1 in Rekreate
Generate cinematic clips with native audio in 720p, 1080p or 4K.
Free to try.
Veo 3.1 tiers at a glance
| Veo 3.1 Fast | Veo 3.1 Lite | |
|---|---|---|
| Positioning | High quality, faster and cheaper than standard 3.1 | Most cost-effective Veo, built for volume |
| Resolution | 720p, 1080p, 4K | 720p, 1080p |
| Durations | 4/6/8 s at 720p; 8 s at 1080p, 4K or with references | 4–8 s |
| Aspect ratios | 16:9, 9:16 | 16:9, 9:16 |
| Audio | Native | Depends on provider configuration |
| In Rekreate | Text/image-to-video, reference images | Start & end frame transitions, extension (720p) |
API model IDs: veo-3.1-fast-generate-001 and veo-3.1-lite-generate-001. Limits per Google documentation and provider behavior as of September 2026.
What Veo 3.1 added over Veo 3
Richer native audio. More natural dialogue, better sync and more layered soundscapes.
Reference images ("ingredients to video"). Supply images of a character, object or style and Veo keeps them consistent across the generated clip — useful for products and recurring characters. Reference generations run at 8 seconds.
First and last frame. Give a starting and ending image and Veo creates the motion between them, with audio. Great for transformations, reveals and seamless transitions between scenes.
Scene extension. Veo uses the final second of a clip to seed the next segment, so you can build longer continuous shots while preserving visuals and sound.
4K and vertical (January 2026). Professional-grade resolution and native 9:16 composition, rather than cropping a landscape video for Reels and TikTok.
Veo 3.1 prompt formula
Use this order: [shot type] + [subject] + [action] + [setting] + [lighting/style] + [camera] + [audio].
Example (9:16 product ad):
Vertical close-up. A hand places an iced matcha latte on a marble café table, condensation dripping down the glass. Morning sunlight through a window, soft shadows, shallow depth of field. Slow push-in, then rack focus to the logo on the cup. Audio: ice clinking, gentle café chatter, a barista calls out "Order for Maya!"
Tips:
- One clear action per 8-second clip beats a crowded scene.
- Put dialogue in quotes and keep it to one or two short lines.
- Name the camera move and lens feel (macro, wide, handheld, drone).
- For consistent products, add a reference image rather than describing the packaging.
- Rekreate's Magic Prompt rewrites prompts for clarity and content policy before generating.
Generate with Veo 3.1 in Rekreate
Open Veo and choose a mode
Text/image-to-video and References use Veo 3.1 Fast; Start & End Frame uses Veo 3.1 Lite.
Pick resolution and duration
720p allows 4, 6 or 8 seconds; 1080p, 4K and reference generations are 8 seconds. Choose 9:16 for short-form.
Write or improve the prompt
Describe shot, action, lighting, camera and audio, or use Magic Prompt.
Generate, extend and publish
Download the clip, extend it for longer shots (720p), and add captions or combine with avatar footage for a full Reel.
Veo 3.1 vs other top models
- vs Seedance 2.5: Seedance wins on single-take length (30 s) and number of references (50); Veo often wins on photoreal lighting and texture in short shots.
- vs Kling 3.0 Omni: Kling wins on multi-shot storyboards up to 15 s and human motion; Veo wins on 4K and cinematic polish.
- vs Gemini Omni: Omni is better for editing existing clips conversationally; Veo 3.1 is the dedicated high-fidelity generator.
Full breakdown: Seedance vs Kling vs Veo.
Frequently asked questions
When was Veo 3.1 released?
Google released Veo 3.1 and Veo 3.1 Fast in October 2025 and added 4K and native vertical video in January 2026. Veo 3.1 Lite launched in 2026 as the lowest-cost tier.
How long can Veo 3.1 videos be?
4, 6 or 8 seconds per generation; 1080p, 4K and reference-image generations are 8 seconds. Use scene extension to build longer sequences.
Does Veo 3.1 support 4K?
Yes, Veo 3.1 (including Fast) supports 4K since the January 2026 update, with 8-second clips. Veo 3.1 Lite is limited to 720p and 1080p.
What is Veo 3.1 Lite?
Veo 3.1 Lite is Google's most affordable Veo model, priced from about $0.05 per second through APIs, generating 720p or 1080p clips in 16:9 or 9:16 for high-volume use.
Can Veo 3.1 use my product photos?
Yes. Reference images let Veo 3.1 keep a product, character or style consistent in the generated video.
Is Veo 3.1 good for TikTok and Reels?
Yes — native 9:16, audio and cinematic quality make it strong for hooks and b-roll. For longer single takes or multi-shot ads, pair it with Seedance 2.5 or Kling 3.0.
Create your next viral video with Rekreate
Find a proven short-form video, recreate it with your script, avatar and voice, and generate scenes with Seedance, Kling and Veo in one workspace.
Start free trial →