Model guide
Veo 3.1 model guide
Veo 3.1 is an AI video model for creators who want cinematic camera language, stronger visual continuity, and detailed prompt-led scene direction. Use this workspace for text-to-video concepts, first-frame image animation, guided opening and ending frames, or reference-based video ideas that should feel more deliberately produced.
See how a product photo becomes a promo videoWhat Veo 3.1 is best for
It is suited to cinematic product storytelling, concept videos, campaign previews, brand mood films, and visual directions where camera movement and scene atmosphere matter more than producing many rough technical variations.
Veo 3.1 vs Seedance 2.0
Veo 3.1 is the stronger choice for cinematic image-to-video drafts, polished camera movement, and visual continuity. Seedance 2.0 is better when the work needs faster controlled iteration across duration, resolution, and aspect-ratio settings.
Explore the Seedance 2.0 video generatorGeneration modes
The generator exposes four distinct workflows. Text mode creates a scene from a prompt, first-frame mode animates one opening image, first-and-last-frame mode guides a visual transition, and reference mode uses one or more images as creative guidance rather than forcing them to become exact timeline frames.
Text to video
Start without an uploaded image and describe the complete shot in words. Text-to-video works well for original environments, cinematic establishing shots, advertising concepts, and scenes where composition, action, lighting, lens behavior, and mood should all be developed from the prompt.
First-frame image to video
Upload one image as the literal opening frame, then tell Veo 3.1 how the subject, background, and camera should move. This is the direct choice for animating a product photo, portrait, illustration, or designed key visual from its existing composition.
First and last frame to video
Provide separate start and end images when the shot needs a defined destination. The model generates the motion between those visual anchors, while the prompt explains the transformation, camera path, pacing, and continuity expected across the clip.
Reference images to video
Use up to three images to guide subject identity, objects, styling, or the overall visual direction without treating one image as the mandatory first frame. In this workspace, reference generation is available on compatible Veo 3.1 variants with its dedicated duration and aspect-ratio constraints.
Typical workflow
The Veo 3.1 workflow starts with a clear scene direction, then uses the model to explore polished camera language and visual continuity.
- 1Upload a reference image when you want the video to preserve a product, person, scene, or visual style.
- 2Describe camera movement, scene atmosphere, subject motion, lighting, and intended output format.
- 3Generate using cinematic defaults optimized for polished motion.
- 4Review the result and refine the prompt toward the exact campaign or creative direction.
How to write a Veo 3.1 prompt
A strong prompt reads like a concise shot brief. Describe what the viewer sees, what changes over time, how the camera observes the action, and what emotional or commercial purpose the finished clip should serve. Concrete visual instructions are more useful than a long list of disconnected style words.
Shot and lens direction
Specify whether the camera is locked, handheld, tracking, orbiting, tilting, or slowly pushing in. Add framing such as macro close-up, medium shot, or wide establishing shot so the model has a clear cinematic point of view.
Subject action
Give the main subject a motion that can unfold within the selected duration. A focused action—fabric lifting in the wind, a product rotating into light, or a character crossing the frame—is usually clearer than several unrelated events competing in one short clip.
Cinematic atmosphere
Describe light direction, color temperature, weather, particles, reflections, depth, and background movement when they matter. These visible details help the model create atmosphere while keeping the prompt grounded in elements that can actually appear on screen.
Ending and output planning
Explain how the motion settles and where attention should land at the end of the shot. Mention whether the clip is for a product reveal, landing-page hero, social campaign, pitch film, or creative test so composition and pacing support the final placement.
Choosing the right model and output settings
The workspace includes Lite, Fast, and Quality variants with 4-, 6-, and 8-second duration choices plus 720p, 1080p, and 4K output options where supported. Lite is useful for inexpensive concept checks, Fast balances iteration speed and polish, and Quality is intended for the most demanding visual direction. Choose landscape for website and presentation footage or portrait for mobile-first placements. Reference mode has narrower compatibility than text and frame modes, so the interface automatically limits its model, duration, and aspect-ratio combinations to supported choices.
See credit pricingUse cases
Veo 3.1 is better for work where motion language, scene mood, and perceived production value are the main goals.
For premium launches
Cinematic product reveal clips for landing pages and premium campaign assets.
For brand storytelling
Brand mood films, pitch visuals, and concept previews from still references.
For prompt-led scenes
Prompt-driven video drafts where camera language and atmosphere are central.
Frequently asked questions
These answers cover common Veo 3.1 image-to-video and prompt-to-video planning questions.
Can Veo 3.1 generate video from an image?
Yes. This workspace supports image-guided generation when a reference image is uploaded, and can also route prompt-first video requests.
What makes Veo 3.1 different from Seedance 2.0?
Veo 3.1 is presented as the more cinematic option, while Seedance 2.0 is better for fast image-to-video iteration with detailed production controls.
What should a Veo 3.1 prompt include?
A strong prompt should include camera movement, subject action, lighting, mood, background motion, and the desired commercial or creative use.