When you talk about Google AI video In 2026, there are actually three distinct products: Veo 3.1 (the video generation model), Google Flow (creative studio for filmmakers), and Google Empty (l)tool video built into Workspace). Each target a different use. Here's what everyone does, how to access it, and what's really free.
📌 Essentials
- Veo 3.1: generates videos 8 seconds in 720p/1080p/4K with its native synchronised. Accessible via Gemini AI Ultra (249.99) $/month) or Google AI Pro (19.99) $/month).
- Google Flow: creative studio AI for filmmakers and directors. Integrate Veo, Imagen and Gemini. Pro and Ultra plans only.
- Google Empty: tool video creation in Google Workspace. Generate clips AI 8 seconds free, avatars AI included since April 2026.
- Free: Google Vids (via an account Google Workspace) allows clips AI Basics without AI Pro or Ultra subscription.
Contents: Veo 3.1 • Google Flow • Google Empty • Pricing • FAQ
Veo 3.1 — the video generation model of Google
Veo 3.1 is the model of video ai developed by Google DeepMind. Announced to Google I/O 2025 and updated in April 2026, it generates 8 seconds of high fidelity videos from text or image. Its main characteristic: native synchronised audio — dialogues, sound effects, atmosphere generated at the same time as the video, without separate post-processing. Read the Veo official page on deepmind.Google.
Resolutions available: 720p, 1080p and 4K. Modes: text-to-video and image-to-video. Veo 3.1 also supports camera control (travelling, panoramic, fixed) and consistent multi-shot generation for narrative sequences.
Google Flow — Creative studio for filmmakers
Flow is the studio AI of the Google Designed for creators who want to produce short films and complete narrative sequences. It incorporates the three major models of Google : Veo for video, Imagen for fixed images (one ai image generator integrated), and Gemini for creative reflection and scripting.
Flow allows to create coherent plans with the same characters from one scene to another, to chain shots with narrative continuity, and to use visual references (images of style, character) to guide the generation. Available on Labs.Google/flow. Reserved for plans Google AI Pro (19.99) $/month and Ultra (249.99) $/month).
Google Empty — video AI in Workspace
Google Vids is thetool video creation integrated with Google Workspace, announced at Google Next 2024. In April 2026, Google integrated Veo 3.1 to Vids: users can generate 8-second video clips and avatars AI directly in the interface, without leaving Workspace.
Main use case: create presentation videos, internal trainings, project summaries with slides, voice off AI and generated video clips. L-avatar AI reads a script with synchronized voice — a feature that competes directly with Synthesia and HeyGen on the enterprise segment.
⚠️ Good to know: Google Vids is included in Google Workspace Business Starter (6 $/month/user). The generation of clips AI via Veo 3.1 in Vids is free on this plan with a limited monthly quota — without requiring AI Pro or Ultra subscription.
How much does it cost in May 2026?
| Plan | Prices | Veo 3.1 | Flow | Google Empty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Workspace (base) | 6 $/month/user | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ Limited clips |
| Google AI Pro | 19.99 $/month | ✅ via Gemini | ✅ | ✅ Extended quota |
| Google AI Ultra | 249.99 $/month | ✅ intensive use | ✅ intensive use | ✅ Unlimited |
| Gemini API (Veo) | Payroll | ✅ dev/prod | ❌ | ❌ |
Ultra-to 249.99 IA $/month seems excessive for individual use — It targets studios and agencies that produce in volume. For an independent creator, AI Pro at 19.99 $/month gives access to Veo 3.1 via Gemini and Flow, which covers 95% of needs.
Google AI Video against competition
Google Veo 3.1 is today the leader in native synchronised audio generation. Neither Runway Gen-4.5, Kling AI 3.0, nor Deevid AI only generate soundtrack at the same time as video — they require a separate sound addition.
Where Veo 3.1 is less strong: duration (8 seconds only, while Runway Gen-4.5 can go beyond), precise creative plan-by-plan control (Runway remains the pro reference), and cost — AI Ultra at 249.99 $/month is above the market. For a comparison of all tools ai video generator free available in 2026, see our guide full video AI 2026.
FAQ — Google AI Video
Google Is AI Video free?
Partly. Google Vids (Workspace) offers clips AI 8 seconds free with a Workspace account. Veo 3.1 via Gemini and Google Flow requires AI Pro subscription (19.99) $/month) or AI Ultra (249.99) $/month). The Gemini API for Veo is paid by volume.
What is the difference between Veo, Flow and Google Empty?
Veo 3.1 is the model AI (technology). Flow is the creative studio for filmmakers using Veo. Google Vids is thetool video creation in Workspace for professionals. Veo is the engine behind both.
Does Veo 3.1 generate sound?
Yes — This is his main differentiation. Veo 3.1 generates dialogues, sound effects and sound ambience synchronously with the video, without any additional step. No other video model ai general public proposes this natively in May 2026.
Can you access Veo via API?
Yes. Veo 3.1 is available in the Gemini API for developers. Documentation is available on a.Google.dev. Volume billing according to resolution and duration generated.
Google Is Flow better than Runway?
Different than better. Flow excels on multi-stage narrative coherence and ecosystem integration Google (Drive, Docs, Gemini). Runway Gen-4.5 offers more granular control per plane (Motion Brush, fine character continuity) and supports longer durations. Both tools target slightly different profiles.
🎯 To be retained
Google built in 2025-2026 a complete and coherent video ecosystem: Veo for generation, Flow for narrative creation, Vids for corporate. Veo 3.1's synchronised audio is a real technological advance that competitors have not yet replicated.
To start without a budget: Google Empty on an existing Workspace account. For serious creation: AI Pro at 19.99 $/month unlocks Veo via Gemini and Flow. It is reserved for studios.
