Image-to-video tool V1 offers 5-second animations from a single image

Midjourney, a popular name in AI image generation, has now stepped into video creation. The company launched its first AI video model, called V1, on Discord. This new tool converts images into short videos, offering creators a fresh way to animate their ideas.

The most affordable way to try V1 is with Midjourney’s $10 monthly Basic plan. However, higher-tier plans — $60 Pro and $120 Mega — include unlimited video creation in Relax Mode. Midjourney says it may revise video pricing next month.

What is Midjourney V1?

V1 generates four five-second video clips from any image.

Whether users upload their own image or use one made with Midjourney’s earlier models, V1 can animate it. At launch, the videos are five seconds long, but they can be extended in four-second increments up to 21 seconds.

The tool offers two animation modes: automatic and manual. Users can either let the model decide the movement or describe it with text.

Available Only on Discord and Web

Just like earlier Midjourney tools, V1 runs through Discord.

Currently, the video model works only on the web. You can’t use it through a mobile app yet. Users must join Midjourney’s Discord server to access the new feature.

The pricing structure differs from images. One video generation costs eight times more than an image. This means video creation can eat through user credits much faster.

Competing with Big Names in AI Video

Midjourney joins OpenAI, Google, Runway, and Adobe in the AI video space.

V1 enters a market already populated with powerful tools like OpenAI’s Sora, Google’s Veo 3, Adobe Firefly, and Runway’s Gen-4. However, Midjourney’s focus is different. It aims to serve creators, not commercial studios.

CEO David Holz says the goal goes beyond B-rolls or ads. He envisions models that could eventually power real-time open-world simulations.

Legal Storm Clouds

Midjourney faces a copyright lawsuit over its AI-generated images.

Just a week before the V1 launch, Disney and Universal Studios sued Midjourney. They claim that Midjourney’s AI models recreate copyrighted characters like Darth Vader and Homer Simpson. This raises questions about how AI models are trained and used.

Looking Ahead

Midjourney plans to move into 3D and real-time generation next.

After V1, the startup wants to build tools for 3D rendering and real-time simulations. While legal challenges grow, the company stays committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity with AI.