Google Gemini Veo 2 Now Generates Videos—But Only for Premium Users
Google is now adding a new feature to its Gemini app—AI-powered video generation, thanks to its latest Veo 2 model. But before you get too excited, here’s the catch: it’s only available to Advanced subscribers.
A Step Beyond Images and Audio
Over the past few months, Google has slowly rolled out generative features like AI image creation and text-to-audio in Gemini. Now, it’s raising the bar by bringing video generation into the mix. With this update, Gemini Advanced users can create eight-second video clips in 720p resolution.
The clips are downloadable as MP4 files in landscape (16:9) format. Users can also share them through a short Gemini link. According to Google, the more detailed your prompt is, the more control you have over the final output.
What Makes Veo 2 Different?
First introduced in late 2024, Veo 2 is Google’s next-gen AI video model. It’s built to deliver realistic motion, smooth character movement, and what Google calls “cinematic realism.” The model seems to understand human behavior, physical motion, and environmental detail at a much higher level than earlier models.
Whether you’re imagining a bustling cityscape or a floating fantasy island, Veo 2 is designed to adapt to a wide range of styles and genres. From lifelike visuals to animated fantasy, the results look polished—at least based on Google’s demos.
How to Use It Inside Gemini
Using the video generation feature is pretty straightforward. On either the web or mobile Gemini app, users need to:
- Switch to the Veo 2 model using the dropdown.
- Type a detailed prompt describing the video scene.
- Wait for 1–2 minutes for the video to generate.
Once done, you get the option to download the MP4 or share it via a direct link.
But Access Comes at a Price
Here’s where the limitations show. To access this feature, users must subscribe to Gemini Advanced, priced at $19.99/month. While it’s being rolled out globally and supports all languages available in Gemini, there’s also a monthly cap on how many videos you can generate.
So far, Google hasn’t specified what that cap is. But users will receive a warning when they’re close to their limit.
This puts a creative tool behind a paywall, limiting its reach—especially for students, hobbyists, or casual users.
More Than Just Text Prompts
In a parallel update, Google One AI Premium users are getting access to Veo 2 through a tool called Whisk, a Labs experiment launched in December. Here, users can generate videos from images instead of typing text prompts. This new “Whisk Animate” feature lets users bring static visuals to life with eight-second Veo 2 animations.
It’s a subtle shift, but one that might appeal to designers or creators who work visually rather than verbally.
Creative Power, But Still Early Days
While Gemini Veo 2’s video generation feels like a leap forward, it’s still far from perfect. The current 720p resolution, short 8-second length, and prompt sensitivity mean it’s more of a playground than a professional tool—at least for now.
Also, if Google hopes to compete with other AI video tools in the future, offering higher-quality output and fewer restrictions will be key.
Final Thoughts
The rollout of video generation through Gemini Veo 2 is an exciting moment for AI creativity, offering users a fresh way to turn ideas into visual stories. However, the high paywall, content limits, and relatively short video length may hold back its wider adoption.
That said, for Gemini Advanced users and early adopters, it’s a compelling reason to explore where AI video is headed next.
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