Google Flow (Veo)

What it is

Flow is Google's AI filmmaking tool, described by Google DeepMind as built with and for creatives. It runs on Veo, Google DeepMind's video generation models; as of October 2026 the current model is Veo 3.1. Veo is also available in the Gemini app, Google Vids and AI Studio, and to developers through Vertex AI and the Gemini API.

What Veo 3.1 can do

From Google's own pages and its Veo 3.1 prompting guide:

• Video with sound: clips come with generated audio, from dialogue to timed sound effects, guided by the prompt.
• Short clips: 4, 6 or 8 seconds per generation, which can be extended into longer sequences.
• Aspect ratios: 16:9 or 9:16, so both YouTube and vertical feeds are covered.
• Image to video: animate a still image you made or approved.
• Ingredients to video: give reference images of a character, object, scene or style to keep them consistent across shots.
• First and last frame: provide a start and an end image and let the model create the movement between them.
• SynthID: every video is watermarked as AI-generated.

How to use it for client work

• Write a shot list first and generate one short shot at a time; a whole ad will not come from one prompt.
• Design key frames as images, approve them with the client, then animate them. It saves credits and arguments.
• Use Google's five-part prompt structure: cinematography, subject, action, context, style and ambiance.
• Keep the same reference images for every shot that features the same person or product.
• Edit the clips together in a proper editor and add your own captions and brand elements.

Limits to know

Access, plans and limits vary by country and subscription and change often, so check the official page before you promise a client anything. Because outputs carry SynthID, platforms and tools may identify them as AI-generated, and you should label them where platform rules require. Never use it to make realistic content of real people without their consent.

Who it suits

Video freelancers who want strong text-to-video and image-to-video with sound, and anyone who prefers working inside Google's ecosystem.

Pair it with on Sefism

• Follow the AI video and design for clients roadmap and keep its cheat sheet open while you work.
• For platforms, proposals, pricing and getting paid, use the Freelancing roadmap.

Best for: short, consistent AI video shots with sound for ads and explainers.