Google Vids: Generating AI video with VEO and image references

Dean Stokes - Tech Tutorials·Apr 2026

Demo summary

Shows how to use a text prompt and a reference image to generate a custom 8-second video clip of an avatar in a specific setting using VEO.

Step-by-step

Select the VEO option at the top of the screen
Choose an avatar or subject for the video
Write a text prompt describing the action and setting
Click the button under the prompt to add up to three reference images
Click Generate and wait a few minutes for the clip to process
Mouse over the generated clip to preview it
Click Insert and choose to insert into a new scene or the current scene

Options

Prompt for non-avatar subjects like objects (e.g., a treasure chest)
Upload up to three reference images to guide the generation
Insert the clip into a new scene or the current scene

Watch out for

Every clip created by VEO is limited to exactly 8 seconds long

Tips

Use reference images from sources like Unsplash to help the AI generate the specific look you want
If inserting into the current scene, delete the original clip underneath to avoid overlapping media

Highlights

“I'm actually really impressed by that”

All demos from “Complete Guide to Google Vids (2026)”

0:541:16Google Vids interface and timeline overviewThe presenter walks through the Google Vids workspace, explaining the canvas, toolbars, and how to manage scenes and timing on the timeline.Google Vids· AI Video Editor
2:161:12Adding and styling text in Google VidsDemonstrates adding a title, selecting Google Fonts like Inter Tight, and using the contextual toolbar to center and bold text.Google Vids· AI Video Editor
3:370:56Inserting stock video and reordering layersShows how to search the stock library for London footage, drag it to the canvas, and use the 'send to back' command to place it behind text.Google Vids· AI Video Editor
6:082:04Animating objects and text in Google VidsShows how to apply fade-in animations to shapes and text, including separating enter and exit animations and adjusting duration.Google Vids· AI Video Editor
8:241:13Generating AI avatars from scriptsDemonstrates selecting a realistic AI avatar (Jayda), entering a script, and generating a video clip with lip-syncing.Google Vids· AI Avatar Video Generator
9:451:34Generating AI video with VEO and image referencesCurrentShows how to use a text prompt and a reference image to generate a custom 8-second video clip of an avatar in a specific setting using VEO.Google Vids· Image to Video
11:360:28Adding scene transitionsDemonstrates how to preview and apply transitions like 'dissolve' between two contiguous scenes in the timeline.Google Vids· AI Video Editor
12:142:42Recording camera and screen with teleprompterWalks through the built-in recorder to capture a Google Maps tab and webcam simultaneously, including the use of the script teleprompter and background blur.Google Vids· AI Video Recording
15:040:55Unlinking and adjusting layer timingShows how to use the 'show timing' view to unlink camera and screen recordings to adjust their individual durations and positions.Google Vids· AI Video Editor
16:461:10Generating AI background music with GeminiDemonstrates prompting Gemini to create a custom 30-second instrumental music track based on a descriptive text prompt.Google Vids· AI Music Generator
20:221:42Sharing and exporting Google Vids projectsShows the collaboration sharing settings and the process for downloading an MP4 or exporting directly to YouTube.Google Vids· AI Video Editor
Watch “Complete Guide to Google Vids (2026)” →

Image to Video

12:471:34AI image generation and animationThe user generates an AI image of a YouTuber at a beach and then uses the 'convert to video' feature to animate it based on a text prompt.Justin Brown - Primal Video
14:121:22Animate characters with lip-sync in Google VEOThe narrator demonstrates the 'frames to video' feature in Google VEO, uploading a character image and adding a dialogue prompt to generate an animation with automatic lip-syncing.Curious Refuge
2:040:35Image-to-video animation with Google VEOThe user uploads a personal photo to Google VEO, adjusts settings to 'frames to video', and provides a prompt to animate himself vlogging.Tao Prompts
2:192:21Extend AI video duration using image-to-videoThe creator shows a workflow to extend a story by taking a screenshot of the last frame, removing the logo in an external editor, and using the 'animate an image' feature in Google Vids to generate a continuous second clip.Educraft
4:561:19Using 'Ingredients' for object consistency in VeoThe demonstration shows how to upload a specific image (a blue flask) into the 'Ingredients' section of the Veo tool in Google Vids to ensure that specific object appears in the generated video clip.Educraft
2:540:43Animate an image with Google VidsThe user shows how to upload a screenshot and use the 'Animate an image' feature in Google Vids to create a contiguous video scene.Paul J Lipsky
6:141:06Animate images with Google Veo 3.1 in Google VidsThe creator demonstrates uploading a still image to Google Vids and using the Veo 3.1 model to generate an animated clip with automatic lip-sync and sound effects.The AI Blueprint
9:451:34Generating AI video with VEO and image referencesCurrentShows how to use a text prompt and a reference image to generate a custom 8-second video clip of an avatar in a specific setting using VEO.Dean Stokes - Tech Tutorials
3:001:11Animate an image to continue a sceneThe user takes a screenshot of a generated video frame and uses the 'animate an image' feature to create a follow-up shot where the character turns around.AI Mind Revolution