Overview
Veo 3.1 Lite is Google's most cost-effective AI video generation model, announced on March 31, 2026 as a preview release. It delivers the same generation speed as Veo 3.1 Fast at less than half the cost, starting at $0.03 per second for video-only output at 720p.
Designed for developers building high-volume video applications, Veo 3.1 Lite supports text-to-video and image-to-video generation with native audio. It is available through the Gemini API and Google AI Studio for paid-tier users, making it accessible for batch production workflows, social media content, and scalable video platforms.
What's New
50% Cost Reduction
Veo 3.1 Lite cuts video generation costs by more than half compared to Veo 3.1 Fast. At 720p, video-only generation costs $0.03 per second (vs $0.10 for Fast) and video-plus-audio costs $0.05 per second (vs $0.15 for Fast). At 1080p, pricing is $0.05/sec (video only) and $0.08/sec (video + audio).
Native Audio Generation
Like the full Veo 3.1, Lite generates synchronized audio alongside video. This includes ambient noise and sound effects that match the visual action, eliminating the need for separate audio tools even at the budget price tier.
Flexible Duration and Format
Developers can customize video duration at 4, 6, or 8 seconds with cost adjusting proportionally. Both landscape (16:9) and portrait (9:16) aspect ratios are supported, making it suitable for both traditional video platforms and vertical-first formats like YouTube Shorts and TikTok.
Developer-First Access
Veo 3.1 Lite is available exclusively through the Gemini API and Google AI Studio. A demo app has been released to showcase how the model can be used to iterate on video prompts. Starting April 7, 2026, Google is also reducing pricing for Veo 3.1 Fast, further expanding affordable video generation options.
Pricing & Plans
Veo 3.1 Lite uses pay-per-second API pricing with no subscription required beyond a paid Gemini API tier.
| Resolution | Video Only | Video + Audio |
|---|---|---|
| 720p | $0.03/sec | $0.05/sec |
| 1080p | $0.05/sec | $0.08/sec |
Comparison with Other Veo Models
| Model | 720p (video + audio) | 1080p (video + audio) | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veo 3.1 Lite | $0.05/sec | $0.08/sec | Same as Fast |
| Veo 3.1 Fast | $0.15/sec | $0.15/sec | Fast |
| Veo 3.1 | $0.40/sec | $0.40/sec | Standard |
| Veo 2 | $0.35/sec (video only, Gemini API) | — | Standard |
Cost scales with duration: a 4-second 720p video with audio costs approximately $0.20, while an 8-second 1080p video with audio costs approximately $0.64.
Best For
- Developers building video-powered applications that need high-volume, low-cost generation
- Social media teams producing short-form video content for YouTube Shorts or TikTok at scale
- Marketing agencies creating video ad variations with synchronized audio at batch pricing
- Startups prototyping video features without committing to higher-tier Veo 3.1 pricing
- E-commerce platforms generating product showcase videos from images with audio
FAQ
How does Veo 3.1 Lite compare to Veo 3.1 Fast?
Veo 3.1 Lite offers the same generation speed as Veo 3.1 Fast at less than 50% of the cost. The tradeoff is lower maximum resolution (1080p vs higher tiers) and fewer creative controls. For high-volume applications where cost matters more than maximum quality, Lite is the better choice.
Does Veo 3.1 Lite generate audio?
Yes. Like the full Veo 3.1, Lite generates synchronized sound effects and ambient noise alongside video. Video-plus-audio pricing is slightly higher than video-only (e.g., $0.05/sec vs $0.03/sec at 720p).
What video durations does Veo 3.1 Lite support?
Videos can be generated at 4, 6, or 8 seconds with pricing scaling proportionally. Portrait (9:16) and landscape (16:9) formats are both supported.
Where can I access Veo 3.1 Lite?
Veo 3.1 Lite is available via the Gemini API and Google AI Studio for users on a paid tier. It is not currently accessible through the Gemini consumer app or Flow.
When will Veo 3.1 Fast pricing be reduced?
Google announced that starting April 7, 2026, Veo 3.1 Fast pricing will be reduced, making the entire Veo model lineup more affordable for developers.
