{"id":250614,"date":"2026-04-20T03:11:38","date_gmt":"2026-04-20T10:11:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/picsart.com\/blog\/?p=250614"},"modified":"2026-04-20T03:11:38","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T10:11:38","slug":"veo-models-comparison","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/picsart.com\/blog\/veo-models-comparison\/","title":{"rendered":"Veo models comparison: Veo 2 vs Veo 3 vs Veo 3.1"},"content":{"rendered":"

Google’s Veo lineup now includes three generations of AI video models, and the differences between them go well beyond version numbers. Veo 2 generates silent cinematic video. Veo 3 added built-in audio. Veo 3.1 pushed into 4K, video extension, reference images, and start-and-end-frame generation – with pricing starting as low as $0.03 per second.<\/p>\n

If you’re picking a Veo model today, Veo 3.1 is the clear starting point. It’s the most capable option, and Google is retiring both Veo 2 and Veo 3 by June 30, 2026.<\/p>\n

This guide compares all three generations side by side – what each one can do, what it costs, and which one fits your workflow.<\/p>\n

The Veo model family<\/span><\/h2>\n

Veo is Google’s AI video generation family. All Veo models can generate video from text prompts or images, support vertical (9:16) and landscape (16:9) formats, output at 24 frames per second, and include content credentials.<\/p>\n

Each generation built on the last. Veo 2 introduced cinematic video generation with reference image support. Veo 3 added built-in audio – dialogue, sound effects, and ambient sound generated alongside the video. Veo 3.1 expanded into 4K resolution, video extension, start-and-end-frame generation, and three pricing tiers (Standard, Fast, and Lite).<\/p>\n

Google is retiring Veo 2 and Veo 3 by June 30, 2026, and recommends Veo 3.1 as the replacement.<\/p>\n

How each model compares<\/span><\/h2>\n

Veo 2<\/strong> is the oldest model in the lineup – and it’s being retired. It generates silent video at 720p with clips running 5 to 8 seconds. Where Veo 2 still stands out is reference images – you can feed it style references and asset references to guide the output, and it supports adding or removing objects from videos (in preview). But with no audio and 720p-only output, it’s a legacy option. At $0.50 per second, it’s actually more expensive than newer, more capable models.<\/p>\n

Veo 3<\/strong> brought the biggest leap in the lineup: built-in audio. For the first time, a Veo model could produce dialogue, sound effects, and ambient sound alongside the video. Resolution jumped to 1080p, and clips can be 4, 6, or 8 seconds. Available in Standard and Fast tiers. The tradeoff: no reference images, no video extension, and no start-and-end-frame generation. Also being retired in favor of Veo 3.1.<\/p>\n

Veo 3.1<\/strong><\/a> is Google’s recommended model going forward. It keeps Veo 3’s audio and adds 4K resolution (in preview), reference images (in preview), video extension (in preview), and start-and-end-frame generation. It comes in three tiers – Standard for highest quality, Fast for quicker output at lower cost, and Lite for the cheapest generation. Pricing ranges from $0.03\/sec (Lite, 720p video only) to $0.60\/sec (Standard, 4K with audio). All tiers offer cheaper pricing when you don’t need audio.<\/p>\n

Veo 2 vs Veo 3<\/span><\/h2>\n

The biggest leap in the lineup – silent video versus built-in audio.<\/p>\n

Audio is the defining difference. Veo 3 generates dialogue, sound effects, and ambient sound as part of the video. Veo 2 outputs silent video only – any audio has to be added separately.<\/p>\n

Resolution gives Veo 3 another edge. Veo 2 caps at 720p. Veo 3 goes up to 1080p.<\/p>\n

Reference images go the other direction. Veo 2 supports both style and asset reference images. Veo 3 dropped reference image support entirely – a surprising gap for the newer model.<\/p>\n

Cost favors Veo 3. Veo 2 costs $0.50 per second. Veo 3 Fast starts at $0.08 per second for video only and $0.10 per second with audio – a fraction of Veo 2’s price with more features.<\/p>\n

Both models are being retired by June 30, 2026. Google recommends switching to Veo 3.1.<\/p>\n

Veo 3 vs Veo 3.1<\/span><\/h2>\n

Same audio foundation, expanded capabilities across almost every other dimension.<\/p>\n

Resolution gets a major bump. Veo 3.1 adds 4K support (in preview). Veo 3 maxes out at 1080p.<\/p>\n

Video extension is entirely new. Veo 3.1 can extend generated videos (in preview) – something Veo 3 can’t do at all. This means longer video content without manually stitching clips together.<\/p>\n

Reference images return. Veo 3.1 supports reference images (in preview), a feature Veo 3 dropped. For anyone producing brand-consistent or character-consistent video, this fills a big gap.<\/p>\n

Start-and-end-frame generation is new. You give Veo 3.1 a first frame and a last frame, and it generates the video between them. Not available in Veo 3.<\/p>\n

Pricing is structured differently. Veo 3.1 adds video-only pricing at lower rates and introduces Veo 3.1 Lite as the budget option. At 720p with audio, Veo 3 Standard and Veo 3.1 Standard both cost $0.40 per second. But Veo 3.1 Lite delivers video with audio at just $0.05 per second for 720p.<\/p>\n

Veo 3 is being retired. Veo 3.1 is the direct replacement, and there’s no practical reason to stay on Veo 3.<\/p>\n

Veo 2 vs Veo 3.1<\/span><\/h2>\n

The generational leap – Google’s oldest Veo model against its newest.<\/p>\n

Audio: Veo 3.1 generates full audio natively. Veo 2 is completely silent.<\/p>\n

Resolution: Veo 3.1 goes up to 4K (in preview). Veo 2 tops out at 720p.<\/p>\n

Video extension: Veo 3.1 can extend videos (in preview). Veo 2 cannot.<\/p>\n

Start-and-end-frame generation: Veo 3.1 creates video between two frames you define. Veo 2 cannot.<\/p>\n

Reference images: both support them, but differently. Veo 2 handles style and asset references. Veo 3.1 supports asset references (in preview) but not style references.<\/p>\n

Cost: Veo 3.1 Lite at $0.03 per second for 720p video is a fraction of Veo 2’s $0.50 per second. Even Veo 3.1 Standard with audio at $0.40 per second is cheaper than Veo 2 while delivering far more.<\/p>\n

Veo 2 is being retired. Veo 3.1 is the recommended replacement.<\/p>\n

Full comparison table<\/span><\/h2>\n

Here’s how all three Veo models stack up.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Same prompt, three models<\/span><\/h2>\n

The most useful way to compare is to run the same prompt through all three models and see the raw output. No editing, no post-processing, default settings.<\/p>\n

Cinematic dialogue<\/strong> – “A woman sits across from a man at a cafe table, leans in and says ‘I don’t think we should do this anymore,’ camera slowly pushes in on a 50mm lens, shallow depth of field, afternoon light”<\/p>\n