Veo 3.1 Lite
Google's cheapest video gen model — $0.05/sec for 1080p text-to-video
Veo 3.1 Lite is Google's most cost-effective video generation model, launched March 31, 2026. Available via the Gemini API and Google AI Studio, it supports Text-to-Video and Image-to-Video, generates clips in 4-, 6-, or 8-second durations at up to 1080p resolution, and costs approximately $0.05 per second of video on Vertex AI — less than half the price of Veo 3.1 Fast. The model is aimed at developers building high-volume video applications that need fast iteration at lower cost. It supports both landscape (16:9) and portrait (9:16) aspect ratios, making it suitable for web and mobile content pipelines. Access is via the paid tier of the Gemini API and Google AI Studio. Veo 3.1 Lite positions as the production-grade middle tier in Google's Veo lineup — cheaper and faster than the flagship, still capable of professional-quality output. It's the first Google video model widely accessible to developers through standard API pricing rather than enterprise contracts.
Panel Reviews
The Builder
Developer Perspective
“At $0.05 per second, a 30-second video costs $1.50. That changes the unit economics for video apps completely. Vertex integration means it fits existing GCP pipelines without new infrastructure. If quality holds at scale, this is the API to build on for high-volume use cases.”
The Skeptic
Reality Check
“Google's Veo lineup is a naming disaster — Veo 2, Veo 3, Veo 3.1, Veo 3.1 Fast, Veo 3.1 Lite. Classic Google product fragmentation. Also, an 8-second maximum duration is still very limiting for real content workflows. Runway and Kling remain ahead on duration and creative control — don't abandon them yet.”
The Futurist
Big Picture
“Sub-cent-per-second video generation from a tier-1 cloud provider is a pricing threshold moment. When video gen drops below $0.01/sec from a major provider, it'll be embedded in every CMS. We're one model generation away from that point, and Veo 3.1 Lite is the bridge.”
The Creator
Content & Design
“Generating hundreds of short-form video variations for A/B testing at $0.05/sec is viable for mid-size creators and agencies. The portrait mode support for 9:16 shows Google is actually thinking about real creator workflows, not just enterprise demos.”
Community Sentiment
“Finally a video gen API with sensible pricing for developers”
“Still only 8 seconds max — when do we get longer clips from Google?”
“$0.05/sec opens up video generation for small teams at last”