Google’s new Vids update makes AI video creation simple and free

Creating video content typically means expensive gear, multiple retakes, and long editing hours. Google is trying to change that with new AI features in Google Vids that let users generate videos for free using simple prompts.

At the centre of the update is Veo 3.1, which can turn text or images into short video clips. Free Google accounts can generate up to 10 videos per month, each around eight seconds long — a clear push to get more users to try AI video tools.

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Here’s how to create free videos using Google Vids:

Start by opening Google Vids in your browser and creating a new project. You can either type a prompt describing the video you want — like a quick promo or social media clip — or upload an image and let the AI build a video around it.

Once you enter your input, Veo 3.1 generates a ready-to-use clip within seconds, cutting out the need for filming or manual editing.

Google is also expanding its AI avatar tools. You can customise avatars by changing their appearance, outfits, and backgrounds, while keeping their voice and identity consistent across scenes. A newer feature, “direct avatars,” allows them to interact with objects, making it easier to create simple product demos or explainers.

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For those on paid plans, Google is adding AI-generated music through Lyria 3, with tracks ranging from short clips to longer audio.

There’s also a new Chrome extension that lets users record their screen instantly without opening Vids, making it useful for tutorials or quick presentations.

Once your video is ready, you can export it or publish it directly to YouTube, with uploads set to private by default.