Google Rips Paywall from AI Video Generation Tool, Opens Up to All Users
Google has made its Gemini Omni 1.1 Flash AI model available to anyone with a Google account, allowing them to generate full HD videos for free inside Google Vids. The tool was previously limited to paid subscribers but is now accessible via the browser-based video editor vids.new. The AI model can turn text prompts, photos, audio, or existing clips into new video footage.
The creation process involves signing in with a Google account and selecting the desired resolution, which can be up to 1080p. Users can also add editing controls such as scene extension, which allows them to lengthen a clip while maintaining consistent lighting and characters. Another feature is the ability to set an exact scene duration for alignment with scripts or voiceovers.
The generated videos include SynthID, a Google DeepMind watermark that can be detected by machines. The tool also includes Gemini 3.8 Flash-Lite text-to-speech, which will soon turn written scripts into voiceover narration in over 100 languages.
The rollout coincides with OpenAI's shutdown of the consumer Sora 2 app and website, as well as Google's recent API rate cut for its Veo 3.1 Lite model to $0.05 per second. This move could pressure competitors such as Chinese companies Kling and Hunyuan Video.