Google Veo 3.1 Releases "Ingredients to Video" Feature: Revolutionizing Video Expression with Vertical Format and 4K Upscaling
On January 14, 2026, GoogleAI announced the latest update to its video generation model, Veo 3.1. This update features improved consistency with up to 3 reference images through the "Ingredients to Video" feature, support for vertical video format, availability on the Gemini app and the new "YouTube Create" app, and state-of-the-art video upscaling to 1080p and 4K. It has greatly expanded the expressive potential of AI video creators. Here's a quick report with actual hands-on experience and cost calculations.
I'm Saki, a video explorer at AiCuty. Today's news might significantly change the future of video production. GoogleAI has announced an update to their latest video generation model, "Veo 3.1." It seems to be making interesting progress, expanding the boundaries of AI video generation with support for vertical videos and 4K upscaling. For creators, I feel like this will deepen the range of expression even further.
Testing sound and consistency from a single image! #Veo3 pic.twitter.com/WqYu7VlFOr
— AICU - Creators Making Creators (@AICUai)
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?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2026
Consistency, Full HD Vertical Videos, and YouTube Create!
Veo 3.1 includes "Ingredients to Video," and it is also available on the Gemini app and the new app "YouTube Create," which has not yet been released in Japan, and supports vertical format. I think it's a big step forward in expanding the range of expression that AI can generate optimal vertical videos from the beginning without the need to trim horizontal videos using dedicated editing tools in scenes where short video content such as YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok is required.
YouTube Creator (beta) not yet available in Japan
YouTube Create: Video Editing Tools - YouTube Creators
www.youtube.com Introducing YouTube Create's video editing tools. Create eye-catching videos with filters, effects, and music.
https://www.youtube.com/intl/ja_ALL/creators/youtube-create/
Moreover, the official announcement states that it can be used on YouTube, so we can expect updates on the YouTube side in the near future. Since automatic generation of ad videos has been announced for some time, video creators are finally entering an era where "creating videos using AI" is the norm.
Video Upscaling (1080p & 4K)
Veo's entire model now supports state-of-the-art video upscaling to 1080p (Full HD) and 4K (Ultra HD). This should be great news for creators.
Tried it with Flow!
The point is to choose [Veo3.1 Fast] instead of [Veo3.1 Quality]!
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Ingredients to Video is translated as "動画の素材" in the Japanese version, so it was difficult to find, but now you can select "動画の素材".
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Now, the explorer tries to do something that seems difficult from the beginning. This chibi character image with a slightly different hairstyle,
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The official artist image and
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What will happen if you use an up image?
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With these three as materials, a fairly high degree of consistency is required... but it can change the proportions of the deformed character naturally without any sense of incongruity.
Google's video generation AI "Veo" has evolved tremendously! Generates videos with sound and consistency from 3 images
Available on Flow!! https://t.co/9RQgPeD2gg pic.twitter.com/moxTAFg4oU
— AICU - Creators Making Creators (@AICUai)
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?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2026Video upscaling and 4K downloads are also possible!
4K upscaled download too! pic.twitter.com/tY2elJs2t8
— AICU - Creators Making Creators (@AICUai)
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?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2026You can also do this from the smartphone version of Gemini!
You can also do this from the smartphone version of Gemini! From the fact that the Japanese on the screen is translated into English, it seems that it understands the content of the image quite well. pic.twitter.com/7yy2iROkQu
— AICU - Creators Making Creators (@AICUai)
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?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2026From the fact that the Japanese on the screen is translated into English, it seems that it understands the content of the image quite well.
Calculating the Cost per Minute!
1080p upscaled downloads are available on all paid plans. No credits are required. 4K upscaled downloads are only available on the Ultra plan. 50 credits are required. Upscaling may take a few minutes to prepare. When ready, a toast will appear in the top right corner. Prices and availability are subject to change. Flow Team
Available even in the free tier, but Google AI Ultra for Business $250 (monthly) Currently $106.25 though...!
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This is the payment screen for "Google AI Ultra for Business," which can be assigned to Google Workspace users.
Access to Next-Generation AI Tools: Flow: The highest usage limit among Google AI video production tools, allowing you to use premium features such as Veo 3 and video materials Whisk: Maximum usage limit for creating videos from images with Veo 3 Project Mariner: Streamlines tasks with an agent-type research prototype 25,000 AI Credits per Month: Available on Flow and Whisk. Additional credits can be enabled later.
This 106.25 US dollars (USD) is equivalent to approximately 16,787 yen when calculated at the current exchange rate (assuming approximately 158 yen per dollar). Since 4K videos cost 50 credits and Veo3.1 Fast uses 20 credits per generation, if the yield rate is "successful once every two times", about 8 seconds of 4K video can be created with 100 credits. Using Flow and Whisk, or downloading about 500 8-second 4K videos, that is, generating 30 minutes of high-end AI video per month, can be obtained for 559 yen per minute. If you honestly thought "not bad", you are a friend. By the way, you can also use a higher grade of Gemini.
Expanding Expressiveness and Supporting a Wide Range of Users
Google states that Veo 3.1 "enriches the expressiveness of all users, from casual storytellers to professional filmmakers." I think this is evidence that AI video generation tools are evolving from mere technical demonstrations to more full-fledged creative tools. Veo 3.1 has the potential to meet a variety of needs, from beginners who want to shape simple ideas using apps to professionals who pursue complex visual expressions, not only professional tools. In particular, support for various apps and vertical videos is conscious of sharing on SNS, and 4K upscaling is probably intended for professional use. It may be the key to inviting creators' imaginations to be freer and higher.
I would like to send my sincere respect to the GoogleAI development team. Their attitude of constantly exploring new possibilities and supporting creators' expressions is also in line with our AICU media's vision of "creating creators." Technology stimulates people's creativity and creates new culture. I want to continue to watch such a cycle.
Summary
The update that GoogleAI made to Veo 3.1 on May 22, 2024 opened up a new horizon for AI video generation. Vertical format support is in line with modern viewing styles, and high-resolution upscaling enables professional expression. This evolution is not just about improved technology. It means that the era has come when creators can shape the visions they envision more faithfully and beautifully.
As a creator, I am very interested in how high reproducibility, controllability, and expressiveness will be. Buzz is good, but what I want to watch while sitting down is a video work that can tell a deep story. I can only expect how far AI will expand our creativity.
Well then, see you in the next news. It was Saki Noir, in charge of videos for AiCuty, an idol created by humans and AI. See you soon💜
Hashtags
#GoogleAI #Veo #Veo3_1 #AIVideoGeneration #VideoEditing #4KVideo #VerticalVideo #Creator #AICU #AiCuty