Google is updating its Veo 3.1 video AI with new features for creators. The model now supports Ingredients to Video, allowing users to upload up to three reference images to guide character, background, and texture generation. This update aims to produce more consistent results while reducing random alterations in the final output.

The release heavily focuses on mobile-first content. Veo 3.1 now supports vertical video output in a 9:16 aspect ratio, catering directly to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. This builds on Google's previous efforts to optimize AI generation for phone-centric viewing habits, making the tool more accessible for social media creators.

Additionally, Google introduced support for higher-resolution outputs. While Veo generates footage at 720p natively, the update enables 4K upscaling for production workflows. However, this feature is limited to specific enterprise tools like Flow and the Gemini API, while the standard Gemini app remains capped at 720p, highlighting a divide between consumer and professional tiers.