Google Photos Unveils Free Veo 3 Video Generation for US Users, Adding Animation and 3D Effects to Still Images

Google has expanded access to its advanced video generation technology by integrating Veo 3 capabilities into Google Photos, now available for free to users in the United States. Through the Create tab in the app, users can animate their static photos by selecting either the “Subtle movements” or “I’m feeling lucky” options, transforming still images into dynamic four-second videos. According to Google spokesperson Michael Marconi, the feature can make photo subjects appear to dance or be showered in confetti, adding playful, lifelike motion to personal memories. Veo 3 replaces the previous Veo 2 model, which was introduced in July, offering enhanced resolution and improved visual fidelity in generated clips. This upgrade marks a key step in Google’s broader strategy to bring powerful AI video tools to a wider audience. The technology was first unveiled in May during Google’s I/O developer event, alongside the launch of Flow, a text-to-video model, and Vids, an AI-powered video editor that allows users to generate videos with AI avatars. One of Veo 3’s standout features, highlighted by Google’s VP of Gemini Josh Woodward at I/O, is its ability to generate highly realistic sound that syncs naturally with the visuals. While this audio capability was previously reserved for users on the $250-per-month “AI Ultra” plan, free Google Photos users can now access the video generation feature—without sound—on a limited, unspecified number of photos each day. Users with AI Ultra or Pro subscriptions enjoy expanded access and higher generation limits. The Veo 3-powered tool is now fully integrated into the Photos Create tab. Beyond animating still images, users can re-style photos into 3D animation formats, which can then be converted into videos. Additionally, the Highlights feature uses AI to automatically compile video montages from a user’s photo library based on keywords or themes, such as “beach,” “birthday,” or “family.” This latest update underscores Google’s ongoing effort to make cutting-edge AI video creation tools more accessible and intuitive for everyday users.