TLDR
- YouTube is integrating Google’s Veo 3 AI video generation model into YouTube Shorts this summer
- Shorts creators can already use Veo 2 for backgrounds and clips through Dream Screen feature
- YouTube Shorts now averages 200 billion daily views, up 186% from last year
- Veo 3 currently requires paid Google AI subscriptions costing up to $250 monthly
- The integration may require format changes since Veo 3 produces landscape videos while Shorts uses portrait format
YouTube is preparing to launch Google’s advanced Veo 3 AI video generation model within its Shorts platform later this summer. The announcement came during a Cannes Lions keynote presentation by YouTube CEO Neal Mohan.
The integration represents a major step forward for short-form video creation on the platform. Shorts creators currently have access to the previous generation Veo 2 model through Dream Screen, which allows them to generate AI backgrounds and standalone video clips.
Veo 3 offers improved video quality compared to its predecessor and includes audio generation capabilities. These enhancements are expected to carry over to the Shorts integration, though Mohan did not specify exact features that will be available.
The timing coincides with explosive growth in Shorts viewership. Mohan revealed that YouTube Shorts now averages more than 200 billion views per day, representing a 186 percent increase over the past year.
Technical Challenges for Mobile Format
The integration will likely require technical modifications to accommodate Shorts’ vertical video format. Current Veo 3 outputs produce 720p landscape videos, which would create black bars when displayed in the portrait-oriented Shorts format.
Google will presumably develop a custom version of Veo 3 specifically for YouTube to generate vertical video clips. This modification would ensure seamless integration with the mobile-first Shorts experience.
Pricing Questions Remain
The cost structure for Veo 3 access in Shorts remains unclear. Currently, using Veo 3 requires a paid subscription to Google’s AI Pro or AI Ultra plans, with the Ultra plan costing $250 monthly.
The Ultra plan limits users to 125 eight-second video generations per month. Each Veo 3 clip runs approximately eight seconds, making it possible to combine multiple clips into a single 60-second Short.
YouTube has not responded to requests for comment about pricing for Shorts creators. The company may develop a different pricing model specifically for the Shorts integration.
The current Dream Screen feature allows creators to generate AI backgrounds and clips using Veo 2 technology. This existing infrastructure provides a foundation for the more advanced Veo 3 capabilities.
Veo 3 has gained attention for producing highly realistic video content from simple text prompts. The model can generate both video and audio simultaneously, creating complete multimedia experiences.
The integration represents YouTube’s continued investment in AI-powered creator tools. The platform has been expanding its AI offerings as competition intensifies in the short-form video space.
Google unveiled Veo 3 at its I/O conference last month, showcasing the model’s ability to create realistic video content. The technology has since become widely available through Google’s paid AI subscription services.
YouTube Shorts launched with a 30-second time limit but has since expanded to allow videos up to 60 seconds long. This format aligns well with Veo 3’s short video generation capabilities.
The platform continues to heavily promote Shorts content on its homepage and throughout the user interface. The AI integration may further accelerate Shorts adoption among creators and viewers.
YouTube CEO Neal Mohan expressed confidence that AI tools will create new creative opportunities for content creators. The Veo 3 integration is expected to launch sometime during the summer months of 2025.
