Later this summer, YouTube will bring its newest AI video generation model, Veo 3, straight into Shorts. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan announced this during his keynote speech at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. If you’re a Shorts creator, you’ll soon have access to more advanced tools to generate content with greater visual and audio quality.
Although exact details weren’t provided, Mohan highlighted that Veo 3 delivers better video resolution and can integrate audio, unlike previous versions. These upgrades suggest you might be able to generate full clips or dynamic backgrounds that feel more polished and professional directly within the Shorts creation process.
How it compares to Veo 2
YouTube lets creators use the older Veo 2 model through features like Dream Screen, which helps generate creative backgrounds and standalone video snippets. Veo 3 is expected to be a significant step up, improving video clarity and making content more immersive with sound integration.
However, Mohan didn’t explain what new capabilities Veo 3 will specifically unlock for Shorts creators. So, while it’s clear the tool will enhance your creative options, you’ll need to wait a bit longer to see the full list of features.
What you might need to pay
One important point that still needs clarification is whether Veo 3 will be free to use on YouTube Shorts. Creating videos using Veo 3 requires a paid subscription to either Google’s AI Pro or AI Ultra plans. That means you could be asked to pay to use these new tools once they’re added to Shorts.
Google hasn’t confirmed whether a free version of Veo 3 will be available on YouTube or replied to questions about potential costs. So, if you plan to use Veo 3 regularly, it’s worth watching for more information on pricing.
Shorts are still growing fast
Alongside the Veo 3 announcement, Mohan also revealed that YouTube Shorts is now averaging more than 200 billion daily views. That’s a staggering number, and it shows just how popular this short-form content has become.
Adding Veo 3 could be a major advantage for creators, especially if they’re looking to stand out in such a competitive space. With better AI tools, your content could be more engaging and appealing to viewers, whether you’re making fun clips, educational Shorts, or visual experiments.
So, if you’re a regular Shorts user or thinking about getting started, now might be the perfect time to explore what AI can do for your creativity.
