Google Veo 3 now supports vertical videos for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts

Google has rolled out a significant update to its Veo 3 AI video generation model, introducing vertical video support and higher resolutions to better align with the content needs of mobile-first platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

According to Google’s developer blog, both Veo 3 and its faster, low-cost counterpart Veo 3 Fast now support the 9:16 aspect ratio, giving developers the ability to generate videos tailored specifically for vertical content consumption. This new capability can be accessed via the Gemini API by setting the aspectRatio parameter in API requests.

What’s New in Veo 3 Update

Vertical Video Support for Mobile Platforms

The biggest change is the support for vertical (9:16) videos, a feature long awaited by creators who primarily publish content on short-form video platforms. Until now, most AI-generated videos were horizontal, requiring creators to crop them for platforms like Reels and Shorts.

Higher Resolution Options

Developers can now generate 1080p videos using Veo 3, but this is currently restricted to 16:9 horizontal format. Vertical outputs remain capped at 720p, though industry experts believe Google will push full HD vertical support in the coming months.

Lower Pricing for AI Video Generation

Google has slashed generation costs, making Veo 3 more accessible:

• Veo 3: $0.40 per second (down from $0.75)

• Veo 3 Fast: $0.15 per second (down from $0.40)

This price cut positions Veo 3 as one of the most cost-effective AI video solutions available to developers and businesses.

What Makes Veo 3 Different from Other AI Video Generators

Unlike most AI video tools, Veo 3 generates both visuals and audio, allowing for hyperrealistic content creation such as AI-generated street interviews, influencer-style clips, and narrative videos. Competitors typically require external tools for audio overlays, but Veo 3 integrates this natively.

The Concerns: Rise of “AI Slop”

While this expansion unlocks opportunities for creators, it has also raised concerns about content authenticity. Critics warn that the affordability and vertical support will trigger a flood of AI-generated content, often referred to as “AI slop”, overwhelming TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube feeds. This could further blur the line between authentic content and synthetic media, raising content moderation and trust issues for platforms.

What’s Next: YouTube Shorts Integration

Although the vertical video feature is available only to developers for now, Google previously confirmed that Veo 3 will be integrated into YouTube Shorts later this year. This move indicates that consumer-facing access could follow soon, making AI-generated vertical videos mainstream.

If implemented widely, social media feeds on TikTok, Reels, and Shorts could be dominated by AI-produced clips, transforming the creator economy while intensifying debates about the future of digital authenticity.

Conclusion

The Veo 3 update marks a pivotal moment for AI video generation, making it cheaper, faster, and mobile-optimized for platforms that dominate digital consumption. By enabling vertical videos and audio-synced clips, Google is positioning Veo 3 as a powerful tool for creators, businesses, and influencers.

However, this ease of access raises serious questions about the authenticity of digital media, with social platforms bracing for an influx of AI-driven content. As YouTube Shorts integration looms, the coming months may define how platforms moderate AI content and whether audiences can still distinguish between real and synthetic media.