AI video generation has advanced dramatically in 2026. With models like Google Veo 3.1, you can now create professional-quality videos from simple text descriptions. This guide covers everything you need to know about generating AI videos.
What is an AI Video Generator?
An AI video generator creates video content from text prompts. You describe the scene you want to see -- the subject, action, camera movement, lighting, and mood -- and the AI generates a video clip. NanoBanana AI uses Google Veo 3.1, one of the most advanced video generation models available.
Video Generation Modes
Text-to-Video: The most straightforward mode. Describe a scene in text and get a video. Example: 'A golden retriever running through autumn leaves in slow motion, cinematic lighting'. Videos can be 4-60 seconds long.
Image-to-Video: Upload a still image and the AI animates it into a video. Great for bringing photos, illustrations, or AI-generated images to life with motion.
Style Transfer: Apply one of 10 artistic styles to your video: anime, oil painting, watercolor, cyberpunk, pixel art, comic book, film noir, impressionist, pop art, or sketch. Adds 5 credits to the base cost.
Storyboard: Create multi-scene videos with up to 6 scenes, each 4-8 seconds long. Add optional mood music (+5 credits). Perfect for short narratives, product demos, or mini-films.
Video Duration and Pricing
Standard videos (4-8 seconds) cost 1 credit per second. Extended videos (15, 30, or 60 seconds) use Veo 3.1's native extend API for seamless longer content. The AI generates story-planned extension prompts for visual continuity. Credit costs: 4s = 4 credits, 8s = 8 credits, 15s = 45 credits, 30s = 90 credits, 60s = 180 credits.
Tips for Better AI Videos
Be specific about camera movement: Include terms like 'slow pan', 'tracking shot', 'dolly zoom', or 'aerial view' for more cinematic results.
Describe the mood: Words like 'dramatic', 'peaceful', 'energetic', or 'mysterious' significantly affect the output.
Start short: Begin with 4-8 second clips to test your prompt, then extend to longer durations once you are happy with the style.
Use image-to-video for consistency: If you generated an AI image you love, use image-to-video to animate it while maintaining the same visual style.
Getting Started
Video generation on NanoBanana AI requires a paid plan starting at $1/day (Micro plan with 3 video credits). Visit the AI Video Generator page to learn more, or go to the Studio to start creating.