How to Use Veo 3.1 for Free (in 1 Minute)

Written by
Ema Lukan
January 8, 2026

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Veo 3 is one of the most advanced AI video models available today, capable of generating realistic, cinematic video clips from simple text prompts.

While you typically need a subscription to use Veo 3, you can try it for free using Synthesia’s AI Playground. This lets you generate short video clips directly in your browser, with no downloads or technical setup required.

Here is how to use Veo 3.1 for free in just a few steps.

Step 1: Sign up for a free Synthesia account

Start by creating a free Synthesia account. You can sign up using your email address or a Google account.

Verify via the code sent to your inbox.

Alternatively, to create a video with Sora 2, use the free AI video generator (and check out this quick guide on how to use Sora 2 for free).

Step 2: Navigate to the AI Playground

After logging in and going through the onboarding steps, navigate to the AI Playground which can be found in the left-hand sidebar from the main Synthesia dashboard.

The AI Playground is where you can generate video clips and images using text prompts. It allows you to test multiple generative AI  models in one place and quickly compare results.

Step 3: Input your prompt

In the prompt field, describe the video you want to generate. The more specific your prompt is, the better the results will be.

💡 Tips for Veo 3 prompts

Veo 3 performs best when prompts describe a clear visual moment rather than a full story. Aim for a few concise sentences that lock in the scene and visual intent. Includ

  • Scene focus and action: what is happening in the frame and what the subject is doing
  • Visual realism: cinematic, photorealistic, naturalistic, stylized
  • Camera behavior: static shot, slow pan, smooth tracking, shallow depth of field
  • Motion clarity: deliberate movement, slow gestures, controlled pacing
  • Environment detail: indoor or outdoor, time of day, weather, background complexity
  • Constraints or exclusions: simple background, no fast cuts, no exaggerated motion, realistic physics

Step 4: Switch to Veo 3

Before generating the video, make sure you select a Veo 3 model. Currently you can choose from Veo 3.1 and Veo 3.1 Fast.

You can also change the video resolution, opting for 16:9 or 9:16.

❓ When to use Veo 3.1 vs Veo 3.1 Fast
  • Veo 3.1: Use when you need the highest visual quality, stable motion, and cinematic detail for final clips or production ready scenes
  • Veo 3.1 Fast: Use when you want quick iterations, prompt testing, or early concepts where speed matters more than fine visual detail

Step 5: Generate video

After submitting your prompt, your video clip will begin generating.

It will take a few moments to generate, Whilst waiting, you can explore the pre-generated visuals in the AI Playground, or explore other areas of the Synthesia platform.

Step 6: Share, download, or start creating with your clip

Once your clip is ready, you can:

  • Preview the full video
  • Share it using a link or invite collaborators
  • Download the clip in your preferred format
  • Reuse the prompt and make adjustments to change the output

Step 7: Create a video from your clip in the Synthesia editor

To turn your Veo 3 clip into a complete video, open it in the Synthesia editor by clicking 'Continue in editor'.


The editor is where you can turn AI generated clips into complete, engaging videos using:

  • Realistic AI avatars and natural sounding voiceovers
  • Interactive elements such as quizzes, CTAs, and branching scenarios
  • Script to narration with automatic timing across scenes
  • AI translation to localise voiceovers and captions at scale
  • Built in captions and subtitles with fully editable timings
  • Brand controls including colours, fonts, logos, lower thirds, and reusable styles
  • Templates for common video formats, with duplication flows to help you move faster
  • Collaboration tools like shareable links, comments, and version history for reviews

You can also generate additional Veo 3 clips directly inside the editor, as well as other generative AI assets with models like Sora 2, FLUX.2 and Nano Banana Pro.

You can also use Veo 3.1 to make avatars perform actions and interact with their environments.

About the author

Content Writer & Marketing Expert

Ema Lukan

Ema Lukan is a seasoned Content Writer and Marketing Expert with a rich history of collaborating with marketing agencies, SaaS companies, and film studios. Her skill set encompasses copywriting, content creation, and a profound understanding of the intricate fabric of brand identity. Ema distinguishes herself not merely as a wordsmith but as a storyteller who comprehends the power of narratives in the digital landscape. Fascinated by new technologies, she navigates the evolving marketing terrain with creativity and analytical precision, leveraging data to refine strategies. Her passion lies in crafting compelling stories that resonate, always mindful of the ever-changing dynamics in the digital world and the culture shaping it.

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faq

Frequently asked questions

Is Veo 3 free to use?

Veo 3 itself requires a subscription through Google's platforms, but you can access it for free through Synthesia's AI Playground. This gives you the ability to generate short video clips using Veo 3.1 and Veo 3.1 Fast models without any upfront costs or technical setup. You simply need to create a free Synthesia account, navigate to the AI Playground, and start generating clips with text prompts.

What's the difference between Veo 3 and Veo 3.1?

Veo 3.1 represents the latest evolution of Google's video generation model, offering improved visual quality, better motion stability, and more accurate prompt following compared to the original Veo 3. The newer version excels at maintaining consistent physics and character movements throughout clips, making your generated videos look more natural and professional. Veo 3.1 also includes a "Fast" variant that prioritizes speed over maximum quality, giving you flexibility based on your needs.

When using Synthesia's AI Playground, you'll have access to both Veo 3.1 and Veo 3.1 Fast options. Choose the standard Veo 3.1 when you need the highest visual quality for final clips or production-ready scenes, and opt for Veo 3.1 Fast when you want quick iterations or are testing different prompt ideas where generation speed matters more than fine visual details

How do I turn a Veo 3.1 clip into a complete video with avatars, voiceover and captions?

After generating your Veo 3.1 clip in the AI Playground, click "Continue in editor" to open it in Synthesia's full video editor. Here you can enhance your clip with realistic AI avatars that deliver your message, add natural-sounding voiceovers in over 140 languages, and include automatic captions that sync perfectly with your narration.

The editor also provides powerful features like AI translation to localize your content at scale, interactive elements such as quizzes and CTAs, and brand controls for consistent styling across all your videos. This transformation from a simple AI-generated clip to a complete, professional video happens seamlessly within the same platform, eliminating the need for multiple tools or complex workflows.