Introduction to VEO 3
Google's VEO 3 represents a breakthrough in AI video generation technology, offering unprecedented capabilities for video creators of all skill levels. This guide will help you understand how to craft effective prompts to get the best results from VEO 3.
Whether you're a professional video editor or just starting out, this comprehensive manual will walk you through everything you need to know about prompting VEO 3 to create stunning, high-quality videos with precise control.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide is designed specifically for:
- Video editors looking to incorporate AI-generated content
- Content creators seeking to expand their visual storytelling
- Beginners who want to learn AI video generation from scratch
- Professionals looking to streamline their workflow
Try Our Interactive Prompt Builder
Create professional, structured VEO 3 prompts with our easy-to-use interactive tool.
Open Prompt BuilderWhat Makes VEO 3 Special
VEO 3 is Google's most advanced video generation model, featuring:
- Native audio generation capabilities
- Enhanced realism with improved physics
- 4K output quality
- Superior prompt adherence
- Reference-powered video generation
Key Features of VEO 3
Native Audio Generation
VEO 3 can generate synchronized audio including sound effects, ambient noise, dialogue, and musical scores - all natively within the video generation process.
Enhanced Realism
With 4K output capability, improved physics simulation, and greater fidelity in visual details, VEO 3 creates stunningly realistic videos.
Improved Prompt Adherence
VEO 3 offers more accurate responses to instructions with better understanding of nuanced prompts and consistent rendering of details across frames.
Creative Control
Enjoy unprecedented creative control with reference-powered video generation and the ability to guide generation with images of scenes, characters, or objects.
Prompt Basics
Creating effective prompts is the key to getting great results from VEO 3. A well-crafted prompt communicates your creative vision clearly to the AI.
Structured Prompt Format
For optimal results with VEO 3, we recommend using this professional, structured prompt format:
# Google VEO 3 Prompt (8 s, Text-Free)
[SCENE]
Brief description of setting, characters, and main action.
[VISUAL STYLE]
• Resolution, aspect ratio, fps (e.g., 4K, 16:9, 24 fps)
• Lighting details, colors, atmosphere
• Camera movement and technical settings
• Additional visual elements or wardrobe details
[AUDIO]
• Background music with LUFS level
• Character (tone/accent): "Exact dialogue text"
• Sound effects and ambient sounds
[SHOT LIST & TIMING — TOTAL 8 s]
0 – 1.5 s Description of first shot
1.5 – 3 s Description of second shot
3 – 5.5 s Description of third shot with dialogue
5.5 – 8 s Description of final shot
[END]
No on-screen text, logos, or captions
Benefits of This Structure:
- Provides clear organization that VEO 3 can easily interpret
- Ensures all critical elements are included
- Allows precise timing control for each shot
- Separates visual and audio elements for better control
Want to easily create prompts in this format?
Use Our Interactive Prompt BuilderEssential Prompt Elements
Subject
The main object, person, animal, or scenery that you want in your video.
Context
The background or setting in which the subject is placed.
Action
What the subject is doing in the video.
Style
The visual aesthetic or film style (optional but recommended).
Camera Motion
How the camera moves during the shot (optional).
Audio
Sound effects, ambient noise, dialogue, or music (VEO 3's unique capability).
Key Prompting Techniques
- Use Descriptive Language - Employ adjectives and adverbs to paint a clear picture.
- Provide Sufficient Context - Include background information when necessary.
- Reference Specific Artistic Styles - Mention particular aesthetics or art movements.
- Enhance Facial and Character Details - Specify facial details as a focus when including people.
- Use Reference Images When Possible - Provide images to guide the generation process.
- Consider Using Negative Prompts - Specify what you don't want to see.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Effective Prompts
Define Your Video Concept
Before writing your prompt, clearly define:
- What is the main subject or focus?
- What setting or environment should it appear in?
- What action or movement should occur?
- What mood or feeling should the video convey?
Structure Your Prompt
Include these key components:
- Scene Overview - Brief description of setting, characters, and main action
- Visual Style - Technical specifications and visual aesthetics
- Audio Elements - Music, dialogue, and sound effects
- Shot List & Timing - Second-by-second breakdown of shots
Add Descriptive Details
Enhance your prompt with:
- Specific adjectives and adverbs
- Color descriptions
- Lighting information
- Texture details
- Weather conditions
- Time of day
Specify Technical Parameters
Consider including:
- Resolution (4K recommended)
- Aspect ratio (16:9 for landscape or 9:16 for portrait)
- Frame rate (24fps for cinematic feel, 30fps for smoother motion)
- Camera settings (depth of field, focal length)
- Duration specifications (VEO 3 works best with 8-second videos)
Create a Detailed Shot List
Break down your 8-second video into specific shots:
- Specify exact timing for each shot (e.g., "0-1.5s: Wide establishing shot")
- Describe camera movement for each shot
- Note when dialogue or specific audio cues should occur
- Ensure timing adds up to exactly 8 seconds total
Review and Refine
Before submitting your prompt:
- Check for conflicting instructions
- Ensure clarity and specificity
- Remove unnecessary words
- Verify that all key elements are included
- Confirm your shot timings add up to 8 seconds
Create Perfect Prompts Easily
Our interactive prompt builder handles the formatting and timing for you!
Try the Prompt BuilderSample Prompts by Video Type
Below are effective sample prompts for various video types using VEO 3. Study these examples to understand how to structure your own prompts for different scenarios.
Serene Landscape
# Google VEO 3 Prompt (8 s, Text-Free)
[SCENE]
A wide panning shot of a misty mountain valley at sunrise. Golden light filters through the fog, illuminating a winding river below. Pine trees sway gently in the morning breeze. Audio: gentle wind sounds, distant birdsong, and subtle flowing water.
[VISUAL STYLE]
• 4K, 16:9, 24 fps
• Soft natural window light, warm pastel decor, shallow f/2.0 depth for creamy bokeh
• Subtle handheld sway to match playful energy; lens flare glints on dog's glossy eyes
[AUDIO]
• Light acoustic ukulele bed at –18 LUFS
• Woman (bright, loving tone):
"Learn to make AI videos this good—for just five dollars."
• Bulldog snort / tiny bark cue right after line
[SHOT LIST & TIMING — TOTAL 8 s]
0 – 1.2 s Wide: dog on couch with plush toys; tail wiggles.
1.2 – 3 s Woman enters, kneels, scoops pup up.
3 – 5.5 s Medium front: she lifts bulldog to chest-height, looks at camera, **delivers line** (see AUDIO).
5.5 – 7 s Tight two-shot: dog gives an adorable head tilt and soft "boof."
7 – 8 s Quick zoom on dog's wrinkly face, tongue peek
[END]
No on-screen text, logos, or captions
Why this works:
This prompt includes clear camera movement (panning), specific time of day (sunrise), descriptive visual elements (misty, golden light, fog), and detailed audio instructions.
Wildlife Encounter
# Google VEO 3 Prompt (8 s, Text-Free)
[SCENE]
Close-up tracking shot of a fox moving through autumn forest. Fallen red and orange leaves crunch under its paws as it pauses to look directly at camera. Soft dappled light filters through the canopy. Audio: leaf rustling, subtle forest ambience, occasional bird calls.
[VISUAL STYLE]
• 4K, 16:9, 24 fps
• Dappled forest light through canopy, warm autumn colors, shallow f/2.8 depth of field
• Smooth tracking movement, slight handheld organic feel
[AUDIO]
• Gentle piano notes with forest ambience at –16 LUFS
• No dialogue
• Leaf crunching sounds, distant bird calls, subtle wind through trees
[SHOT LIST & TIMING — TOTAL 8 s]
0 – 2 s Medium tracking shot following fox from behind through dense foliage.
2 – 4 s Fox pauses, camera circles slowly to reveal its profile.
4 – 6 s Fox turns head to look directly at camera, ears perked.
6 – 8 s Push in slightly on fox's face as sunbeam breaks through trees, illuminating its fur.
[END]
No on-screen text, logos, or captions
Why this works:
This prompt specifies the subject clearly (fox), the environment (autumn forest), includes sensory details (crunching leaves), and provides specific audio elements that enhance the scene.
City Timelapse
# Google VEO 3 Prompt (8 s, Text-Free)
[SCENE]
Timelapse wide shot of a modern city skyline transitioning from day to night. Skyscrapers reflect the changing light as windows illuminate after sunset. Audio: gradual shift from daytime city sounds (traffic, people) to evening ambience (distant music, urban hum).
[VISUAL STYLE]
• 4K, 16:9, 30 fps
• Transition from golden hour to blue hour to night, glass reflections, city lights
• Static wide shot on tripod, perfectly stable
[AUDIO]
• Ambient city soundscape that evolves from day to night at –15 LUFS
• No dialogue
• Gradual transition from traffic sounds to evening ambience with distant music
[SHOT LIST & TIMING — TOTAL 8 s]
0 – 2 s Skyline in golden hour light, busy streets visible below.
2 – 4 s Sun setting, shadows lengthening, first windows beginning to light up.
4 – 6 s Blue hour transition, more windows illuminating, office lights visible.
6 – 8 s Full night scene, all buildings lit up, headlights streaming on streets below.
[END]
No on-screen text, logos, or captions
Why this works:
This prompt clearly specifies the technique (timelapse), the transition effect (day to night), visual details (reflections, illuminating windows), and evolving audio that matches the visual transition.
Street Scene
# Google VEO 3 Prompt (8 s, Text-Free)
[SCENE]
Tracking shot moving down a narrow cobblestone street in an old European city. Colorful buildings with flower boxes line both sides, and café tables spill onto the sidewalk. Audio: distant conversations, clinking of coffee cups, street musician playing accordion in the distance.
[VISUAL STYLE]
• 4K, 16:9, 24 fps
• Warm Mediterranean sunlight, vibrant building colors, shallow f/2.0 depth of field
• Smooth tracking movement at walking pace, slight bobbing for realism
[AUDIO]
• Distant accordion music at –18 LUFS
• No dialogue
• Ambient café sounds, footsteps on cobblestone, distant conversation murmur
[SHOT LIST & TIMING — TOTAL 8 s]
0 – 2 s Start of narrow street, looking down the cobblestone path with buildings on both sides.
2 – 4 s Passing café tables where patrons enjoy coffee, camera slightly pans right.
4 – 6 s Continue down street, passing flower shop with colorful display outside.
6 – 8 s Reach small plaza at end of street where accordion player is visible in distance.
[END]
No on-screen text, logos, or captions
Why this works:
This prompt includes specific camera movement (tracking), detailed setting elements (cobblestone, flower boxes, café tables), and rich audio details that create a vivid atmosphere.
Emotional Portrait
# Google VEO 3 Prompt (8 s, Text-Free)
[SCENE]
Close-up portrait of an elderly man with weathered skin and kind eyes, sitting by a window. As soft light illuminates his face, his expression shifts from contemplative to a gentle smile. Audio: soft breathing, creak of wooden chair, distant wind chimes.
[VISUAL STYLE]
• 4K, 16:9, 24 fps
• Rembrandt-style window lighting, warm amber tones, shallow f/1.8 depth of field
• Extremely subtle push-in movement, almost imperceptible
[AUDIO]
• Soft piano notes, sparse and delicate at –20 LUFS
• No dialogue
• Subtle chair creak, soft breathing, distant wind chimes through open window
[SHOT LIST & TIMING — TOTAL 8 s]
0 – 2 s Close-up on man's weathered hands resting on wooden armrests.
2 – 4 s Tilt up to face in profile, contemplative expression, looking out window.
4 – 6 s Man slowly turns toward camera, light catching in his eyes.
6 – 8 s Full face in frame, expression softening into gentle, knowing smile.
[END]
No on-screen text, logos, or captions
Why this works:
This prompt focuses on subtle emotional changes, uses specific lighting references (Rembrandt-style), includes detailed physical descriptions (weathered skin, kind eyes), and matches audio to enhance the contemplative mood.
Character Introduction
# Google VEO 3 Prompt (8 s, Text-Free)
[SCENE]
A confident female scientist in a white lab coat and safety goggles works with colorful chemical vials in a high-tech laboratory. She looks up from her work and smiles at the camera. Audio: subtle bubbling liquids, electronic equipment hum, glass vials clinking.
[VISUAL STYLE]
• 4K, 16:9, 24 fps
• Cool blue laboratory lighting with pops of color from chemical vials, f/4 for good depth
• Slow dolly movement around subject, revealing laboratory environment
[AUDIO]
• Modern, subtle electronic score at –18 LUFS
• No dialogue
• Laboratory sounds: bubbling liquids, electronic beeps, glass clinking
[SHOT LIST & TIMING — TOTAL 8 s]
0 – 2 s Close-up of hands mixing colorful chemicals in glass vials.
2 – 4 s Pull back to reveal scientist focused on her work, safety goggles on.
4 – 6 s She notices camera, looks up from microscope, removes goggles.
6 – 8 s Confident smile at camera as she holds up vial with bright blue liquid.
[END]
No on-screen text, logos, or captions
Why this works:
This prompt establishes character through specific details (lab coat, safety goggles), creates a clear environment (high-tech laboratory), includes action progression, and specifies appropriate audio elements for the setting.
Magical Forest
# Google VEO 3 Prompt (8 s, Text-Free)
[SCENE]
A mystical forest clearing where glowing blue butterflies emerge from luminescent mushrooms. Moonlight filters through ancient trees as the butterflies swirl in a spiral pattern upward. Audio: ethereal chimes, soft forest sounds, magical twinkling.
[VISUAL STYLE]
• 4K, 16:9, 24 fps
• Moonlit blue and purple palette, bioluminescent elements, dreamy f/2.0 soft focus
• Slow upward tilt following butterfly spiral
[AUDIO]
• Ethereal harp and chimes at –16 LUFS
• No dialogue
• Magical twinkling sounds, subtle wind through leaves, soft wing flutters
[SHOT LIST & TIMING — TOTAL 8 s]
0 – 2 s Close-up of glowing blue mushrooms pulsing with light.
2 – 4 s First butterfly emerges, camera begins to tilt upward.
4 – 6 s More butterflies join, forming spiral pattern upward through moonbeams.
6 – 8 s Wide shot of entire clearing as butterflies reach canopy, illuminating forest.
[END]
No on-screen text, logos, or captions
Why this works:
This prompt creates a fantasy environment with specific magical elements (glowing butterflies, luminescent mushrooms), uses appropriate color palette descriptions (moonlit blue and purple), and includes magical audio elements that enhance the otherworldly feel.
Sci-Fi Interface
# Google VEO 3 Prompt (8 s, Text-Free)
[SCENE]
A futuristic holographic interface hovers in a dark room. Glowing blue and teal geometric shapes and data visualizations expand and contract as an unseen user navigates through the interface. Audio: digital interface sounds, subtle electronic hum.
[VISUAL STYLE]
• 4K, 16:9, 30 fps
• Dark environment with vibrant holographic blues and teals, sharp f/5.6 for clarity
• Slow orbit around the holographic display
[AUDIO]
• Minimal electronic ambient score at –18 LUFS
• No dialogue
• UI interaction sounds: digital whooshes, data processing beeps, holographic hum
[SHOT LIST & TIMING — TOTAL 8 s]
0 – 2 s Close-up of intricate holographic data points assembling.
2 – 4 s Pull back to reveal full interface floating in dark space.
4 – 6 s Interface elements reorganize as if being navigated by unseen user.
6 – 8 s Camera orbits to show depth of hologram as key element expands forward.
[END]
No on-screen text, logos, or captions
Why this works:
This prompt uses specific sci-fi visual language (holographic interface, geometric shapes), appropriate color choices for the genre (blue and teal), and includes technical UI sound descriptions that enhance the futuristic feel.
Luxury Watch
# Google VEO 3 Prompt (8 s, Text-Free)
[SCENE]
A luxury wristwatch with metallic silver band and blue face rotates slowly on a black pedestal. Light glints off the polished metal and crystal face as the watch turns. Audio: subtle ticking, soft premium background music.
[VISUAL STYLE]
• 4K, 16:9, 30 fps
• Studio lighting with soft key light and rim light for metal highlights, f/5.6 for product clarity
• Slow, smooth rotation on turntable with macro details
[AUDIO]
• Premium minimal piano music at –20 LUFS
• No dialogue
• Subtle watch ticking, delicate mechanical sounds
[SHOT LIST & TIMING — TOTAL 8 s]
0 – 2 s Wide product shot of full watch rotating on black pedestal.
2 – 4 s Push in to macro shot of watch face with detailed mechanics visible.
4 – 6 s Pull back slightly as light catches crystal face, creating prismatic effect.
6 – 8 s Final full rotation showing band and clasp details, ending on face.
[END]
No on-screen text, logos, or captions
Why this works:
This prompt uses product-specific camera techniques (rotating pedestal, macro details), appropriate lighting descriptions for luxury items (key light, rim light), and includes subtle audio elements that convey quality and precision.
Food Commercial
# Google VEO 3 Prompt (8 s, Text-Free)
[SCENE]
A gourmet burger being assembled in slow motion. Fresh ingredients stack one by one – juicy patty, melting cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and finally the top bun settling perfectly. Audio: sizzling meat, satisfying ingredient sounds.
[VISUAL STYLE]
• 4K, 16:9, 60 fps for smooth slow motion
• Bright, appetizing food photography lighting, vibrant colors, f/2.8 for selective focus
• Static camera with ingredients entering frame from above
[AUDIO]
• Upbeat, cheerful acoustic guitar at –18 LUFS
• No dialogue
• Satisfying ingredient sounds: sizzle, crunch, soft thud of bun placement
[SHOT LIST & TIMING — TOTAL 8 s]
0 – 1 s Bottom bun centered on rustic wooden surface.
1 – 2 s Juicy patty drops in slow motion onto bun, slight bounce.
2 – 3.5 s Cheese slice floats down, beginning to melt on contact with hot patty.
3.5 – 5 s Crisp lettuce and ripe tomato slice land in sequence.
5 – 6.5 s Sauce drizzles in slow motion across ingredients.
6.5 – 8 s Top bun descends and settles perfectly, completing the burger.
[END]
No on-screen text, logos, or captions
Why this works:
This prompt uses appropriate food videography techniques (slow motion, ingredient-by-ingredient assembly), includes appetizing descriptors (juicy, melting, crisp, ripe), and specifies satisfying audio elements that enhance the food appeal.
Music Visualization
# Google VEO 3 Prompt (8 s, Text-Free)
[SCENE]
Abstract colorful waveforms pulse and flow to the rhythm of a bass-heavy electronic beat. The vibrant waves transform from cool blues to warm reds as the music intensifies. Audio: electronic music with clear beat drops and synthesizer melody.
[VISUAL STYLE]
• 4K, 16:9, 30 fps
• Neon colors against black background, glowing particle effects, sharp f/8 clarity
• Dynamic camera that moves with the rhythm, subtle pushes and pulls
[AUDIO]
• Electronic music with clear beat structure at –14 LUFS
• No dialogue
• Synthesizer melody, bass drops, electronic percussion
[SHOT LIST & TIMING — TOTAL 8 s]
0 – 2 s Subtle blue waveforms begin pulsing to initial beat.
2 – 4 s Waveforms grow in complexity as secondary beat elements join.
4 – 6 s Color shift to warmer tones as music intensifies, camera pushes in.
6 – 8 s Full audio peak with red/purple waveforms expanding to fill frame.
[END]
No on-screen text, logos, or captions
Why this works:
This prompt creates a direct relationship between audio and visuals (waveforms pulsing to rhythm), includes specific audio structure descriptions (beat drops, synthesizer melody), and uses color transitions to match music intensity.
Nature Documentary
# Google VEO 3 Prompt (8 s, Text-Free)
[SCENE]
A hummingbird hovers near vibrant flowers, wings beating rapidly as it drinks nectar. The background is a lush garden in soft focus. Audio: narrator describes the bird's feeding habits in a calm, authoritative voice.
[VISUAL STYLE]
• 4K, 16:9, 120 fps for ultra slow-motion wings
• Natural sunlight through foliage, vibrant flower colors, f/4 with background bokeh
• Static camera with bird in perfect focus
[AUDIO]
• Gentle nature documentary music at –22 LUFS (very subtle)
• Narrator (male, British accent, authoritative):
"The hummingbird's wings beat up to 80 times per second, allowing it to hover with precision."
• Subtle wing humming sound, ambient garden atmosphere
[SHOT LIST & TIMING — TOTAL 8 s]
0 – 2 s Establishing shot of garden with flowers, hummingbird enters frame.
2 – 4 s Close-up of hummingbird hovering, wings in ultra slow-motion.
4 – 6 s Extreme close-up of bird's beak entering flower for nectar as narration begins.
6 – 8 s Pull back slightly to show bird in context of garden as narration concludes.
[END]
No on-screen text, logos, or captions
Why this works:
This prompt balances visual and audio elements effectively, specifies appropriate frame rate for subject matter (120 fps for slow-motion wings), includes detailed narrator voice characteristics (male, British, authoritative), and times the narration to match the visual sequence.
Create Your Own Professional Prompts
Use our interactive tool to build perfectly structured prompts like these examples!
Open Prompt BuilderAdvanced Techniques
Using Reference Images
VEO 3 allows you to provide reference images to guide the video generation process. This is particularly useful for:
- Maintaining consistent character appearances
- Ensuring specific visual styles are followed
- Creating variations of existing scenes
Negative Prompting
Negative prompts tell VEO 3 what you don't want to see in your generated video. This can help refine results by explicitly excluding unwanted elements.
Effective negative prompts might include:
- "No text overlays or watermarks"
- "No blurry or distorted elements"
- "No unrealistic proportions"
Audio Synchronization
One of VEO 3's standout features is its ability to generate synchronized audio. To make the most of this:
- Be specific about audio elements (ambient sounds, music style, dialogue)
- Consider the timing of audio cues in relation to visual elements
- For dialogue, use quotation marks and specify tone/accent
- Include LUFS levels for background music (-18 LUFS is standard)
Troubleshooting
Poor Visual Quality
If your generated videos lack visual clarity or detail:
Solution:
- Specify higher resolution (4K) and frame rate
- Add more specific lighting details
- Include camera settings like aperture (f-stop)
- Be more descriptive about textures and materials
Inconsistent Scenes
If your video shows jarring transitions or inconsistent elements:
Solution:
- Create a more detailed shot list with precise timing
- Maintain consistent lighting descriptions across shots
- Use reference images for better continuity
- Describe transitions between shots explicitly
Audio-Visual Mismatch
If audio doesn't align properly with visual elements:
Solution:
- Specify exact timing for audio cues in your shot list
- Mark dialogue moments with **asterisks** for emphasis
- Include "Audio:" notes within shot descriptions
- Keep audio descriptions simple and focused