How to Make Free AI Videos in Google Opal Using VEO 3.1 (Complete Guide)

Google Opal is a good option if you want to make AI videos without having to pay for a subscription. You can use it on your phone or laptop, and it can turn text into video or images into video.

With the right settings, you can even make portrait 9:16 videos, which are great for Shorts and Reels.
This article covers everything you need to know to start.

What You Need Before Starting to Generate Videos with Opal

• A Google account
• Chrome or any modern browser
• Desktop Mode enabled if you’re on mobile
• An image ready if you plan to do image-to-video

Step 1 — Sign In and Create a New Project

• Go to Google Opal
• Click Sign In (top right)
• Log in with your Google account
• If you’re on mobile, enable Desktop Site in your browser settings first
• Click Create New

Mobile tip: Desktop Mode is not optional without it, many controls stay hidden on small screens.

Step 2 — Select VEO 3.1 as Your Model

1. Go to the Generate section
2. Open Advanced Settings
3. Select VEO 3.1 as your model version
4. Set your Aspect Ratio here and choose 9:16 for Shorts/Reels or 16:9 for standard video
5. Write a short, clear prompt one scene, one idea
6. Go to Preview and Hit Start

Your video appears on the right side when done. Use the three-dot menu to download it.

What makes a good prompt for Generating Short videos:

• One clear visual scene
• Short and specific 1 or 2 sentences is enough
• Avoid vague or overly complex descriptions

How to Make an Image-to-Video with Google Opal

This workflow takes a few more steps but gives you control over animating a specific photo.

Part A — Set Up the Workflow

1. Open User Input
2. Go to the Step tab → scroll down → open Advanced Settings
3. Change Input Type from Any to Image
4. Drag the User Input point and connect it to the Generate node
5. Click outside to apply
6. Hit Restart App

Part B — Generate the Video

1. Go to Generate
2. Clear any old prompt
3. Set aspect ratio to match your image (vertical photo = 9:16, horizontal = 16:9)
4. Write a motion prompt — describe how you want the image to move or animate
5. Upload your image via the plus icon in the User Input node
6. Hit Start

Is VEO 3.1 Free on Google Opal?

Yes, but with a daily limit. In practice, most users get around 10 to 12 free video generations per day on a single account.

• Free to use, not unlimited
• Daily cap applies
• Output is reportedly watermark-free, making it usable for social media directly