Top pick
Google Veo
Video & Audio3.8
Google's video model: describe a scene or upload a photo and get a short clip with sound.
Best for: Short realistic clips with sound
Top picks
Best AI for turning images into video
Image to video AI brings a still photo to life. It adds movement, camera moves and sometimes sound, which works well for product shots and social posts.
Picked by Sam Despo on
Why Google Veo is the top pick
It's one of the most convincing text-to-video models with built-in audio, and it comes with a Google plan plenty of people already pay for.
- One of the most realistic text-to-video models, and it makes dialogue, sound effects and ambience in the same step.
- You don't buy Veo on its own. Use it in the Gemini app or Flow with a Google AI plan, or pay per second through Google's developer tools.
- Clips are about 8 seconds. It's for b-roll, ads and social, not finished films.
- Veo 3.1 added vertical video, scene extension and reference images for consistent characters.
Other tools that do this job
Make realistic AI video clips up to 30 seconds, with sound, from a prompt or a photo.
MiniMax's low-cost AI video maker: 2K clips with sound from a prompt or photo.
Make short AI video clips from text or images, then edit footage by describing changes.
Questions
What is the best AI for turning images into video?
Google Veo is the top pick. It's one of the most convincing text-to-video models with built-in audio, and it comes with a Google plan plenty of people already pay for.
Is there a free AI for turning images into video?
Yes. Google Veo has a free option. There's a free plan, and paid plans start at AUD $32.99/mo.
How much does Google Veo cost?
There's a free plan, and paid plans start at AUD $32.99/mo.
What are the alternatives to Google Veo?
Other good options are Kling AI, Hailuo AI and Runway. Kling AI is best for realistic product and lifestyle clips.