Google offers Veo 3.1 in three variants: Standard, Fast and Lite. All three generate video with audio, but they differ a lot in price and features. This comparison uses Google's Veo documentation and Gemini API pricing as of October 9, 2026.
Quick comparison
| Standard | Fast | Lite | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price per second (720p) | $0.40 | $0.10 | $0.05 |
| Price per second (1080p) | $0.40 | $0.12 | $0.08 |
| 4K | Yes ($0.60/s) | Yes ($0.30/s) | No |
| Audio | Always on | Always on | Always on |
| Inputs | Text, image, video | Text, image, video | Text, image |
| Reference images (up to 3) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Video extension | Yes | Yes | No |
| Clip length | 4, 6 or 8 s | 4, 6 or 8 s | 4, 6 or 8 s |
For all variants, 1080p and 4K require 8-second clips, and aspect ratios are 16:9 or 9:16.
When to use each variant
Veo 3.1 Lite: drafts and high volume
At $0.05 per second at 720p, Lite is the cheapest way to test prompts, storyboards and ideas. It lacks reference images, extension and 4K, so it is not the right choice for brand-consistent or long sequences.
Veo 3.1 Fast: everyday social content
Fast keeps reference images and extension and costs a quarter of Standard at 720p. For most social clips and ads, it is the best balance of cost and features.
Veo 3.1 Standard: final renders
Use Standard for hero shots, client deliverables and 4K masters where quality matters more than cost.
A cost-efficient workflow
- Write and test the prompt on Lite at 720p.
- Lock the shot on Fast, adding reference images if needed.
- Render the final on Standard only for the clips that need top quality.
Our Veo 3.1 prompt guide works for all three variants.
Availability note
On Google's Gemini API, the Veo 3.1 preview model IDs (including Lite and Fast) are scheduled to shut down on October 22, 2026, with Gemini Omni Flash as the recommended replacement there. See Gemini Omni Flash vs Veo 3.1.
Try Veo on TextVidAI: open the TextVidAI generator to see the Veo options available.
FAQ
Is Veo 3.1 Lite worse quality?
It is designed for speed and cost and lacks some features (4K, references, extension). For drafts and many social clips it is enough; for final hero shots, use Fast or Standard.
Does Veo 3.1 Lite have sound?
Yes. Audio is always on for all three variants.
Can Veo 3.1 Lite make 4K video?
No. 4K is available on Standard and Fast only.
Last updated: October 9, 2026.