Mastering Video Prompts for Google Veo: Complete Guide
Learn how to write effective prompts for Google Veo AI video generation. Complete guide with examples, techniques, and best practices for creating stunning videos.
CONTENTS
Introduction to Google Veo
Google Veo
The Future of AI Video Generation
Google Veo is Google's cutting-edge AI video generation model that can create high-quality videos from text prompts. Unlike image generators, video prompts require careful consideration of movement, timing, camera angles, and narrative flow.
What Makes Veo Special?
High Resolution
Generates videos up to 1080p with crystal clear quality
Extended Duration
Create videos longer than traditional AI models
Realistic Motion
Advanced understanding of physics and movement
Cinematic Quality
Professional-grade visual effects and lighting
Essential Prompt Structure
Building Effective Veo Prompts
The SCENE Framework
Master video prompts with this easy-to-remember framework that covers all essential elements:
Subject
Define your main character, object, or focus
Example:
"A young woman in a red dress"
Camera
Specify how the camera should move
Example:
"slow zoom out", "tracking shot"
Environment
Describe the setting and atmosphere
Example:
"in a bustling coffee shop"
Narrative
What's happening in the scene
Example:
"walking towards the window"
Effects
Visual style and special effects
Example:
"cinematic lighting", "slow motion"
Pro Tip
Remember SCENE: The more specific you are with each element, the better your video results will be. Think of it as directing a movie!
Camera Movement Techniques
Camera Movements That Work Best
Static Shots
Close-up
Intimate, detailed shots
"Close-up of hands typing on a keyboard"
Wide Shot
Establishes the scene
"Wide establishing shot of a mountain landscape"
Medium Shot
Perfect balance
"Medium shot of a chef preparing dinner"
Dynamic Movements
Pan
"Camera pans left to right across the cityscape"
Tilt
"Camera tilts up from feet to face"
Dolly
"Camera dollies forward through the forest"
Crane
"Crane shot rising above the crowd"
Orbit
"Camera orbits around the statue"
Advanced Techniques
Push-in
Creates intimacy and focus
"Slow push-in on the character's eyes"
Pull-out
Reveals context and scale
"Quick pull-out revealing the entire room"
Handheld
Adds energy and realism
"Handheld camera following the runner"
Drone Shot
Cinematic aerial perspective
"Aerial drone footage of the coastal road"
Lighting and Visual Style
Mastering Visual Aesthetics
Lighting Setups
Golden Hour
Warm, soft natural lighting
"Shot during golden hour with warm, soft lighting"
Blue Hour
Magical twilight atmosphere
"Filmed during blue hour with city lights twinkling"
Studio Lighting
Professional controlled lighting
"Professional studio lighting with soft shadows"
Natural Light
Authentic window lighting
"Lit by natural window light"
Dramatic
High contrast with shadows
"High contrast lighting with deep shadows"
Cinematic Styles
Film Noir
"Black and white film noir style with venetian blind shadows"
Cyberpunk
"Neon-lit cyberpunk aesthetic with purple and blue tones"
Vintage
"1970s vintage film look with warm color grading"
Modern
"Clean, modern aesthetic with minimal color palette"
Documentary
"Handheld documentary style with natural lighting"
Movement and Action
Creating Compelling Motion
Subject Movement
Walking
Natural movement
"Person walking slowly down the hallway"
Running
Dynamic energy
"Athlete running in slow motion through the park"
Dancing
Artistic expression
"Dancer performing contemporary dance moves"
Gesturing
Expressive hands
"Speaker gesturing emphatically while talking"
Object Motion
Falling
"Autumn leaves falling gently from trees"
Floating
"Balloons floating up into the sky"
Spinning
"Record player spinning while needle drops"
Flowing
"Water flowing over smooth rocks"
Speed Variations
Slow Motion
"Shot in slow motion at 120fps"
Time-lapse
"Time-lapse of clouds moving across the sky"
Normal Speed
"Real-time conversation between two people"
Quick Cuts
"Fast-paced montage with quick cuts"
Example Prompts by Category
Proven Prompt Examples
These real-world examples demonstrate how to combine all the elements we've covered into effective video prompts.
Storytelling Videos
Emotional Park Scene
"Medium shot of an elderly man sitting on a park bench, feeding pigeons. Camera slowly pulls back to reveal the bustling city around him. Golden hour lighting with soft shadows. Shot on 35mm film with shallow depth of field."
Product Showcase
Luxury Watch Commercial
"Close-up rotating shot of a luxury watch on a marble surface. Camera orbits 360 degrees around the watch. Studio lighting with dramatic shadows. High-end commercial photography style."
Nature Documentary
Marine Life Scene
"Aerial drone shot of a pod of whales swimming in crystal clear blue water. Camera follows from above as they gracefully move through the ocean. Natural lighting with sun rays penetrating the water."
Fashion Video
Elegant Staircase Scene
"Slow motion shot of a model in flowing white dress walking down marble stairs. Camera tracks alongside with shallow depth of field. Soft, diffused lighting creates ethereal atmosphere."
Food Content
Artisan Bread Making
"Overhead shot of chef's hands kneading bread dough on wooden surface. Camera slowly zooms in on the texture and movement. Warm kitchen lighting with flour particles floating in the air."
💡 Key Takeaways
- Each example combines specific camera movements with detailed scene descriptions
- Technical details like frame rate and equipment add professional quality
- Lighting descriptions set the mood and atmosphere effectively
- Each prompt tells a complete story in just one or two sentences
Common Mistakes to Avoid
What NOT to Do
Learn from these common pitfalls to create better video prompts and avoid frustrating results.
Overly Complex Prompts
Bad Example
"A woman dancing while juggling flaming torches during a thunderstorm while riding a unicycle on a tightrope over a volcano"
Too many conflicting elements
Good Example
"A woman gracefully dancing in a sunlit studio, camera slowly orbiting around her"
Clear, focused action
Vague Descriptions
Bad Example
"Someone doing something interesting"
No specific details
Good Example
"A barista creating latte art, close-up of hands pouring steamed milk"
Specific action and framing
Conflicting Camera Movements
Bad Example
"Camera zooms in while pulling out and panning left"
Impossible movements
Good Example
"Slow zoom in on the subject's face"
Single clear movement
Impossible Physics
Bad Example
"Water flowing upward in all directions simultaneously"
Defies natural laws
Good Example
"Water cascading down natural rock formations"
Realistic water movement
Too Many Subjects
Bad Example
"Show 15 different people all doing different activities"
Too chaotic and unfocused
Good Example
"Focus on one person working at their desk"
Clear single focus
🎯 Quick Tips to Avoid Mistakes
- Keep it simple: One main subject, one camera movement
- Be specific: Describe exactly what you want to see
- Think realistic: Follow natural physics and movement
- Test and iterate: Start simple and refine based on results
Advanced Tips and Tricks
Pro-Level Techniques
Take your video prompts to the next level with these professional techniques and technical specifications.
Aspect Ratios
Cinematic
2.35:1 widescreen
"Shot in 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio"
Square
1:1 Instagram format
"Instagram-style 1:1 square format"
Vertical
9:16 TikTok style
"TikTok-style 9:16 vertical video"
Standard
16:9 widescreen
"16:9 standard widescreen format"
Frame Rate Specifications
Cinematic
Film standard
"Shot at 24fps for cinematic feel"
Smooth
Ultra smooth
"60fps for ultra-smooth motion"
Slow-mo
High frame rate
"120fps slow motion capture"
Color Grading
Warm Tones
"Color graded with warm, orange tones"
Cool Tones
"Cold blue color grading"
Desaturated
"Muted, desaturated color palette"
High Contrast
"High contrast black and white"
Professional Equipment References
Lens
Optical specifications
"Shot with 85mm lens for shallow depth of field"
Camera
Professional quality
"RED camera quality with professional color science"
Stabilization
Smooth movement
"Gimbal-stabilized smooth camera movement"
🚀 Advanced Implementation Tips
- Layer specifications: Combine aspect ratio + frame rate + color grading
- Match the mood: Technical specs should support your creative vision
- Platform optimization: Choose aspect ratios for your target platform
- Test combinations: Experiment with different technical settings
Prompt Templates and Formulas
Ready-to-Use Templates
Save time and ensure consistency with these proven prompt formulas that work every time.
Basic Template
Simple Formula
[SHOT TYPE] of [SUBJECT] [ACTION] in [LOCATION].
[CAMERA MOVEMENT]. [LIGHTING STYLE]. [VISUAL STYLE].
Advanced Template
Professional Formula
[SHOT TYPE] of [SUBJECT] [ACTION] in [LOCATION] during [TIME OF DAY].
Camera [MOVEMENT] while [SUBJECT] [SPECIFIC ACTION].
Lit with [LIGHTING SETUP] creating [MOOD].
Shot in [STYLE] with [TECHNICAL SPECS].
Example Using Template
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Medium shot
young chef chopping vegetables
modern kitchen during evening
slowly pushes in
skillfully dices onions
warm pendant lights creating cozy atmosphere
documentary style with handheld camera
Final Assembled Prompt
Medium shot of a young chef chopping vegetables in a modern kitchen during evening.
Camera slowly pushes in while chef skillfully dices onions.
Lit with warm pendant lights creating cozy atmosphere.
Shot in documentary style with handheld camera movement.
Quick Reference Checklist
🎬 Template Success Tips
- Start simple: Use the basic template first, then add complexity
- Save variations: Keep successful prompt combinations for reuse
- Customize for content: Adapt templates to your specific needs
- Practice regularly: The more you use them, the better you'll get
Related Articles
How to Create Realistic AI Art: A Beginner’s Guide to Crafting the Perfect Prompt
How to Create Realistic AI Art: A Beginner’s Guide to Crafting the Perfect Prompt - Documentation
AI Short Videos: How to Create Stunning Visuals from Just Text
The Rise of AI Short Videos: Fast, Creative, and Game-Changing - Documentation
Learn Prompt Engineering to Generate Astonishing Images with AI
Master the art of prompt engineering to create stunning AI-generated images