- Flow is Google’s AI video studio. It uses the Veo models to turn text prompts and images into short video clips, and lets you extend and combine them into scenes.
- Good prompts describe the subject, action, setting, camera movement, lighting, style and sound, in that order.
- For product videos, start from a real product photo (image-to-video) so your packaging stays closer to the real thing, and always check labels and text in the output.
- Flow works on credits, with free and paid Google AI plans. Plans and limits change often, so check Google’s current pricing.
What is Google Flow?
Flow is Google’s AI creative tool for making short videos and images. It runs on Google’s Veo video models (Veo 3.1 in 2026) along with Gemini and Google’s image models. You can create clips from text, animate images, extend clips and build them into longer scenes.
Flow uses a credit system. Faster, lighter models use fewer credits, while the highest-quality generations use more. Access comes through Google’s AI subscription plans, and the plans and credit amounts change from time to time.
The main ways to create
- Text to video: describe a scene and Flow generates it.
- Frames to video: give a start image (and optionally an end image) and Flow animates between them. Ideal for product shots.
- Ingredients to video: combine reference images of a product, a person or a location so they stay consistent across clips.
- Extend: continue a clip to make it longer or add the next moment.
The prompt formula that works
Veo responds best to clear, visual descriptions. Use this order:
- Subject: what we see (a glass bottle of cold-pressed orange juice).
- Action: what happens (condensation drips, the bottle slowly rotates).
- Setting: where (on a wet stone surface, fresh oranges behind it).
- Camera: shot and movement (macro close-up, slow dolly in).
- Lighting and mood: (bright morning sunlight, fresh and energetic).
- Style: (premium commercial, shallow depth of field, 4K look).
- Audio: Veo can generate sound, so describe it (soft fizz, upbeat music, no dialogue).
Ready-to-use prompts for ecommerce
Tips for better results
- Use real product images with Frames or Ingredients so the product looks closer to the real thing.
- Check text and labels: AI often distorts small text and logos. Add your logo, price and text in an editor afterwards.
- Keep shots short and simple: one action per clip works better than a busy scene.
- Make several versions and pick the best, then extend it.
- Avoid negatives in the main prompt. Describe what you want to see rather than what you do not.
- Edit for platforms: vertical 9:16 for Reels and Shorts, square or 4:5 for feeds.
Use AI video honestly
Do not show results your product cannot deliver, fake customer testimonials or real people without permission. Platforms like Meta and YouTube ask advertisers to disclose realistic AI-generated content. Honest AI visuals build trust; misleading ones lose it.
Need product videos and ads?
We create AI-assisted product visuals and run the Meta and Google ads that put them to work. For packaging and renders, see our packaging design service.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Flow free?
Google has offered limited free access to Flow in some periods and markets, with more credits on paid Google AI plans. Check Google’s current Flow and Google AI plan pages for what is included in India.
Can I use Flow videos in ads?
Generally yes, but read Google’s terms for your plan, check for visible watermarks and follow ad platform rules on disclosing AI-generated content.
How long can a Flow video be?
Individual generations are short clips of a few seconds. You can extend clips and combine them into longer scenes inside Flow.
Why does my product label look wrong?
AI video models often distort small text. Start from a real product image and add text, logos and prices in a video editor afterwards.