Tech Desk 
Jun 19, 2025
YouTube has announced the integration of its Veo 3 AI video generation model to YouTube Shorts later this summer, according to a Cannes Lions keynote from CEO Neal Mohan.
Mohan revealed that the tool will allow users to create short-form videos entirely from text prompts, significantly lowering the barrier to content creation.
Moreover, he stated Veo 3 is empowering storytellers and democratising content production.
Shorts creators can already take advantage of the previous-generation Veo 2 model to generate backgrounds with Dream Screen as well as standalone clips.
However, Mohan didn’t specify exactly what Veo 3 will enable in Shorts, but he did mention Veo 3’s improved video quality and that it can incorporate audio, so presumably those upgrades will be coming to Shorts.
“The possibilities with AI are limitless,” Mohan said, noting that the feature could help “anyone with a voice” reach an audience and build a brand.
Meanwhile, it is unclear if Shorts creators will have to pay to use Veo 3. Currently, generating Veo 3 videos requires a paid subscription to Google’s AI Pro or AI Ultra plans.
Mohan also announced that Shorts are now averaging more than 200 billion views per day.
In addition, YouTube is developing a likeness protection tool in partnership with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and content creators. Behind this tool, the company aims to safeguard public figures from unauthorised replication via AI.
