Veo 3.1 Prompt Guide for YouTube Shorts and Vertical Video
July 2026 · 8 min read
Quick answer
For Veo 3.1 vertical video, write prompts with subject, action, setting, camera movement, duration, framing, lighting, audio, and style. For Shorts, design the first two seconds around motion and clarity, then keep one idea per clip.
Why Vertical AI Video Needs Different Prompts
A cinematic landscape prompt does not automatically become a good Short. Vertical video needs clear subject framing, readable motion, faster setup, and fewer competing details.
The first seconds matter because social feeds punish slow intros.
The Prompt Template
- Subject: who or what is visible.
- Action: what changes on screen.
- Setting: where the scene happens.
- Camera: close-up, handheld, dolly, top-down, or static.
- Framing: vertical, centered, safe area for captions.
- Lighting and mood.
- Audio or voiceover intent.
- Negative constraints: what to avoid.
Shorts That Work Best
- Before and after transformations.
- Product demos with one clear benefit.
- Explainer scenes with caption-safe composition.
- Pattern interrupts for intros.
- Visual metaphors for complex ideas.
Avoid asking for too many events in one clip. Generate simple scenes and edit them together.
Workflow for Marketers
Use AI video to test angles quickly, not to replace strategy. Write ten hooks, generate small scene variants, keep the clearest ones, and add human-edited captions and calls to action.
If the video is about AI tools, link the final post back to a useful guide, not just the homepage.
Sources and further reading
FAQ
Can Veo 3.1 make vertical videos?
Google has highlighted support for vertical video workflows, but available controls can vary by product surface. Check the current Veo product you use.
What should an AI video prompt include?
Include subject, action, setting, camera movement, framing, lighting, duration, style, audio intent, and constraints.
Are AI-generated Shorts good for marketing?
They can be useful for testing hooks and concepts, but editing, captions, and clear offers still matter.
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