Midjourney Unveils V1, Its First AI Video Generation Model

USA NEWS TODAY· June 19, 2025

Midjourney, the widely popular AI image generation startup, has officially entered the AI video space with the launch of its first video model, V1, announced Wednesday.

V1 is an image-to-video tool that allows users to upload an image — either created manually or via Midjourney’s image models — and receive four five-second video clips. Like previous Midjourney products, V1 is available exclusively through Discord and only on the web during its initial rollout.

Stepping Into a Competitive Arena

With this launch, Midjourney joins a crowded field of AI video tools, including OpenAI’s Sora, Runway’s Gen-4, Adobe Firefly, and Google’s Veo 3. While those companies emphasize commercial use cases such as ad production and cinematic content, Midjourney continues to focus on creative, artist-driven outputs.

In a blog post, CEO David Holz emphasized that Midjourney’s long-term ambition isn’t just marketing content but “real-time open-world simulations.” Following V1, the company plans to develop AI models for 3D rendering and real-time video generation.

Launch Amid Legal Tensions

V1's debut comes just a week after Midjourney was hit with a lawsuit by Disney and Universal. The studios allege that Midjourney’s image models generated content resembling copyrighted characters like Darth Vader and Homer Simpson. While Midjourney positions itself as a creative platform, distancing itself from commercial AI tools, it hasn’t escaped scrutiny from rights holders and the entertainment industry.

Pricing, Features & Customization

At launch, video generation will cost significantly more than image generation—about eight times as much, according to the company. Basic subscribers on the $10/month plan will have limited access, while Pro ($60/month) and Mega ($120/month) tier users can generate unlimited videos in "Relax" mode.

V1 includes customization options such as:

• Automatic Animation: For randomized motion effects.

• Manual Animation: Users can describe specific motions in text.

• Motion Controls: Choose between “low” or “high” movement settings for camera and subject.

• Length Extension: Videos start at 5 seconds, with the option to extend up to 21 seconds total.

Reception and Outlook

Early demos of V1 lean toward Midjourney’s signature surreal style, rather than photorealism. The initial reception has been largely positive, though it remains to be seen how V1 stacks up against more established AI video tools already on the market.

As Midjourney charts its course beyond images, the V1 release signals a major step toward immersive AI-generated experiences — and a new chapter in the fast-moving world of creative artificial intelligence.