Hajra Naz
Midjourney, the widely popular AI image generation startup known for its dreamy, stylized outputs, has officially entered the AI video space. On Wednesday, the company announced the launch of V1, its long-awaited AI video generation model.
What Is V1?
V1 is an image-to-video model that allows users to upload an image—either a user’s own or one created using Midjourney’s other image tools—and transform it into four five-second video clips. Staying true to its current platform, Midjourney is releasing V1 exclusively on Discord, and for now, it’s only accessible via the web.
This launch marks Midjourney’s entry into a fast-evolving space currently occupied by heavyweights like OpenAI’s Sora, Runway’s Gen-4, Adobe Firefly, and Google’s Veo 3. While many of those competitors are positioning their tools for commercial and enterprise use, Midjourney has consistently focused on serving the creative community, and V1 follows that same path.
More Than B-Roll: Midjourney’s Bigger Vision
Midjourney isn’t interested in just generating B-roll footage for filmmakers or ad content for brands. In a blog post, CEO David Holz explained that V1 is part of a much larger ambition—to eventually build AI models capable of real-time, open-world simulations.
Looking beyond video, the company says it plans to develop AI models for 3D rendering and real-time content generation, expanding its offerings into more interactive and immersive territory.
Launch Amid Legal Tensions
The rollout of V1 comes at a turbulent time. Just last week, Disney and Universal, two of Hollywood’s biggest studios, filed a lawsuit against Midjourney. The complaint accuses the startup of allowing users to create AI-generated images that depict copyrighted characters, including icons like Homer Simpson and Darth Vader.
As AI-generated content becomes more advanced, entertainment giants are growing increasingly concerned about how these tools could undermine creative industries and devalue original works. Media companies have also raised alarms about their content potentially being used to train AI models without permission.
While Midjourney has tried to set itself apart from commercial-first AI developers—framing itself as a platform built for artists and creatives—it hasn’t been immune to legal scrutiny.
How Much Does V1 Cost?
Using V1 isn’t cheap. Midjourney revealed that video generations will cost eight times more than standard image generations, meaning users will burn through their monthly generation quotas much faster when working with video.
For those looking to try it, the Basic Plan ($10/month) offers the most affordable entry point. Users on the Pro Plan ($60/month) and Mega Plan ($120/month) will have access to unlimited video generations in Midjourney’s slower “Relax” mode. The company says it will monitor user feedback and reassess video pricing in the coming weeks.
Key Features and Controls
V1 comes with a handful of settings to give users creative control over the video generation process. These include:
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Automatic animation: Randomly animates the image.
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Manual animation lets users describe the animation they want in plain text.
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Motion controls: Options for low motion or high motion to adjust how much movement appears in the subject or camera.
Although initial videos are limited to five seconds, users can extend them in four-second increments, up to four times, for a maximum runtime of 21 seconds per video.
Early Reception and First Impressions
As with Midjourney’s image models, the videos generated with V1 lean toward a stylized and surreal aesthetic rather than photorealism. Early demos showcase videos that feel more otherworldly than cinematic, in line with the brand’s signature visual flair.
Initial reactions from users have been largely positive, though it’s still too early to judge how V1 stacks up against other leading video AI models that have had more time in the market.
As AI video continues to heat up, Midjourney’s V1 stands out with its focus on artistic expression rather than commercial output, and its launch signals that the company has much bigger plans on the horizon.
