Midjourney just rolled out something big, and it’s not another AI art model.
The popular image-generation company has launched its first-ever video model, called V1, and it’s already turning heads.
Let’s unpack what this means for creators, how it works, and where Midjourney might be headed next.
What Is Midjourney V1?
Midjourney’s V1 model lets users turn images into short, animated video clips.
Just upload an image (or use one generated within Midjourney), and V1 will spit out four five-second videos based on that image.
Think of it like this: You feed the system a frozen moment, and it brings it to life, kind of like giving a painting a heartbeat.
Currently, V1 is only available through Discord, just like the rest of Midjourney’s tools. It’s also web-only at launch, so no mobile use yet.
How Does V1 Stack Up?
V1 is stepping into a crowded ring, joining the likes of:
- OpenAI’s Sora
- Runway’s Gen-4
- Google’s Veo
- Adobe’s Firefly
But here’s what sets Midjourney apart: it’s not chasing corporate clients, at least not yet.
While others are focused on ads and Hollywood, Midjourney is sticking to its roots in creative storytelling and imagination.
CEO David Holz says this launch is just the beginning.
The end goal?
AI that can simulate entire open worlds in real-time. That’s a big leap, and one worth watching.
Pricing: Not Exactly Cheap
Here’s the thing: AI video is pricey.
Midjourney says generating a video with V1 costs about 8x more than making a single image. So, yes, your monthly credits won’t stretch nearly as far if you’re diving into video.
| Plan | Price/Month | Video Generation Access |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | $10 | Limited, fastest credit use |
| Pro | $60 | Unlimited in Relax mode |
| Mega | $120 | Unlimited in Relax mode |
For now, even the cheapest plan lets you try it, but users on higher tiers will get more wiggle room.
Features That Let You Play
V1 doesn’t just create videos. It lets you tweak them, too.
Here are some controls you’ll find:
- Animation mode:
- Automatic – Midjourney adds motion for you.
- Manual – You type in exactly what movement you want.
- Motion settings:
- Choose low motion for slow, gentle movement or high motion for more action.
- Video extension:
- Want your video longer than 5 seconds? You can extend it in 4-second chunks, up to a max of 21 seconds.
Early Reactions and Visual Style
V1’s results don’t aim for realism.
In fact, they’re a bit dreamlike – surreal, even. That’s no accident. It’s part of Midjourney’s charm. Think moving paintings, not HD film footage.
Creators so far seem excited, though it’s still too early to say how V1 stacks up against giants like Runway or OpenAI.
But for fans of artistic AI tools, this could be a fun new playground.
Legal Clouds Still Loom
V1’s launch comes hot on the heels of a lawsuit from Disney and Universal. The studios accuse Midjourney of generating content based on their copyrighted characters like Darth Vader and Homer Simpson without permission.
This isn’t new territory for AI companies, but it highlights the growing legal tension between traditional media and generative tech.
Midjourney says it’s different, but lawsuits like this could shape how far, and how fast, it can go.
What’s Next?
Midjourney isn’t slowing down.
Here’s what the company says is coming up:
- 3D generation tools
- Real-time AI rendering
- Open-world simulation models
That last one? It hints at video game-level worlds created entirely by AI – no coding, no modeling, just prompts and imagination.
Final Thoughts
Midjourney V1 isn’t just another AI feature. It’s a signal that video generation is entering the creative mainstream.
Whether you’re a digital artist, content creator, or just curious about what’s possible, now’s a good time to explore. Just be ready to spend a few more credits.
