How to Write Prompts for Veo 3.1 (with Examples)
The 6-part Veo 3.1 prompt
- Shot: wide / medium / close-up.
- Subject: who or what, with 3 visual specifics.
- Action: one primary motion.
- Setting: location + time of day.
- Camera: static / dolly / handheld.
- Audio: dialogue line (if any) + ambient cue.
Example prompt
Medium shot of a Japanese street vendor, mid-50s, white headband and apron, flipping takoyaki on a hot grill. Neon-lit Osaka alley at night, light rain. Camera slowly pushes in. He shouts "irasshaimase!" Crackling oil, distant chatter.
What to avoid
- More than 2 actions — Veo 3.1 averages them into incoherent motion.
- Conflicting camera moves (e.g., "static and tracking").
- Brand names — gets filtered.
5 copy-paste prompts
Cinematic portrait: "Close-up of a young surfer at golden hour, salt spray, ocean blur. Static camera, slow exhale, distant gull cries."
Product hero: "Slow rotation of a chrome perfume bottle on black marble. Single key light. No sound."
Talking head: "Medium shot of a smiling barista, espresso bar background. She says 'one for here?' Espresso machine hiss."
Action: "Wide shot, parkour runner leaps a Tokyo rooftop gap, dawn light. Dolly follow, wind rush, distant traffic."
B-roll: "Macro of latte being poured, rosetta forming. Static. Spoon clinks."
FAQ
Does Veo 3.1 follow camera prompts literally?
Yes — much more than Veo 3. Be precise.