SAN FRANCISCO, June 19 （WSH) — Midjourney, the renowned AI visual generation platform, has officially launched its first video model “V1” , marking a milestone in its vision to simulate the real world in real time. With a strong emphasis on aesthetics, ease of use, and affordability, the V1 model introduces accessible video animation to a wider creative audience.
Image-to-Video Simplicity Meets Visual Excellence
The V1 model operates on an “image-to-video” basis, allowing users to animate either their own uploaded images or ones created within Midjourney. With just a click on the new “Animate” button, users can transform a static image into a 5-second video clip. Each generation task produces four such videos.
The system supports two animation modes—Automatic, where the AI generates motion prompts on its own, and Manual, where users can describe the desired movement. It also allows users to choose between low motion for subtle ambiance and high motion for dynamic, action-rich scenes.
Users can further extend each video by up to four times, adding approximately 4 seconds per extension. Videos are currently rendered in 480p resolution.
Affordable Innovation: 25x Cheaper than Competitors
At a starting subscription price of just $10/month, Midjourney positions V1 as one of the most affordable tools in the AI animation market. Each video task is equivalent in cost to about eight image tasks or a single upscale operation. The company claims the pricing is more than 25 times cheaper than competing platforms.
“Pro” and higher-tier subscribers also gain access to a “Relax Mode” that allows unlimited video generation at a slower speed.
A Step Toward Real-Time Open-World Simulation
Midjourney emphasized that this release is only the beginning. The company plans to continue development of 3D modeling, real-time rendering, and eventually a unified system capable of open-world interaction. The V1 model serves as a foundational step in building this immersive, interactive AI-powered simulation environment.
As AI continues to reshape how we create and experience media, Midjourney’s latest move reaffirms its leadership in the convergence of technology and art.
