Google Unleashes Veo 3 AI Video Globally; Pakistan Included, India Excluded

Google has expanded access to its advanced AI video generation model, reportedly named Veo 3 by some sources, to 71 additional countries, a list that notably includes Pakistan while initially omitting India. This development has sparked discussions within the tech community regarding regional AI accessibility and its implications. The rollout, announced by Josh Woodward, Vice President at Google Labs and Gemini, signifies a broader push for Google's generative AI tools globally, making Veo 3 available through the Gemini app and its web version for paid subscribers.[1][2][3][4]

Veo 3, unveiled at Google I/O 2025, represents a significant step in AI video generation, primarily due to its capability to create videos with synchronized audio from text and image prompts.[5][6][7][8][9] This feature allows the model to generate not just visuals but also accompanying sound effects, ambient noise, dialogue, and music, creating a more immersive and lifelike output.[2][5][10][9] The model is designed to understand complex cinematic prompts, simulate real-world physics, and ensure accurate lip-syncing, pushing the boundaries of AI-generated content.[5][10][9] For instance, users can input a descriptive prompt, and Veo 3 can produce a complete video with corresponding voices, background sounds, and emotional tones matched to the scene.[5][9] This native audio generation capability is a key differentiator from many previous AI video models, which often required separate audio sourcing and editing.[5][8][10] The model also incorporates SynthID watermarking to help identify AI-generated content.[10][11]

The expansion to 71 new countries demonstrates Google's strategy to make its cutting-edge AI tools more widely available, though access is currently tiered.[1][12][13][3][4] Users with Google's AI Pro subscription (formerly Google One AI Premium) will initially receive a trial pack of 10 video generations on the web version of Gemini, with mobile app access expected soon.[1][2][3][4] Google AI Ultra subscribers, a higher-tier plan priced at $249.99 per month, will have access to Veo 3 on both the Gemini mobile app and website with higher usage limits and daily refreshes.[1][2][5][3][14][4][15][16] Veo 3 is also accessible through Flow, a new AI-powered filmmaking tool designed to work with Google's advanced models like Veo, Imagen, and Gemini.[2][17][10][18][19] Flow allows Pro subscribers 10 video generations a month, while Ultra subscribers receive 125.[1][2][12][13][4] However, the initial rollout of Veo 3, even within this expansion, is limited to English audio output, and some features like voice output when users upload their own images in Flow mode are not yet available.[12][4] Notably, European Union nations and the UK were also not included in this specific expansion wave alongside India.[1][3][4]

The decision to include Pakistan in this wave of Veo 3 access before India has drawn attention. While a specific timeline for India's inclusion has not been announced, Google's Josh Woodward stated, "Working to enable India as fast as we can!"[1][2][4] This differential rollout could have several implications. For Pakistan, early access, even if limited to paid subscribers, offers its tech community, content creators, and developers an opportunity to experiment with and leverage a state-of-the-art AI video generation tool.[15] This could spur innovation in areas like local content creation, digital marketing, and potentially even film and animation, albeit on a smaller scale initially given the subscription requirements. It provides a platform for Pakistani creators to be among the early adopters globally, potentially showcasing local narratives and talent using advanced AI.

For India, a nation with a significantly larger tech talent pool and a rapidly growing digital content market, the current exclusion might be seen as a temporary delay.[5][20] The anticipation for Veo 3 in India is reportedly high among content creators, filmmakers, and educators who see its potential for affordable video production, especially in multiple languages.[5][20] The reasons for the staggered rollout could be multifaceted, potentially involving localization efforts, infrastructure readiness, or navigating regional regulatory landscapes and compliance requirements.[20][21][22] Google has previously mentioned its phased approach to launches, which includes rigorous testing and incorporating mitigations.[21] The eventual introduction of Veo 3 in India is widely expected and will likely have a substantial impact on its already vibrant AI and content creation ecosystem.[20]

The global expansion of powerful AI models like Veo 3 underscores the increasing competition and rapid advancements in the generative AI industry. Companies like Google are keen to get their tools into the hands of users worldwide, fostering innovation but also navigating the complexities of responsible AI deployment.[12][9][21] The ability to generate realistic video with synchronized audio from simple text prompts has the potential to democratize content creation, making high-quality video production more accessible.[5][15] However, it also brings to the forefront concerns about the potential misuse of such technology, including the creation of deepfakes and misinformation, making robust detection and ethical guidelines crucial.[12][9] Google's commitment to tools like SynthID for watermarking AI-generated content is a step in addressing these concerns.[10] As these AI tools become more sophisticated and widely available, their impact on various industries, from entertainment and marketing to education and news, will continue to grow, reshaping how digital content is created and consumed globally.[5][9][15]