Veo 3.1 Prompt Engineering Guide
From Natural Language to Director's Vision
To master Veo 3.1 and produce Hollywood-grade footage, simple descriptive language is no longer enough. Based on the deconstruction of countless viral prompts, we have summarized a layered prompt architecture system. This isn't just about writing sentences—it's about directing like a filmmaker, orchestrating the camera, lighting, actors, and post-production effects.
Learn by Example
Example: Professional prompt engineering in action
Foundation Layer: The 5-Ingredient Formula
Any high-quality Veo prompt must include five core dimensions. These five dimensions collectively construct the spatial-temporal logic of the video.
1 Cinematography & Shot Composition
Veo 3.1 has an exceptional understanding of cinematic terminology. Prompts must clearly specify the focal length, angle, and movement trajectory of the shot, otherwise the AI will generate mediocre fixed-position footage.
Key Directives Explained:
"Dolly in / Dolly zoom": Creates a Hitchcock-style vertigo effect or emphasizes subject emotion.
"Tracking shot": This follow-shot greatly enhances viewer immersion, commonly used in motion scenes.
"Shallow depth of field" / "Bokeh": Shallow depth of field, used to highlight subjects and blur backgrounds, adding a premium feel.
"180-degree arc shot": Orbital shooting, showcasing the 3D structure of objects or characters, often used in product displays.
"Anamorphic lens": Anamorphic widescreen lens, produces signature horizontal lens flares and cinematic feel.
Camera Movement Examples: Dolly, Tracking, and Arc Shot Demonstrations
2 Subject Specification
Descriptions of the subject must be extremely specific, covering age, ethnicity, clothing materials, facial features, and even skin texture.
High-Frequency Vocabulary:
"Grizzled": Graying hair, adds weathered character.
"Expressive wide eyes": Expressive large eyes, used for emotional connection.
"Bio-luminescent skin": Bioluminescent skin, used for sci-fi themes.
Consistency Control:
For continuous shots, pair with the Reference Image feature and repeatedly emphasize key characteristics in the prompt.
3 Action & Physical Interaction
When describing actions, write not only "what to do" but also "how to do it" and the physical consequences of the action.
Dynamic Details:
"Mends a net with scarred hands" (mending a fishing net with scarred hands) has more tension than simply "Fixing a net".
Fluids & Particles:
"Explosion of flour": Flour explosion
"Condensation forming on the glass": Water droplets condensing on glass
"Steam rising": Steam ascending
These physical details are Veo 3.1's strength in demonstrating its "world model" capabilities.
Physics & Dynamics: Fluid, Particle, and Action Demonstrations
4 Environment & Atmosphere
Set the mood of the video through lighting and weather conditions.
Environment Vocabulary:
"Golden hour": Golden hour, warm and beautiful
"Fog-drenched": Fog-enveloped, suspenseful and mysterious
"Neon-lit cyberpunk alley": Neon cyberpunk alleyway, tech-feel
"Dappled sunlight": Dappled sunlight, natural feel
5 Style & Aesthetics
Define the artistic style of the video, which is also key to differentiating TikTok style from cinematic style.
Style Directives:
"Cinematic": Film-like quality
"Pixar-style 3D animation": Pixar style
"VHS footage": VHS tape quality
"Glitch art": Glitch art
"Hyper-realistic": Hyper-realistic
Advanced Layer: JSON Structured Prompting
For creators pursuing commercial-grade stability and complex narratives, natural language prompts often contain ambiguities. Currently, among high-end users and advertising production, JSON format is popular for "programming" videos. JSON structure forces the model to strictly follow instructions, achieving attribute isolation and temporal control.
Why Do Commercial Advertisements Prefer JSON?
Attribute Isolation
Clearly distinguish between camera_movement and subject_action,
preventing the model from mistakenly interpreting "camera movement" as "object movement."
Timeline Control
Can define precise timelines, for example, 0-2s showcasing product overview, 2-4s for close-ups, 4-6s demonstrating usage scenarios. This is crucial for Veo's 8-second videos.
Modular Reusability
When generating multiple shots, simply replace the action module while keeping character and setting modules unchanged,
maximizing character consistency.
JSON Template: Practical Analysis
Below is a universal JSON template constructed based on research insights, suitable for high-precision control scenarios:
{
"project_meta": {
"aspect_ratio": "9:16", // Optimized for TikTok/Shorts
"resolution": "1080p",
"fps": "24",
"model_version": "veo-3.1"
},
"scene_global": {
"description": "A high-end commercial shoot in a luxury kitchen.",
"lighting": "Soft morning sunlight, volumetric rays hitting the counter.",
"atmosphere": "Clean, expensive, serene."
},
"subjects": [
{
"id": "subject_1",
"type": "object",
"description": "A bottle of premium sparkling water, condensation on glass, crystal clear label."
}
],
"camera": {
"type": "Macro lens",
"movement": "Slow orbital tracking shot around the bottle.",
"focus": "Sharp focus on the logo, creamy bokeh background."
},
"audio": {
"music": "Minimalist piano, uplifting and airy.",
"sfx": "Subtle fizzing sound, ice cracking."
},
"timeline_events": [
{
"time": "0-2s",
"action": "Bottle enters frame from left, condensation glistening.",
"camera": "Slow dolly in"
},
{
"time": "2-4s",
"action": "Focus shifts to label, brand logo crystal clear.",
"camera": "Rack focus"
},
{
"time": "4-6s",
"action": "Hand reaches to open cap, satisfying pop sound.",
"camera": "Slight zoom in"
},
{
"time": "6-8s",
"action": "Pour into glass, bubbles rising beautifully.",
"camera": "Side angle tracking"
}
]
}Analysis:
This template divides the video into micro-action units through timeline_events,
ensuring the AI doesn't "improvise randomly." Especially in commercial advertising, the clarity of the product LOGO and precision of actions
(such as the moment of opening the bottle cap) are key to client acceptance. JSON format significantly improves the success rate.
JSON Prompt Result: Commercial Product Shot Demonstration
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