The short answer
For a no-code option, try Google Flow. Google says people without a subscription can use basic video generation and receive 50 Flow credits per day. The number of credits a video uses depends on the model and settings, and non-subscribers may be unable to generate videos during peak hours. So check the credit cost shown in Flow before you generate; the allowance does not guarantee a fixed number of clips. (Google Flow eligibility and credits, credit rules)
A production API is a separate route. Google publishes a $0.07-per-second rate for 720p Gemini Omni 1.2 Flash video output. That works out to $0.56 in video-output charges for an 8-second clip or $1.05 for 15 seconds. Those figures are not a complete estimate of every possible request charge. (Google Cloud pricing announcement)
Generate and retrieve a video with Google Flow
Flow is available in the United States. To use it, Google requires an age-verified account for someone 18 or older. Without a subscription, basic video generation is available, subject to credit and availability limits. (Flow eligibility, supported regions)
- Open Google Flow and start a project. Google recommends using a Chromium-based browser such as Chrome or Edge.
- In the prompt box, describe the scene, subject, action, lighting, and style. For example: “A red bicycle rolls along a quiet coastal road at sunrise; low tracking shot, soft golden light, gentle ocean breeze.” This is an illustrative prompt, not a tested result.
- Select the model name, choose Video, then select the model, aspect ratio, number of outputs, and duration. Flow supports text-to-video; other inputs and features depend on the model and settings. (Google’s video-generation steps)
- To keep the attempt within your free allowance, check the displayed credit cost before generating. For a lower-credit option, Google says Omni 360p costs one-third as many credits as 720p. The exact charge depends on the generation; this guide can’t promise a particular duration and resolution will fit within 50 credits. Without a subscription, Omni Flash 1.2 supports text-to-video clips from 3 to 10 seconds. (model features and limits)
- Click Generate. On iPhone or iPad, open the generated video in your project, tap More → Download. Google also documents downloading a project on desktop via More → Download project; that downloads the project, not a separately documented desktop clip-export flow in the cited instructions. (asset download steps, desktop project download)
What “free” means in Flow
The 50 daily credits are shared across your account, and unused daily credits do not roll over. Google says non-subscribers may be unable to generate videos during peak hours, roughly 2–5 p.m. UTC. If you don’t have enough credits for a request, Flow notifies you; Google lists subscribing or upgrading as ways to get more credits. Check the displayed cost and your remaining balance rather than assuming a fixed free clip count. (Flow credit rules, credit reset information)
Production API: workflow and video-output budget
Google documents Gemini Omni 1.2 Flash for video generation through the Interactions API. Its guide shows a text prompt sent to the model and the returned video saved as an MP4. The Python SDK example is:
import base64
from google import genai
client = genai.Client() # Set up your Gemini API credentials first.
interaction = client.interactions.create(
model="gemini-omni-1.2-flash",
input="A marble rolling along a smooth chain-reaction track, continuous shot."
)
with open("video.mp4", "wb") as f:
f.write(base64.b64decode(interaction.output_video.data))
This follows Google’s documented SDK pattern; configure API credentials as described in its Gemini API documentation. Google lists text, image, and video inputs, and video output with native audio up to 15 seconds. (Omni API guide)
At Google’s published 720p video-output rate of $0.07 per second, the output component is:
- 8 seconds:
8 × $0.07 = $0.56 - 3 separate 8-second outputs:
3 × 8 × $0.07 = $1.68 - 15 seconds:
15 × $0.07 = $1.05
These are video-output charges only, not guaranteed total request costs. The cited announcement gives the output rate but does not detail every potentially billable input or other component. Google’s general Gemini API free-access information does not, by itself, establish that this particular video model is included in a free tier. Confirm the model’s billing terms for your account before using it. (Google Cloud pricing announcement, Gemini API pricing)
Which route should you choose?
- Trying one clip without code: Start with Flow’s no-subscription access. Check the credit cost before generating, and account for peak-hour restrictions.
- Automating generation: Use the API only after checking its applicable billing terms. The $0.07-per-second figure is a 720p video-output rate, not a claim that the whole request costs only that amount.
Bottom line: Google Flow provides a no-subscription way to try video generation, with daily credits and availability limits. API access is separate; budget using the published video-output rate and verify any other charges before production use.
Sources
Manage your Google Flow credits
Learn about Google Flow models & supported features
Manage your Google Flow projects, assets & collections
Manage your Google Flow projects, assets & collections