Google just stopped treating AI video as a slot machine and started treating it like a professional workstation. Since its debut, Flow has seen 1.5 billion assets created, but the feedback from creators was unanimous: “Generation is cool; control is better.”
Today’s update transforms Flow from a simple prompt-to-video tool into a unified studio. By folding its best image generation models (ImageFX and Whisk) into a revamped video interface, Google is solving the “consistency problem” that has long plagued AI cinematography. It’s no longer about rolling the dice on a prompt—it’s about building a library of assets and directing them with surgical precision.
| Attribute | Details |
| :— | :— |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Time Required | 15–30 minutes to master new controls |
| Tools Needed | Google Flow, Google Labs Account |
| Primary Features | Lasso Editing, Nano Banana Integration, Asset Collections |
The Why: The End of the “One-and-Done” Prompt
Until now, the biggest hurdle in AI video was the lack of iterative workflow. You’d generate a great clip, but if you wanted to change one small detail—a stray person in the background or the camera angle—you’d have to start over and pray for a similar result.
Google’s February 2026 update addresses this head-on. By introducing Nano Banana (their latest image model) directly into the Flow timeline, you can create a high-fidelity “keyframe” and then use Veo to animate it. This “Image-to-Video” pipeline is the bridge between chaotic AI luck and intentional filmmaking. This focus on high-fidelity creative output is part of a broader vision for the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office to empower professionals with secure, cutting-edge tech.
How to High-Jack Your Creative Workflow in Flow
The new interface allows for a non-linear approach. Here is how you can use the new toolkit to build a cohesive project.
- Import and Consolidate: Starting in March, move your existing Whisk and ImageFX projects into Flow. Use the new Asset Grid to group these into “Collections” so you aren’t scrolling through a mess of 500 random generations. Much like how Google Personal Intelligence handles your digital chores in Chrome, these collections act as your creative agent.
- Design Your Hero Frame: Start with an image. Use a prompt to generate a high-fidelity still. This acts as your visual anchor. Because image generation is now free within Flow, you can iterate here without burning credits.
- Reference with “@” Tagging: When you’re ready to animate, don’t re-type your prompt. Type “@” in the command bar to pull up your library. You can now use an existing image as a “style reference” or a “starting frame” for your video.
- Direct the Camera: Use the new Camera Controls. Instead of hoping the AI moves, explicitly command a “Slow Zoom” or “Pan Left.”
- Refine with the Lasso: If the video is 90% perfect but has a distracting object, use the Lasso tool. Circle the area and type “remove object” or “add koi fish.”
- Extend the Narrative: Use the Extend feature to generate the next 3–5 seconds of a clip, ensuring the lighting and character remains consistent across shots. This is a significant leap in maintaining temporal consistency, which has been a major barrier for cinematic generative video.
💡 Pro-Tip: Use “Style Referencing” across multiple clips to maintain a consistent color grade. By @-tagging the same reference image in every new video prompt, you bypass the “shimmering” or color-shifting issues common in AI-generated sequences.
The “Buyer’s Perspective”: Google vs. The Field
Google is playing a different game than Sora or Runway. While others focus on raw “wow factor” and realism, Google is leveraging its ecosystem. The integration of “Nano Banana” for free image generation inside a video tool is a massive value play.
The real winner here is the Asset Management. Most AI tools feel like a temporary browser tab; Flow is starting to feel like Premiere Pro. The ability to drag and drop assets directly into prompts makes the creative “loop” much faster than the competition. However, competitors aren’t standing still; for instance, Seedance 2.0 is already offering advanced camera control and realistic physics to attract the same professional crowd.
Despite these advancements, Google remains more “on rails” regarding safety filters compared to open-source models—expect a tighter grip on what you can actually generate. This approach highlights the growing importance of Constitutional AI, where objective intelligence and safety remain the primary focus for enterprise-grade tools.
FAQ
Can I move my old ImageFX work into Flow?
Yes. Google is launching an opt-in transfer tool in March 2026 that migrates all your previous Labs projects into the Flow library.
Does image generation cost credits in Flow?
No. High-fidelity image generation within the Flow interface is currently free, though video generation still utilizes the standard Veo credit system.
How precise is the Lasso tool for video?
The Lasso tool currently works best on static frames to set the scene, but the “Add/Remove Object” feature for video uses natural language to mask and track changes across the clip’s duration.
Ethical Note/Limitation: While these tools offer unprecedented control, they still struggle with complex physics—expect “hallucinations” when characters interact with liquid or intricate mechanical objects.