Midjourney, one of the most popular AI image generation startups, announced on Wednesday the release of its much-anticipated AI video generation model V1.
V1 is an image-to-video model that allows users to upload images or take images generated by one of the other models in Midjourney. V1 creates a set of four 5-second videos based on it. Like Midjourney's image model, V1 is only available on Discord and only on the web at startup.
With the launch of the V1, Midjourney will compete with AI video generation models from other companies, including Openai's Sora, Runway's Gen 4, Adobe's Firefly, and Google's VEO 3. While many companies have focused on developing controllable AI video models for use in commercial settings, Midjourney has always directed its distinctive AI image models towards creative types.
The company says its AI video model has a greater goal than generating B-rolls for commercials aimed at Hollywood movies and advertising industries. In a blog post, Midjourney CEO David Holz said that AI video models are the next step to their ultimate destination, and that AI models create “real-time open-world simulation possible.”
After the AI video model, Midjourney says it plans to develop AI and real-time AI models to generate 3D renderings.
The launch of Midjourney's V1 model comes just a week after the startup was sued by two of Hollywood's most infamous film studios, Disney and Universal. The suit claims that images created by Midjourney's AI image model depict studio copyrighted characters like Homer Simpson and Darth Vader.
Hollywood Studios is struggling to tackle the growing popularity of AI images and video generation models developed by Midjourney. There is growing fear that these AI tools can replace or devalue the work of creatives in their respective fields, and some media companies claim that these products are trained on copyrighted works.
Midjourney has tried to sell itself as something different from other AI images and video startups (those focused on creativity rather than immediate commercial applications), but startups cannot escape these accusations.
