Released in December 2024, Google's closed-source Veo 2 is a foundational model that generates high-quality, silent video clips up to 720p (HD) resolution from a text prompt or a single reference image. It prioritizes visual generation over audio, meaning all outputs require a separate sound workflow. This makes it effective for stylized animations or conceptual visuals where audio is secondary. While surpassed by newer models, Veo 2 established the core architecture for the Veo family, offering a cost-effective entry point for users with their own audio solutions.