Google Launches Nano Banana 2 Lite and Gemini Omni Flash Video API
Google released two new generative AI models: Nano Banana 2 Lite for fast, low-cost images, and Gemini Omni Flash for text-to-video generation via API.
- Google’s new Nano Banana 2 Lite generates 1K resolution images in four seconds, costing $0.034 per image.
- The newly launched Gemini Omni Flash model brings conversational video generation and editing to the Gemini API for $0.10 per second of output.
- Gemini Omni Flash is currently limited to 10-second clips and has issues processing video reference inputs and maintaining character consistency.
- Google recommends developers chain the two models together, using Nano Banana 2 Lite for initial image generation and Gemini Omni Flash for animation.
Google has expanded its developer ecosystem with the release of two new generative AI models: Nano Banana 2 Lite for rapid image creation and Gemini Omni Flash for API-driven video generation. According to reports from The Decoder, the new image model delivers 1K resolution assets in four seconds at a cost of $0.034 per generation, while the video API charges $0.10 per second of output.
How the New Nano Banana 2 Lite Fits In
Operating under the API name gemini-3.1-flash-lite-image, Nano Banana 2 Lite replaces the older Gemini 2.5-based model. It joins Google’s existing three-tier image family, positioned alongside the balanced Nano Banana 2 ($0.067) and the high-end Nano Banana Pro ($0.134). Google claims the Lite model maintains reliable prompt adherence, legible text rendering, and character consistency despite its focus on speed. Beyond API access, Google is integrating the model into consumer tools like Google Search’s AI Mode, NotebookLM, and Google Ads.
Gemini Omni Flash Video Capabilities and Limits
The second release, Gemini Omni Flash, introduces native video generation and editing to the Gemini API and Google AI Studio. It allows developers to generate and edit video clips up to 10 seconds long using natural language prompts. However, the model has notable early-stage limitations. The Decoder reports that Gemini Omni Flash cannot currently handle audio references or scene extensions, struggles with character consistency across camera cuts, and fails to correctly process video reference files despite accepting them in its API schema.
What It Means for Developers
To bypass these early limitations, Google suggests developers chain both tools: generating a high-quality static image first via Nano Banana 2 Lite, then animating it using Gemini Omni Flash. While these API updates lower the barrier to entry for programmatic asset creation, developers looking for polished, consumer-facing results may still want to compare them against the best AI video generators currently on the market to see if Google’s raw speed outweighs the current consistency issues.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Nano Banana 2 Lite cost?
Nano Banana 2 Lite costs $0.034 per image at 1K resolution, taking approximately four seconds to generate.
What are the limitations of Gemini Omni Flash video generation?
Gemini Omni Flash is limited to 10-second clips, cannot handle audio references or scene extensions, struggles with character consistency across scene changes, and does not yet correctly process video references up to three seconds.
Can I use these models outside of the developer API?
While Gemini Omni Flash is strictly for developers via the Gemini API and Google AI Studio, Nano Banana 2 Lite is rolling out to consumer integrations including Google Search (AI Mode), the Gemini app, NotebookLM, Google Photos, and Google Ads.
If you need production-ready video tools today, check out our tested round-up of the best AI video generators.
Best AI Video Generators (2026): Tested & Ranked →Source: The Decoder. Published July 1, 2026.
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