Midjourney has introduced a powerful new AI video generation feature that lets users bring static images to life through short animated clips. Available exclusively to paid subscribers on both Midjourney’s website and Discord server, this new feature marks the platform’s expansion into dynamic visual content and AI-driven storytelling.
With the initial release, users can create five-second animations from either newly generated images or those uploaded directly. Once an image is produced, an “animate” button appears, initiating a guided prompt workflow for motion design. The tool comes with both an automatic animation sequence and a manual mode, allowing users to define specific movement directions for their visuals.
In addition, Midjourney offers a video extension feature, where clips can be extended by four-second increments—up to a total of 21 seconds. Users can choose between “low” and “high” motion intensity, providing flexibility over how much movement is applied to the subject or the virtual camera path.
GPU Usage, Pricing, and Performance
The animation tool operates on a GPU credit model. The entry-level subscription is priced at \$10 per month and includes approximately 3.3 hours of high-speed GPU usage, which can produce about 200 images. However, generating video is more computationally demanding, with each second of animation consuming GPU resources similar to a full image render.
Midjourney founder David Holz described the launch as an early step toward more advanced AI video capabilities. “This is just the beginning,” Holz said, hinting at future updates that may include real-time video generation and immersive open-world simulations powered by generative AI.
Legal Challenges and Industry Scrutiny
The launch of this video feature comes amid legal tensions. Major entertainment studios, including Disney and Universal, have filed a lawsuit against Midjourney, alleging the unauthorized use of copyrighted works. The lawsuit criticizes the platform for enabling the mass creation of derivative content and raises concerns over the training data used to build the AI model.
As the generative AI space continues to grow, the intersection of innovation and intellectual property law remains a hot-button issue. Industry analysts suggest that legal frameworks will need to evolve rapidly to keep up with the pace of AI development.
