My Veo 3 prompts finally work (and cost less).
I was burning through credits writing these super long, poetic prompts for Veo 3, thinking more detail meant better video. Turns out, you can’t really control these models, you can only guide them. After tons of trial and error, I found a structure that’s an absolute game-changer for getting consistent results.
It’s all about a simple, powerful formula. Forget the essays and focus on this sequence.
📜 The Golden Formula
[SHOT TYPE] + [SUBJECT] + [ACTION] + [STYLE] + [CAMERA] + [AUDIO]
For example, instead of a paragraph, you just write: “Medium shot, cyberpunk hacker typing frantically, neon reflections on face, blade runner aesthetic, slow push in, Audio: mechanical keyboard clicks, distant sirens”. It works beautifully.
💡 Key Lessons Learned
Here are the non-negotiable rules I follow now:
📌 Put your most important keywords first. Veo 3 pays way more attention to the beginning of the prompt.
🛑 Stick to one core action per scene. Trying to make the subject do multiple things just creates a chaotic mess.
✍️ Be specific, not just vague. Instead of “walking sadly,” try “shuffling with hunched shoulders.” The difference is huge.
🚀 Don’t sleep on audio cues! Most people ignore this, but adding things like “mechanical keyboard clicks” makes the video feel so much more real.
⚙️ Camera & Style Hacks
Getting the look and feel right is everything. Here’s what consistently delivers:
✅ Good Camera Moves: Slow push/pull, orbit around the subject, and handheld follow shots are your best friends.
🚫 Bad Camera Moves: Avoid complex combos like “pan while zooming” or any camera movement that doesn’t have a clear purpose.
✅ Awesome Style References: Use specific phrases like “shot on an Arri Alexa,” “in the style of Denis Villeneuve,” or “Blade Runner cinematography.”
Remember, you’re just guiding the AI. Use this structure as a strong starting point and iterate from there. It’s saved me a ton of time and money.
The original post has some more great insights, so check it out for the full details!
The Veo 3 Prompting Guide That Actualy Worked (starting at zero and cutting my costs)
byu/ArhaamWani in