Amazon has enhanced its generative AI video tool, Nova Reel, by allowing it to create videos up to 2 minutes in length.
The revised version, Nova Reel 1.1, was announced on April 7 and represents a significant step forward in Amazon's efforts to compete with tools from OpenAI, Google, and other tech giants in the fast-evolving AI video landscape.
From Launch to Upgrade: Nova Reel's Development
Nova Reel, launched in December 2024, marked Amazon's first venture into generative video technology. With version 1.1, the model now supports multishot video generation while maintaining a consistent visual style throughout.
According to AWS developer advocate Elizabeth Fuentes, users can now enter prompts of up to 4000 characters, which are then converted into two-minute films composed of six-second segments.
Introducing "Multishot Manual" Mode
The standout feature in this update is the new "Multishot Manual" mode. This allows users to pair:
- A prompt (up to 512 characters)
- A reference image (at 1280x720 resolution)
...to achieve greater control over individual shots within a video. The model can now generate videos containing up to 20 separate shots, offering a more customizable storytelling experience for creators.
Access and Ethical Considerations
Currently, Nova Reel remains available only through AWS platforms like Amazon Bedrock, and interested users must request access.
However, ethical concerns continue to follow generative AI models. Amazon has not disclosed the training data used for Nova Reel, nor has it provided a way for content creators to opt out if their content was utilized.
The lack of transparency has drawn criticism, especially as legal battles over copyright violations by AI systems persist. With the possibility that AI models may reproduce protected intellectual content, concerns remain high.
Amazon has reiterated its commitment to protecting AWS customers from legal liability through its current compensation policy.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI-Generated Video
As AI-generated video tools grow more powerful and accessible, Nova Reel’s expansion signals another major shift in how creators and businesses may produce visual content in the near future.