In the digital age of 2026, creating viral short videos has become an unmissable trend. If you're looking for a groundbreaking method to transform unique visual ideas into smooth timelapse videos—a hot trend right now, such as renovating old buildings or interior design— Google Labs ' Flow tool is the "golden key."
This article will guide you step-by-step, from using top AI image creation tools like Gemini, Copilot, and ChatGPT to video editing, ensuring SEO compliance and optimized user experience.
I. Why should you use the Flow tool to create Timelapse videos?
Flow is an advanced tool within the Google Labs ecosystem, designed to simplify the process of converting still images into animated videos. With its smooth processing capabilities and intuitive interface, Flow helps you:
- Save time: Automate the video editing process, minimizing manual operations.
- Professional effects: Create timelapse videos with smooth motion, suitable for short content (Reels, TikTok).
- Powerful AI integration: Perfectly combined with next-generation AI imaging technology, unlocking limitless creative possibilities.
II. Using AI to create frames
Before using Flow, you need a collection of high-quality images to use as source material. AI image creation tools are currently the best option:
A. Use Google Gemini to create the frame you want for your timelapse video.
Access: Open your browser and access Google's Gemini platform.
Import Prompt: Use simple image prompts to generate images showcasing each stage of the building renovation process (e.g., old photos, cleanup photos, construction photos, finished photos).
In the example above, I will create a room that is still under construction with brick walls, an untiled floor, and a ceiling without drywall.
Next, ask Gemini to add the details you want, such as painted walls, tiled floors, etc. You can extend the completion steps across multiple photos if you want to lengthen the video.
B. Using Copilot to create images
- Access: Open Copilot in your browser or via the Microsoft Edge app.
- Input Prompt: Uses a prompt structure similar to Gemini. Copilot is powered by DALL-E 3, often producing images with a unique artistic style and high realism.
- Note: Experiment with different prompts to diversify your visual style.
C. Use ChatGPT to create images
- Access: Use your ChatGPT Plus account to access DALL-E 3.
- Input Prompt: Leverage ChatGPT's communication capabilities to fine-tune the prompt, instructing the AI to generate a sequence of consecutive images of the same object but in different states (e.g., a room from dilapidated to finished).
- Note: ChatGPT can help you "think" of better prompts to get the most suitable sequence of images for your timelapse.
III. Step 2: Access and use Flow
Now that you have a collection of high-quality images, it's time to turn them into animated videos:
A. Access the Flow tool in Google Labs.
To find out: Open your browser and search for "Google Labs" or access the official Google Labs URL directly here >>> https://labs.google/fx/vi/tools/flow (a Google account is required to log in).
To find Flow: In the Google Labs interface, find the tool named " Flow " and select Create with Flow.
Next, select a new project after accepting Flow's terms and conditions.
B. Select the option "Create video from frames"
To begin: Click on "Flow" and select the " Create video from image frames " option .
Upload images: The system will ask you to upload the prepared sequence of images. Ensure the images are named in order (e.g., image_001.jpg, image_002.jpg.) so that Flow can automatically sort them correctly.
C. Setting video parameters
Next, you choose the video format; here you have two options: landscape and portrait, as well as the number of output answers.
Here you will have up to 4 options when Flow completes the video for you. Finally, there is the Veo model, you will have 4 models, high and low quality, with or without sound. Once you have finished selecting the parameters, click the Create button (right arrow next to the frame).
If you want to increase the video length, you can use videos extracted from frames and combine them using tools like Capcut , Adobe Premiere, etc.
D. Export and download videos
- Preview: After setting up, click the "Preview" button to preview your video.
- Export: If satisfied, select "Export" or "Download" to save the video to your computer. Videos are usually exported in high-quality MP4 format.
IV. Tips for Optimizing Videos to Go Viral on Social Media
After creating a basic video from Flow, don't forget these steps to maximize its effectiveness on TikTok, Reels, or YouTube Shorts:
- Add background music: Choose trending, copyrighted music that suits the transformation theme.
- Add text effects: Use CapCut or other editing software to add "Before" and "After" text lines or other text highlights.
- Title & Hashtags: Write a compelling title, using relevant hashtags like "timelapse," "transformation," "AI art," and "building renovation" to increase visibility.