New Kling AI: What creators can expect from the next big rival to Veo 3.1
The AI video landscape changes weekly, but some updates signal a fundamental shift in how we create. Just as Veo 3.1 raised the bar for cinematic movement, a new challenger is stepping up to solve the biggest problem in AI video: Control.
We’re talking about the New Kling O1 AI model. While the industry has been focused on when Veo 4 will drop, Kling has been quietly building a powerhouse model that addresses the biggest requests from professional creators around directional control.
You heard it here first: The new Kling model is shaping up to be the strongest competitor for Veo 3.1 we’ve seen yet. Here’s what makes it a massive leap forward.
The Kling Omni era
Naturally, the question everyone is asking is: Can anything actually beat Google’s Veo 3.1?
Until now, Veo 3.1 has held the crown for coherent motion. However, reports on the new Kling architecture suggest it isn’t just catching up — it is aiming to overtake by focusing on production scalability.
This article outlines what the new Kling model delivers and why it might become your new go-to generator.
What the new Kling O1 model delivers
This isn’t just a version update; it is a workflow overhaul. This is why Kling O1 is claiming ownership of the pro video space.
1. Native @ mention support
This is perhaps the most exciting feature for compositing. The new image-to-image model supports native reference tagging. Instead of hoping the AI understands which image is which, you can now use direct syntax like:
“Put the headphones from @image1 on the character from @image2.”
This allows you to mix and match assets with unprecedented precision — combining specific props, characters, and backgrounds from different source files without complex masking or multi-step editing.
2. Omni level image fidelity
The Omni tag in the new model name implies versatility and quality. But more importantly, it signals a stronger understanding of your inputs.
- Enhanced continuity: Because the model understands inputs better (especially with the “@” syntax), it maintains character identity and object permanence far more effectively.
- Sharper texture retention: Expect less “AI shimmer” or boiling artifacts in background details.
- Consistency: Character consistency that rivals the stability we’ve seen in static image models like Nano Banana Pro.
3. Start and End Frame control
This is the feature that changes the game for professional editors. The new Kling Image-to-Video pipeline allows you to define:
- The Start Frame: Where the shot begins.
- The End Frame: Exactly where the shot lands.
This means you can execute smoother morphs, controlled pans between two specific compositions, and loopable textures with 100% accuracy. It removes the “slot machine” element of AI video and replaces it with director-level control.
Kling vs. Veo 3.1
How does this stack up against the current heavyweight, Veo 3.1?
- Control: Veo 3.1 is fantastic for text-to-video, but Kling’s image-to-video @image syntax gives it the edge for specific compositing and storytelling tasks.
- Efficiency: Kling’s ability to handle combined editing tasks (restyling + subject changes) makes it a potentially faster image to image tool for high-volume production.
- Availability: While we wait for Veo 4, Kling is pushing updates now, filling the gap for creators hungry for better tools.
How to prepare for the new Kling
You don’t need to wait for the official wider rollout to get your workflow ready.
1. Build your projects for “@” prompting: Start organizing your reference images. Have a folder of “props” (headphones, glasses, hats) and a folder of “characters.” When the model drops, you’ll be ready to mix and match them instantly using the new syntax.
2. Adopt a fast A/B testing mindset: With the ability to edit via simple sentences, you can iterate faster. Prepare to spend less time fighting the model and more time testing different styles. You can storyboard concepts rapidly before committing to the final high-res output.
3. Stay flexible: The best creators use the best tool for the job. Get ready to try the new text-to-image tools, precise image compositing, and Kling’s O1 image-to-video for shots requiring complex movement between two fixed points.
The bottom line
The new Kling model isn’t just another update; it is a direct challenge to the status quo. With Start and End frame capabilities, it is positioning itself as the sophisticated, controllable alternative to Veo 3.1.
We’re tracking this development closely. As soon as the new Kling features are fully available, you’ll be the first to know — and the first to create with them.
Did you find this article useful?
