xAI launches Grok Imagine Video 1.5: a new milestone in AI video generation
xAI has officially released its new model, Grok Imagine Video 1.5, out of preview mode. This tool is an image-based video generator, with its main focus on realism, accurate motion physics, and high rendering speed. The model is already available via the Imagine API under the identifier grok-imagine-video-1.5, and in parallel, xAI has deployed an accelerated version, Video 1.5 Fast, which runs on the grok.com/imagine platform and in mobile apps for iOS and Android.
Key improvements and speed
The main performance boost comes from the Fast version. While the previous model took over 40 seconds to generate, the new one handles it in about 25 seconds — nearly a twofold acceleration. The video length remains the same at 6 seconds, and the resolution is 720p. However, the qualitative changes are much more significant: sound accompaniment, background atmosphere, and character lines are now created in a single pass, perfectly synchronizing with the on-screen action. Character speech has become much clearer, and object movement is more stable throughout the clip. There are fewer deformations, and weight and inertia are more believable.
New features for developers
Through the API, developers can set a starting image, a text description of the movement, resolution, and duration. This opens up broad possibilities for content customization. Additionally, the interface now features projects in the sidebar, parallel launch of multiple generations, and convenient search through a personal material library. xAI is clearly betting on an ecosystem for professionals.
Community reaction and requests
Early users who tested the model for several weeks generally gave positive feedback, calling the team's work high-quality. However, there was a fly in the ointment: in the promotional material, attentive viewers noticed an unfortunate typo in the product name. The community is also actively requesting the addition of voice references to create characters with consistent sound — a feature already implemented in competing services. There are complaints about abrupt changes in the interface and stricter content moderation for adult users. Users want to see the full versions of Video 1.5 and Imagine Pro not only through the API but also in the app and on the website, even with limitations.
Expert opinion. Grok Imagine Video 1.5 is a confident step forward for xAI, especially in terms of speed and realism. However, community requests for voice references and more flexible moderation show that the AI video generation market is becoming increasingly competitive. xAI needs not only to catch up with leaders in functionality but also to offer unique features to retain its audience.