xAI launches Grok Imagine AI API for video and audio generation

On January 28, 2026, xAI launched the Grok Imagine API, providing a unified set of tools for advanced video and audio generation. It serves as xAI’s most powerful generative model in this category, designed to support end-to-end creative workflows.

The core purpose of Grok Imagine is to enable users to create high-quality videos with quick output. Developers, creative teams, and enterprises can use it for rapid prototyping and iteration. It turns static images or text prompts into dynamic videos or refines complex cinematic sequences. The model has deep instruction following, producing realistic motion, object interactions, and visual continuity.

Key features include video generation with cinematic effects. Users can apply motions like Zoom Out, Zoom In, Time-lapse, Pull Back, Pan Up, or Pan Right. It supports various styles and formats, such as portrait or landscape aspect ratios, and flexible clip lengths. A standout addition is original AI-generated sound, including audio tracks tailored to the video.

Grok Imagine API video and audio generation (Source – xAI)

The API also offers video editing capabilities. Users can restyle scenes, add or remove objects with precision, swap elements, or animate characters based on custom instructions. Scene changes include shifting weather or lighting, such as from golden sunshine to foggy autumn or sunset settings.

Object editing allows color changes or modifications for product showcases. Styles range from Cyberpunk and Anime to Retro, Origami, Watercolor, and Mosaic. It can even transform simple sketches into vibrant animations.

The video generation model brings strong competition in benchmarks from Artificial Analysis and LMArena. It leads in overall quality, instruction following, and consistency for 720p, 8-second videos. The model ranks first in text-to-video rankings for price and latency, offering better performance at lower costs compared to alternatives like Kling o1 or Runway Aleph.

Integration is straightforward through APIs and SDKs. Documentation and a hosted console are available for testing. The API supports creative applications for creators, educators, influencers, designers, and even families.

Pricing

Specific rates are not detailed by xAI, but the team has emphasized low latency and high concurrency.

Availability targets developers, enterprises, and individual users. Access is provided via xAI’s API and partner platforms. Users can check the Imagine video generation through grok.com, the Grok iOS and Android apps, or directly on X.