Gemini AI Music • Lyria 3 (Beta) • DeepMind
Gemini Can Now Generate Music: Lyria 3 Brings AI Soundtracks Into the Chat Window
Google is rolling out DeepMind’s Lyria 3 (beta) inside the Gemini app, letting you generate high-quality 30-second music tracks from text prompts and visual context—without leaving the conversation.
Key takeaways
- Lyria 3 (beta) is rolling out in the Gemini app with a “Create music” tool that generates 30-second tracks.
- You can guide the output with text and add context using uploaded images or videos.
- It’s available globally for users 18+ in eight languages, with a desktop-first rollout and mobile following.
- Tracks are watermarked with SynthID, and Gemini can help check whether an audio file contains that watermark.
- This is a big step toward “chat-native creation”: brainstorming, scripting, and now soundtrack generation in one window.
Quick facts
In this post
- What Lyria 3 in Gemini actually is
- Where it’s available (and who gets it)
- How to use “Create music” in Gemini
- Prompting playbook (with copy-paste examples)
- Best real-world workflows (creators, teachers, SMBs)
- SynthID, copyright, and what “safe” prompting looks like
- Current limitations (beta) and expectations
- FAQ
AI music generation has existed for a while, but it usually lives in separate “music generator” apps. Google’s new move is different: it puts music generation directly inside Gemini, the same place people already brainstorm, draft scripts, and plan content. With Lyria 3 (beta) rolling out in the Gemini app, you can ask for a soundtrack in plain language—or use visual context like a photo or short clip—and get a 30-second track back without leaving the chat.
That matters because distribution changes everything. A music model inside a niche tool is a curiosity; a music model inside a mainstream assistant becomes a default creative option. If Google’s bet pays off, “write the outline” and “generate a backing track” will feel like two buttons in the same workflow.
What Lyria 3 in Gemini actually is
Lyria 3 is DeepMind’s latest audio model designed for generative music. In the Gemini app, it shows up as a tool that generates high-quality 30-second music tracks from prompts. You can aim it at instrumental music, or ask for vocals and let Gemini generate lyrics based on your concept. Google also highlights that Gemini can generate shareable presentation elements around the output, like cover art, so the result feels like a complete “track card,” not just a file.
From a user perspective, Lyria 3 turns Gemini into something closer to a “creative cockpit.” You can do the pre-production thinking (theme, tone, structure, references) and the first audio draft in the same place. That makes it ideal for rapid iteration: generate, refine the prompt, regenerate, and pick the best vibe.
What you can control
- Genre (lo-fi, synthwave, Afrobeat, cinematic, acoustic folk, EDM)
- Mood (uplifting, bittersweet, playful, tense, dreamy)
- Energy and tempo (slow and spacious, mid-tempo groove, high energy)
- Instrumentation (piano, strings, pads, guitars, percussion, bass character)
- Vocal direction (instrumental only, humming, sung hook, rap verse, choir)
- Structure (intro → hook → drop, verse/chorus, build → climax → resolve)
What makes it “Gemini-native”
- Multimodal context: you can attach images or videos and ask the music to match what you uploaded.
- Conversation iteration: refine the prompt like you would refine writing.
- Creation workflow: soundtrack generation sits next to scripting, outlining, and planning tools.
- Trust layer: SynthID watermarking is baked into outputs, with an in-app check.
Practical framing: Lyria 3 inside Gemini is not a replacement for professional production tools. It’s a fast, idea-to-audio engine for creators who need a soundtrack sketch—now—without context switching.
Where it’s available (and who gets it)
Google is rolling out Lyria 3 in the Gemini app as a beta feature. The rollout is described as global for users who are 18+, with support for English, German, Spanish, French, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese. The rollout begins on desktop, with mobile access following over the next several days. Paid tiers are expected to get higher usage limits.
Availability checklist
- Age: 18+.
- Languages: 8 supported at launch, with plans to expand.
- Rollout: desktop first; mobile follows.
- Limits: usage limits apply; higher limits for certain subscriptions.
- Workspace: Google indicates availability for many signed-in users, including eligible Workspace customers, depending on admin settings.
If you don’t see “Create music” yet, that’s normal for a phased rollout. In practice, features like this typically appear gradually by region, account type, and device. The fastest way to verify is simply to open Gemini and check the Tools menu.
How to use “Create music” in Gemini
The user flow is intentionally simple. Google places music generation under Gemini’s tools so it feels like a built-in capability rather than a separate product. Here’s the most reliable sequence to follow on web and mobile.
- Open Gemini (web or the Gemini mobile app) and sign in.
- Tap Tools.
- Select Create music.
- Optional: Upload an image or video as context if you want the track to match a scene or mood.
- Enter a prompt describing the music you want. Include genre + mood + instrumentation for best results.
- Generate the track, then refine your prompt and try variations until it lands.
Prompt structure that works
Use a “creative brief” approach:
- Sound: genre + era reference (not an artist name) + instrumentation
- Feel: mood + energy + tempo guidance
- Moment: what the music is for (intro theme, background, montage, classroom song)
- Constraints: instrumental only, clean lyrics, no heavy bass, no aggressive drums
Iteration prompts (copy-paste)
- “Make it warmer and more acoustic. Reduce drums. Add soft guitar.”
- “Keep the same vibe, but add a stronger hook at 0:12.”
- “More cinematic. Wider strings. A gentle rise, then resolve.”
- “Make it more playful. Light percussion. Bright chords.”
- “Instrumental only. No vocals. Keep it clean for voiceover.”
If you plan to use the music under narration (YouTube voiceover, slideshow, lesson video), say that explicitly. The model often responds well to constraints like “leave space,” “minimal melody,” and “no harsh highs.”
Prompting playbook: how to get better tracks (faster)
Most AI music failures are not “model problems.” They’re prompt problems. The fastest way to improve outputs is to stop prompting like a search query and start prompting like a producer: give the model a clear brief, then iterate on specific knobs (tempo, instrumentation, structure, vocal style, and emotional arc).
1) Start with three anchors: genre, mood, purpose
A good first prompt should answer: What style is it? How should it feel? What is it for? When you do this, even a 30-second track can sound intentional instead of random.
Prompt template
Create a 30-second [genre] track that feels [mood]. Tempo: [slow/mid/fast]. Instruments: [list]. Purpose: [voiceover background / intro theme / montage]. Constraints: [instrumental only / clean lyrics / minimal drums].
2) Add “audio camera direction” for structure
Because the output is short, structure matters. Ask for a clear arc: “quiet intro → hook → small lift → resolve.” This produces a more shareable, loop-friendly clip.
Structure prompt
Make a 30-second track with a clear arc: 0:00–0:08 soft intro, 0:08–0:18 catchy hook, 0:18–0:26 lift, 0:26–0:30 gentle resolve. Keep it clean and voiceover-friendly.
3) Use images and videos the smart way
Visual prompting is powerful when you give Gemini a job to do with the image or clip. Instead of “make music for this,” try: “match the energy,” “echo the colors,” “sound like the setting,” or “build tension like a trailer.” You’re telling the model what aspect of the visual should map to sound.
Visual prompt ideas
- Photo of a rainy street: “neon, night drive, reflective mood, steady pulse, soft synths.”
- Beach clip: “warm acoustic groove, relaxed percussion, bright chords, sunlit feel.”
- Classroom photo: “friendly educational jingle, simple melody, upbeat but not intense.”
- Workout video: “high energy, fast tempo, clean drop, strong rhythm.”
4) Copy-paste prompts you can use today
Creator-friendly (voiceover safe)
Lo-fi narration bed
Create a 30-second lo-fi hip-hop beat at a relaxed mid tempo. Soft Rhodes chords, gentle vinyl texture, minimal drums, no vocals. Leave space for voiceover and keep the melody subtle.
Podcast intro sting
Generate a clean, modern 30-second podcast intro theme. Bright but not harsh. Short memorable motif, light percussion, confident ending. Instrumental only.
Education-friendly (simple + memorable)
Study groove
Make a 30-second calm study track. Soft piano, warm pads, gentle rhythm, no vocals. Peaceful and focused mood with a small uplifting turn near the end.
Clean lyric jingle
Create a short, friendly 30-second educational song with clean lyrics about building good study habits. Simple melody, cheerful tone, clear words, and a repeating hook.
Tip: If you want lyrics, specify the content rules. Use phrases like “clean lyrics,” “family-friendly,” “no profanity,” and “simple words.” If you don’t want lyrics, say “instrumental only” early and repeat it at the end.
Best real-world workflows: where Gemini music actually helps
The most practical way to think about Lyria 3 in Gemini is as a creative accelerant. It’s not trying to replace artists. It’s trying to remove friction for everyday creators who need a soundtrack that fits a specific moment.
1) Short-form video creators (the “soundtrack gap” problem)
If you make Shorts, Reels, or TikToks, you already know the soundtrack gap: you have visuals, pacing, and a hook, but the music is either (a) hard to license, (b) overused, or (c) doesn’t match your exact vibe. Lyria 3 gives you a fast way to generate “close enough” background music tailored to your content. Because it’s inside Gemini, you can iterate the music while you iterate the caption and title—one workflow, not three.
Creator workflow in one chat
- Ask Gemini to rewrite your video hook and tighten your script.
- Upload a frame or short clip from your edit.
- Generate 3–5 soundtrack variations with different energy levels.
- Pick the best vibe, then ask Gemini to suggest a title and description that matches it.
2) YouTube integration and “Dream Track” momentum
Google has also linked Lyria 3 to YouTube’s creator ecosystem through YouTube Dream Track, which has been positioned as a way for creators to generate soundtracks for Shorts. That matters because it signals intent: this isn’t a one-off demo feature. It’s a capability Google wants creators to use repeatedly, and likely expand over time.
3) Teachers and students (engagement + memory)
In classrooms, music is often used as a memory tool: jingles for key ideas, calm background audio for writing time, and “transition music” to manage pace. The difference now is personalization. A teacher can prompt a short track that matches the day’s lesson tone or a class project theme and have it ready in minutes. Students can also use it for presentations—especially when they need a quick intro/outro that feels original.
Teacher-friendly prompt ideas
- “Calm instrumental background for silent reading. Soft piano and light ambience.”
- “Short upbeat jingle for a science project intro. Clean, simple hook.”
- “Motivational track for a classroom montage of activities. Bright, uplifting.”
- “Gentle music for mindfulness breathing. Slow, warm, no percussion.”
Student-friendly prompt ideas
- “Cinematic intro for a history presentation. Strings, steady drums, respectful tone.”
- “Playful instrumental for a group skit. Bright chords and fun rhythm.”
- “Serious documentary vibe for a research report. Minimal, focused, no vocals.”
- “Sports highlight vibe. High energy, clean drop, punchy rhythm.”
4) SMB marketing and internal content
Small businesses often need quick audio for slides, reels, product teasers, and internal updates. A 30-second brand-adjacent track can be useful as a “signature sound” for social clips—especially when the goal is consistency, not chart-topping songwriting. Lyria 3’s biggest advantage here is speed: it turns “we need something by today” into “we can try five options right now.”
If you’re building a brand identity, prompt for consistency: define a house style (instrumentation, tempo range, mood) and keep those anchors across generations. Over time, you’ll get a recognizably “yours” sound even if individual tracks vary.
SynthID, copyright, and what “safe” prompting looks like
AI music is exciting, but it’s also the most legally and culturally sensitive part of generative media right now. People are understandably worried about soundalikes, training data, and spam. Google’s positioning around Lyria 3 in Gemini has been consistent: it’s framed as a tool for creative expression, not a professional music replacement, and it ships with SynthID watermarking as a trust layer.
What is SynthID in this context?
SynthID is Google’s watermarking technology designed to embed an imperceptible signal into AI-generated content. Google notes that tracks generated with Lyria 3 in Gemini include SynthID, and Gemini can help you check whether an uploaded audio track contains SynthID. This is meant to support transparency and detection as AI media becomes more common.
Practical implication for creators
- Assume your AI-generated tracks may be identifiable as AI-generated through watermarking checks.
- If you’re publishing at scale, keep your workflow transparent: label AI-generated elements when appropriate for your platform or audience.
- Don’t build a strategy around impersonation. Build around original prompts and consistent style constraints.
How to prompt responsibly (and avoid the “soundalike” trap)
If your goal is long-term usefulness—especially for a monetized channel or brand—avoid prompting for direct imitation. A safer approach is to reference genres, eras, instrumentation, and mood, rather than a living artist’s name or a specific copyrighted song.
Do
- “Cinematic orchestral build with modern percussion. Triumphant, uplifting.”
- “90s-style R&B groove with warm bass and smooth chords. Clean vocals.”
- “Indie pop with bright guitars, simple hook, and playful energy.”
- “Synthwave: 80s-inspired pads and arpeggios, neon night drive mood.”
Avoid
- Direct “make it sound exactly like [specific artist]” instructions.
- Requests to copy a known song melody, chord progression, or vocal identity.
- Prompts that imply voice cloning or impersonation.
- Anything that asks for “the same track but without the watermark.”
The safest creative strategy is to design your own “house style” prompt—then iterate within it. You’ll get consistency without leaning on imitation.
Current limitations (beta) and expectations
Lyria 3 in Gemini is impressive, but it’s still early. Treat it like a fast generator for short-form use cases. Here are the constraints you should plan around right now.
What’s fixed (for now)
- Track length: 30 seconds per generation.
- Rollout variability: availability can differ by account, device, and timing.
- Usage limits: caps exist; higher limits may apply on certain paid tiers.
- Beta behavior: quality can vary. Expect occasional misses and iterate prompts.
What to watch for next
- Longer track durations or “extend” controls.
- More granular editing (stems, sections, instrument sliders).
- More languages and improved localization for lyric generation.
- Deeper creator workflow ties, especially for Shorts and social publishing.
The best mindset: use Lyria 3 for soundtrack sketches, not final masters. If you need full production, treat Gemini’s output as a starting point you can build on—or as a quick background layer where perfection is not the goal.
FAQ: Gemini music generation with Lyria 3
How long are Gemini’s AI-generated music tracks?
At launch, Lyria 3 in Gemini generates 30-second tracks per prompt.
Can Gemini generate lyrics too?
Yes. You can request vocals and lyrics, and Gemini can generate lyrics based on your prompt. If you want instrumental only, say it explicitly.
Do I need to leave the chat to generate music?
No. Music generation is available inside Gemini via the Create music tool, so the workflow stays in one window.
Can I guide the music with a photo or video?
Yes. You can upload images or videos as context and ask Gemini to match the vibe, energy, or mood of what you uploaded.
Is it available worldwide?
Google describes it as a global rollout for eligible users (18+) with eight supported languages at launch, rolling out on desktop first and mobile shortly after.
What is SynthID and why does it matter?
SynthID is Google’s watermarking technology for AI-generated content. Google says Lyria 3 tracks generated in Gemini include SynthID, and Gemini can help check if uploaded audio contains SynthID.
Bottom line
Lyria 3 inside Gemini is a strategic shift: it makes music generation a default capability inside a general-purpose assistant. The near-term winners are people who live in fast content cycles—short-form creators, teachers building engaging lessons, podcasters, and small teams who need “good enough, on brand, right now.” The long-term question is how quickly Google expands control: longer tracks, editing tools, and deeper integration into creator workflows.
For now, the play is simple: treat it as a soundtrack sketch engine, prompt like a producer, iterate fast, and keep your usage responsible. If you do that, you’ll get surprisingly usable audio in minutes—without leaving the chat.