Google has introduced its latest AI innovation, Veo 3. This tool allows users to create short, high-definition videos from simple text prompts. These 8-second clips come with native audio, including sounds like ambient noise, dialogue, and even animal noises.
While Google promotes Veo 3 for its realistic visuals and accurate physics, many users have noticed an unexpected feature: the AI repeatedly tells the same dad joke. And yes, the punchline involves a Shih Tzu dog.
A New Contender in the AI Video Race
Veo 3 was announced earlier this week as Google’s entry into the competitive world of generative AI video. Other players, such as OpenAI’s Sora, are also developing similar technology.
Unlike many competitors that focus only on visuals, Google’s Veo 3 creates audio that matches lip movements and real-world physics. According to Eli Collins, vice president of product at Google DeepMind, Veo 3 excels in text-to-video realism and precise lip syncing.
The model is currently available in the US through two options: Google’s Ultra AI plan, which costs $249.99 per month and targets creative professionals and advanced users, and Vertex AI, Google’s enterprise platform.
The Mystery of the Repeated Dad Joke
Users have discovered a curious quirk in Veo 3’s output. No matter what prompt is given, the AI often generates the same joke: “What do you call a dog who does magic tricks? A labracadabrador? Nope. A Shih Tzu-dini.”
This repeated joke has caught people’s attention. As 404 Media noted, whenever Veo 3 is asked to tell a joke, the “Shih Tzu” punchline frequently appears.
The origin of this joke is unclear. It has been circulating on the internet for years, making it hard to trace where it first came from.
Still, the joke’s constant presence raises questions about the data Google used to train Veo 3.
In March, Reddit revealed in its S-1 filing that it has a $60 million per year licensing deal with Google. This deal gives Google access to Reddit’s post archives to help train AI models.
Reddit described user content as a “valuable source of conversation data and knowledge.” The company also plans to license its data to other parties and increase its use of AI in advertising.
This partnership might explain how the dad joke became part of Veo 3’s “neural vocabulary.” But given the joke’s popularity, it could have come from many sources.
Potential Impact on Advertising and Creative Work
Beyond the joke, Veo 3 could have significant uses for content creators and advertisers.
Brands and agencies, especially those focused on short videos on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, might find Veo 3 useful for speeding up creative work.
The AI could help visualize campaign ideas before full production or test different ad versions in the market using generated variations.
However, wider use will depend on whether the tool can avoid inserting unscripted jokes into professional content.
Currently, Veo 3 is available only in the US. Google has not yet announced a release date for Australia, but based on past launches, international access may come within a few months.
