Lyria 3, Google DeepMind’s newest generative music model available in the Gemini app, can produce original 30-second tracks from text, photos or videos. In the Gemini app choose the “create music” option and type or upload your prompt. You can start from a template or specify lyrics, genre, instruments and more. Below are practical prompting techniques and examples to help you get the sound you want.
1. Start with a text prompt
Write a short description to steer the song’s theme, mood and style. Examples: “Make a song about my favorite meal-rice, plantains and beans-with an Afrobeats groove and a West African-sounding lead vocal,” or “Create a high-energy 90s skate punk track telling my roommate Ryan to wash the dishes, with fast drums.” Keep instructions clear and concise to get predictable results.
2. Use an image or video as inspiration
Upload a photo or clip to influence the music. Holiday photos, pets, artwork or candid video can shape the mood and instrumentation based on visual cues like clothing, setting and activity.
3. Specify genre and era
Name a genre and time period to ground the arrangement (for example, ‘90s hip-hop or 2000s pop). You can also ask for hybrid styles-e.g., a K-pop melody with Motown harmonies or classical strings blended into a funk beat-to create unique cross-genre results.
4. Add instrument, dynamics and vocal details
If you want particular instruments or changes across sections, include them in the prompt (for instance, an ‘80s synth layered into a 1950s jazz base). Lyria will default to genre-appropriate instruments if you don’t specify. You can also control song structure (soft verse building to a loud chorus, instrumental bridges, etc.) and describe vocal attributes-male or female, baritone or soprano, or textures like gravelly, soulful or breathy. Try layering or evolving vocal styles through the track.
5. Provide lyrics or ask Lyria to write them
If you have lines you want included, prepend them with “Lyrics:” and keep them short to fit the 30-second format. Use parentheses to mark backing or echoed parts, e.g., “Lyrics: Let’s go (go).” If you’d rather have Lyria compose lyrics, give a clear theme such as “a love song” or “a song about success,” or ask for a fun twist like “a new happy birthday song.”
6. Export and share your creations
Download generated tracks as MP3 or MP4 files and share them on social platforms, in messages, or wherever you want to add a musical touch. Lyria 3 makes it quick to turn moments and ideas into short, shareable songs.
Want to learn more about how the model works? See the Lyria overview and try music creation in the Gemini app: https://gemini.google/overview/music-generation/ and https://gemini.google.com/music