Getting Started with Lyria 3
Creating music with Lyria 3 is straightforward. You do not need any music production experience, paid software, or technical knowledge. All you need is a Google account and access to gemini.google.com.
Here is exactly how to get started.
Step 1: Access the Music Tool
- Go to gemini.google.com and sign in with your Google account
- Look for the Tools button in the prompt area at the bottom
- Click Tools and select Create Music
- You will see two options: pick a track to remix, or describe your own track
The create music feature is available to all users aged 18 and above, including free-tier users. No subscription required to get started.
Step 2: Create Your First Track from Text
The simplest way to generate music is with a text prompt. Type a description of what you want:
"A fun rock song about coding late at night"
Hit submit, and Lyria 3 will generate a complete 30-second track with:
- Original lyrics matching your theme
- Vocals and instrumentals
- Auto-generated cover art
Once the track is ready, you can:
- Play it directly in the chat
- Download it as MP3 (audio only) or video (audio + cover art)
- Share the track with others
- Show subtitles to see the generated lyrics
- Redo the generation for a different result
Step 3: Try Image-to-Music
This is where Lyria 3 gets truly impressive. You can upload a photo and the AI will compose music based on what it sees in the image.
- Click the Add Files button (or drag an image into the prompt)
- Select a photo from your device or Google Photos
- Optionally add a text prompt to guide the style (e.g., "a nice kids lullaby")
- Hit submit
For example, uploading a photo taken at the Golden Gate Bridge might produce a breezy pop track about ocean air and chasing dreams in the city by the bay. The AI understands the visual content, matches the vibe, and composes accordingly.
The generated track includes lyrics that are contextually relevant to the image — this is true multimodal generation where the model understands images, processes text, and outputs an entirely new modality: music.
Step 4: Remix an Existing Track
Lyria 3 comes with built-in tracks you can use as starting points:
- Open the Create Music tool
- Browse the available tracks: workout, cinematic, 8-bit, Afro-pop, and more
- Preview any track by clicking on it
- Select one and add a remix prompt
For example, select a cinematic track and type:
"Make it more emotional with sweeping strings and add soft male vocals"
Lyria 3 will reimagine the track based on your instructions while maintaining the core composition.
Step 5: Use Your Own Lyrics
Want the AI to compose music around your words? Provide your own lyrics in the prompt:
"Create a motivational hip-hop track with these lyrics: Every morning I wake up and choose the grind, coffee in my hand and deadlines on my mind"
Lyria 3 will use your exact words and generate music, vocals, and production that fits the theme and genre you described.
Step 6: Blend Genres
One of the most creative features is genre blending. You can combine wildly different styles:
"A blend of K-pop and Bollywood music"
The results can be surprisingly cohesive. Lyria 3 will find ways to merge the rhythmic patterns, vocal styles, and instrumental choices of both genres into something new.
Step 7: Apply Style Templates
When you open the music tool, you will see style templates like 8-bit, cinematic, workout, etc. Selecting a template applies that musical theming to whatever text prompt you write. This is useful for maintaining a consistent vibe across multiple tracks.
Pro Tips for Better Results
Start New Chats for Different Styles
If you generate a synth-pop track and then ask for R&B in the same chat, the model may carry over the previous style. Start a new chat for each distinct genre or mood.
Be Specific with Your Prompts
Instead of "make a song," try:
"Create an R&B track with smooth female vocals, lo-fi drums, warm bass, and a chorus about finding peace in the rain"
The more detail you provide about genre, instruments, mood, tempo, and lyrical themes, the better the output.
Use the Redo Button
Not happy with a result? Click redo to get a completely different interpretation of the same prompt. Each generation is unique.
Download as Video for Social Media
The video download includes cover art + audio, which is perfect for sharing on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts.
Current Limitations
- Track length: 30 seconds maximum (for now)
- Daily limits: Free users get 10 tracks/day, Plus gets 20, Pro gets 50, Ultra gets 100
- No API access yet: Currently only available through the Gemini app interface
- Beta status: Features and quality are still being refined
What's Next?
Google has hinted at extending track length beyond 30 seconds and potentially releasing a public API. The desktop version of Lyria 3 is also rolling out alongside the mobile app. As the model evolves, expect more control, longer tracks, and deeper integration with YouTube and other Google services.