🚀 Midjourney Office Hours Highlights: July 23rd

Midjourney’s latest office hours highlighted ongoing advancements in video and model capabilities, a strong focus on Version 8 development, and thoughtful consideration of new features and ecosystem openness. The team is balancing rapid innovation with careful rollout strategies, while also seeking broader community input for upcoming demographic-driven features.

Video Features & Model Updates 🎥

Midjourney is preparing to launch new video features, though there may be a slight delay. The upcoming release will introduce start/end frame control, looping, a 720p mode, and potentially a turbo mode for faster processing. In parallel, a recommendation engine for both video and images is under development, aiming to enhance user experience. The video model and upscaler are also being improved, supported by a new training cluster, indicating a significant investment in infrastructure and model quality.

Version 8 Development 🚀

The primary focus of the team is on Version 8 (V8), which is described as an exceptionally strong model that has generated considerable excitement internally. Some of V8’s features may be backported to create a V7.1 release, but the main development energy is directed at making V8 a major leap forward for the platform.

Style Explorer & Demographics Feature 🌏

Following the video updates, Midjourney plans to introduce new style explorer features. A survey is currently active to analyze aesthetic preferences based on style, age, gender, and country, with a particular need for more global participation, especially from regions like Japan. This feature aims to provide insights into how different demographics influence visual preferences, supporting more personalized and culturally aware outputs.

API Development & Rollout Strategy 🛠️

The API development process is progressing, with survey responses now under analysis. The rollout will prioritize the largest API customers, followed by smaller clients, and eventually offer a limited version for regular users. The team is also addressing concerns about appropriate versus inappropriate use cases, reflecting a commitment to responsible deployment.

Partnership Philosophy & Ecosystem Openness 🤝

Midjourney is actively debating whether to maintain a closed, high-standard ecosystem similar to Apple’s approach or to open up more broadly. While there is clear demand for greater access, the team is cautious about the potential for "tasteless" applications. No final decision has been made, but the discussion underscores the importance of balancing quality control with community and partner engagement.

Secret Projects & Announcement Timeline 🕵️

Several unannounced projects are in the works, with the team currently deciding whether to reveal them within the next month or wait a few months. The current inclination is toward a faster announcement schedule, suggesting that users can expect more news and features in the near future.

TL;DR

🎥 Video Features & Model Updates: New video controls, looping, 720p, and recommendation engine are on the way, with ongoing model and upscaler improvements.

🚀 Version 8 Development: V8 is the main focus and promises significant advances; some features may be backported to V7.1.

🌏 Style Explorer & Demographics: Upcoming features will analyze aesthetic preferences by demographic, with a call for broader global participation.

🛠️ API Development: API rollout will start with large customers, with a limited version for regular users; responsible use is a priority.

🤝 Partnership Philosophy: The team is weighing ecosystem openness against quality control, with no final decision yet.

🕵️ Secret Projects: Multiple new projects are in development, with announcements likely coming sooner rather than later.

If you want to support me, feel free to buy me a coffee ☕️ 

If you’re not subscribed yet to my newsletter Imagine Weekly, I’d be thrilled to welcome you on board!