Image to video guide: plan one clear shot

Image to video begins with a reference photo and a description of movement. A focused first shot is easier to review than a prompt that asks for several scenes, camera changes and actions at once.

Choose a source image with one clear subject

Use a photo with a visible subject and a composition that matches your intended frame. A clear product, person or scene gives you a concrete starting point. Make sure you have permission to upload the image and process it with the service's AI providers.

In the AI Video Generator, choose Image to Video and upload a reference photo. Supported workflows vary by model; use the options actually shown in the menu.

Describe motion separately from appearance

The reference already provides visual information. Use the prompt to explain the subject's action, camera movement and pace. For example:

“A slow camera push toward the coffee cup. Thin steam rises gently while the table and background remain still. Keep the cup shape and label recognizable.”

This is a direction to try, not a guarantee that every detail will remain unchanged. If the result moves too many elements, simplify the prompt and give the main subject more attention.

Match duration and resolution to the shot

Choose the model, then select one of its supported resolution and duration options. A slow reveal and a quick gesture need different pacing. Start with a short take you can evaluate before submitting several variations.

Review the credit estimate beside the generation action. Video cost depends on the model, resolution and duration. Some models use a rate per second; Veo uses the configured duration tiers. Do not assume two different models have the same cost because both produce a six-second clip.

Follow the task and review the finished clip

Sign in and submit the request. The creation workspace tracks the task while the provider processes it. When completed media is available, the service saves it to configured storage and makes the result available for review.

Watch for unexpected motion, distorted faces, changing labels and cuts that do not follow your direction. A first take is useful feedback: adjust one part of the motion prompt rather than changing every setting at once.

Prepare your reference before animating

If a photo has a distracting object, consider a focused object-removal edit first. For a different setting, review the background tool. Check any edited reference carefully before using it as the basis for a video.

Keep an original copy of the photo and download useful clips. Generated media is not promised as permanent storage. For a new scene without a reference, choose Text to Video in the video workspace.