Image to Video
A CLOSER LOOK
Image to Video
Animate a starting image with a motion prompt. Upload your image and describe how the subject, scene or camera should move.
- Visual starting point
- The accepted image supplies the subject and composition.
- Prompt focus
- Describe what moves, in which direction and how quickly.
- Review
- Check the main subject, edges and any lettering throughout the animation.
One Image, Two Endpoints or a Movement Reference?
| What you need to guide | Choose | Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| An opening image and the motion after it | Image to Video on this page | One image and a description of subject or camera movement |
| Both the opening and destination composition | Start & End Frames | Two compatible images and the action connecting them |
| A character following movement from footage | Motion Control | A character image and an accepted driving video |
01
Image to Video from Your Starting Artwork
Image to video begins with an image rather than a blank visual brief. Bring artwork, a portrait or another image you are authorized to animate, then explain the movement you want to add. A cover image can become a short atmospheric scene; a performance portrait can become a moving shot. The starting image gives the model a composition to work from.
Choose a source with one clear focal point. Small faces, crowded instruments and fine lettering can be difficult to maintain during motion. If an exact logo or title must remain untouched, consider adding that element later in an editor rather than expecting generated frames to preserve every character.
02
Describe Motion Around the Image’s Subject
Use the motion prompt to explain what changes over time: a subtle head turn, moving fabric, reflections on water or a slow camera push. Say which elements should remain stable when that matters. A focused instruction helps you evaluate whether the generated motion serves the image instead of simply asking for more movement everywhere.
Match your requested framing to the supported output shape. Cropping a wide artwork into a vertical shot may remove important details, and the model may interpret new areas beyond the original frame. Check available settings before submission and inspect the resulting composition at the size you plan to publish.
03
Compare the Animated Image with the Original
Review the generated video for subject identity, edge detail and motion continuity. Starting from a portrait does not guarantee an exact likeness in every frame, and animated objects can change shape. Compare the opening, middle and ending of the take with your source rather than judging only the thumbnail.
Use the result as a short moving visual or as one shot in a longer edit. Keep the original image available for comparison and download the delivered clip when you choose a take. For a planned transition with a specific destination image, the separate Start & End Frames tool provides two image inputs.
How to Use Image to Video
- 01
Choose the image to animate
Upload an image you have permission to use. A clear subject and readable composition give the clip a useful starting point.
- 02
Describe image-to-video movement
Explain what should move and what should stay consistent. Review the selected model’s available duration and output settings.
- 03
Inspect the animated image
Check faces, edges and camera movement in the result. A starting image guides the output without guaranteeing identical details in every frame.
Example inputs to adapt
Subtle Motion from an Existing Image
The camera slowly pushes toward the subject. A light breeze moves the nearby fabric while the subject turns slightly toward the window. Gentle, continuous motion.
Supply the starting image separately. The prompt describes motion around what is already visible; it does not claim the image will remain identical in every frame.
Image to Video Use Cases
- Animate authorized cover artwork for a short teaser.
- Explore motion for a portrait or performance image.
- Create an atmospheric insert for a longer edit.
Video input examples
Small gestures in an everyday scene
Start with an image and describe a few natural gestures. Keep faces, hands and surrounding objects readable as the scene moves.
A restrained portrait movement
Use a permitted portrait as the starting point. Ask for a small head turn or expression change, then inspect the face throughout the clip.
About this example
Start with your own permitted image, then describe what moves. These licensed image-to-video clips illustrate motion; their original starting images are not supplied as a matched input/output pair.
Small gestures in an everyday scene
Example brief
Keep the people, restaurant and framing from the starting image. Add small natural hand gestures and a little steam rising from the food. Use a slow, subtle camera move.
What you provide
- Your starting image of a scene.
- A motion brief.
What to expect
A video guided by your image and the movement instruction.
What to check
- Check faces, hands and the objects that should remain in place.
- Compare the result with your own input, not just this reference.
Licensed motion reference; original input image not included.
A restrained portrait movement
Example brief
The person makes a small head turn and looks toward the camera. Preserve the framing and warm outdoor light from the input image. Keep the expression natural and the camera movement minimal.
What you provide
- Your permitted portrait image.
- A brief for expression and camera movement.
What to expect
A short portrait animation whose details still need inspection.
What to check
- Inspect the eyes, hair, face shape and background between frames.
Licensed image-to-video reference; not an identity-preservation guarantee.
Image to Video Questions
Does image to video keep my image exactly unchanged?
The image guides the generation, but animated details can change. Check faces, hands, lettering and the main object across the full clip. Use a separate editing step for elements that require exact reproduction.
Can I animate an album cover?
You can use cover artwork you own or are authorized to animate when it meets the selected model’s upload requirements. Strong subjects and clear shapes are easier to assess than tiny text. Check the downloaded result for unwanted changes before publishing.
What is different about Start & End Frames?
Image to Video uses a starting image to guide a clip. Start & End Frames accepts a separate destination image as well, so you can describe the transition between two visual endpoints when the selected model supports that task.
How much does this task cost?
Review the credit cost displayed for the selected model and output settings before submitting. Available controls, limits and prices depend on that selection. You can prepare the inputs before signing in; submission requires the account and credit checks shown by the workspace.
What should I check before sharing or keeping a result?
Use material you own or have permission to transform and review the applicable service and model terms. Inspect the entire returned file before publishing. Download the results you want to keep; do not treat temporary access or a saved task record as a promise of permanent file storage.