The Ultimate Guide to Creating AI Videos: From Prompt Writing to Best Tools
- Nexxant
- Jun 30
- 21 min read
Introduction
Creating videos with artificial intelligence is evolving at an incredible pace, but one factor remains the key behind the most impressive results: the quality of your prompt. Knowing how to structure a well-crafted video prompt can make the difference between generating a visually stunning scene… or ending up with something generic and lifeless.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to write professional-level prompts for AI video generation using tools like Sora, Veo, Runway, or Leonardo AI Video. We’ll explore the core elements that every effective video prompt should include: subject, action, setting, camera composition, camera movement, visual style, mood, lighting, audio, and final format.
You’ll also get access to ready-to-use templates, real-world prompt examples, and a technical term reference table with the most commonly used keywords across today’s leading AI video tools.
Whether you’re creating content for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels, or commercial projects, this guide will help you turn your ideas into high-impact visual results.
1. Essential Elements for a High-Quality AI Video Prompt
If you’ve ever tried generating an AI video and felt disappointed with generic, low-quality, or off-target results… the issue was most likely your prompt. Since most AI video tools are still in development stages, getting satisfying results often depends on how well your prompt is written.
The truth is: to achieve realistic, impactful, and on-target videos, the real secret is crafting a complete, detailed, and strategically structured prompt.
But what exactly does an effective AI video prompt need to include?
Here’s a breakdown of the fundamental elements every AI video prompt should contain:
Essential Elements of an AI Video Prompt:
Subject: Who or what is the focus of the scene?
Action: What is the subject doing? What movement, expression, or interaction takes place?
Setting / Context: Where and when is the scene happening? What kind of environment or background?
Camera Composition: What is the camera angle or framing? Close-up? Medium shot? Wide shot?
Camera Motion: Is the camera static, following the subject, or performing a cinematic move (like a dolly, pan, or zoom)?
Visual Style: Do you want something photorealistic, cartoonish, anime-style, cyberpunk, cinematic, etc.?
Ambiance / Mood / Lighting: What is the emotional and visual atmosphere? Cold, warm, dark, futuristic, dramatic?
Audio / Sound Design (Optional): Do you want background music, ambient sound, or dialogue? (If the tool allows it)
Video Format / Aspect Ratio (Optional): Should the video be 16:9, 9:16, square, or cinematic widescreen?
By including these elements in a clear and detailed way, you dramatically increase your chances of the AI understanding your creative intent—and delivering a visually impressive result.
You don’t necessarily need to specify every single item, but at least cover the core elements that align with your video’s goal. Anything left unspecified will be auto-generated—or not—depending on the platform’s capabilities.
⚠️ Important Notes:
Audio and sound design: Not all tools currently support this.
Video format and aspect ratio: Some platforms have fixed output sizes. For example, Sora currently uses predefined resolutions. Veo (inside Gemini) doesn’t offer selectable aspect ratios, although sometimes you can influence it via prompt phrasing.
2. Ready-to-Use AI Video Prompt Template
Now that you know the essential elements of a good video prompt, here’s the definitive template you can copy, paste, and simply fill in with your specific details.
🎬 Complete AI Video Prompt Template:
Subject (Who or what is the focus of the scene?):[Describe the main character, object, or central element of the scene. Example: "Young female astronaut in a white spacesuit with short brown hair"]
Action (What is happening?):[Describe the action. Example: "Walking slowly on the surface of Mars while looking at the horizon"]
Context and Setting (Where and when?):[Detail the location and time. Example: "Martian landscape at sunset, with orange skies and rocky terrain"]
Camera Composition (How is it framed?):[Define the camera shot. Example: "Wide shot with the character centered in frame"]
Camera Motion (Is the camera static or moving?):[Describe the camera movement. Example: "Slow tracking shot following the character from behind"]
Visual Style (What look and feel do you want?):[Define the visual style. Example: "Cinematic and photorealistic, with high dynamic range and soft depth of field"]
Ambiance / Mood / Lighting (Atmosphere, Color, Tone):[Set the mood, lighting, and overall atmosphere. Example: "Warm sunset lighting with dramatic shadows and dusty atmosphere"]
Audio / Sound Design (Optional):[If desired. Example: "Ambient wind sound with soft orchestral background music"]
Video Format / Aspect Ratio (Optional):[Example: "16:9 for YouTube or 9:16 for TikTok"]
With this template in hand, all you need to do is adapt the details to match the video you want to create. Don’t worry about writing it in perfect linear form—feel free to use the template sections until you’re fully comfortable with the process.
👉 In the next sections, we’ll break down how to fill out each of these items in more depth—bringing you practical examples, cinematic tips, and even photography direction tricks to make your AI-generated videos more realistic and visually engaging.
👉 Pro Tip: If you "teach" this structure to ChatGPT, it can become your perfect partner in generating detailed prompts—allowing you to focus on refining the creative and technical elements of your video.
3. How to Fill Out Each Item in the AI Video Prompt Template: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have the base template, it’s time to understand how to fill in each section with maximum clarity and effectiveness, so the AI delivers exactly what you envisioned.
Remember: The more detailed and objective your prompt is, the higher your chances of getting a high-quality result.
3.1 Main Subject (Subject)
Key question: Who or what will be the focus of the scene?
This is the first element the AI will interpret when starting to generate the video. It’s essential to describe it clearly:
What to include when describing the subject:
Type of character or object: Example: “female astronaut,” “old man,” “futuristic robot”
Approximate age (if relevant): Example: “in his 30s,” “elderly”
Basic physical traits: Hair color, height, body type, etc.
Clothing and accessories: Example: “wearing a navy-blue suit,” “spacesuit with helmet”
Facial expressions: Smiling, serious, scared, focused…
Posture and body movement: Sitting, walking, gesturing, running…
🎯 Example Prompt:"A charismatic male news anchor in his 30s, wearing a navy-blue suit, with short dark hair, standing confidently."
3.2 Action (What’s Happening)
Key question: What is the subject doing in the video?
This defines the scene’s dynamic. Clearly describe the movement, interaction, and narrative focus.
Examples of action types:
Physical interaction: “walking through a crowded street,” “jumping over an obstacle”
Interaction with objects or environment: “pointing at a virtual screen,” “drinking coffee in a cozy cafe”
Expressing emotions: “smiling and laughing,” “crying silently”
Specific activities: “reporting breaking news,” “playing the guitar,” “fighting with a sword”
🎯 Example Prompt:"Reporting breaking news, gesturing with one hand while speaking directly to the camera."
3.3 Context and Setting (Where and When)
Key question: Where and when is the scene taking place? What’s the environment like?
Context defines the physical, historical, and visual setting of your scene. It determines the overall aesthetic and the type of background elements the AI will include.
What to specify in the setting:
Physical location: TV studio, forest, futuristic city, beach, spaceship, etc.
Time period: Present day, future, 1980s, medieval era…
Weather or environmental conditions: Night, day, foggy, rainy, sunset…
Stylistic inspiration (optional): "Cyberpunk city inspired by Blade Runner," "Victorian London setting"
🎯 Example Prompts:
"Inside a futuristic LED-lit newsroom."
"In a dystopian urban street at night, with neon signs and light rain."
"On the surface of Mars, with orange dust and rocky terrain at sunset."
3.4 Camera Composition (How is the Scene Framed?)
Key question: How is the camera positioned relative to the subject? What distance, angle, and framing are being used?
Camera composition defines what will appear on screen and how the audience will perceive the main subject or object. The choice of framing impacts emotional connection, scene focus, and storytelling context.
Most Common Camera Shot Types:
Type | Technical Name | When to Use |
Close-up | Close Shot | To highlight facial expressions and emotions |
Medium Shot | Waist-up Shot | Ideal for dialogues and presentations |
Wide Shot | Long Shot | To show the full character and surroundings |
Extreme Close-up | Super Close | Focus on small details: eyes, hands, objects |
Over-the-Shoulder | Over-the-Shoulder Shot | To show another character’s perspective |
Point-of-View (POV) | POV Shot | To show what the character is seeing |
Establishing Shot | Establishing | To set the scene before the action starts |
Bird’s-Eye View | Top View | For a broad, overhead environmental view |
Worm’s-Eye View | Low Angle | To create a sense of power or vulnerability |
Two-Shot | Two Characters | Shows two people in the same scene |
Tracking Composition | Follow Shot | Camera follows the moving subject |
🎯 Practical Prompt Examples for Camera Composition:
"Medium close-up from chest to head level, focused on the anchor's face."
"Wide shot showing the character walking through a futuristic city street at night."
"Bird’s-eye view of a car driving along a desert highway."
3.5 Camera Motion: Bringing Your Scene to Life
Key question: Is the camera static or moving? Are there zoom-ins, zoom-outs, pans, or any dramatic movements?
Camera motion plays a huge role in defining the visual energy and emotional tone of your AI-generated video. The right motion can add tension, immersion, smooth transitions, or emphasize specific elements of your scene.
Most Common Types of Camera Motion
Motion Type | Technical Term | When to Use |
Static Shot | Fixed camera | For interviews, static scenes, direct speech |
Slow Zoom-In | Gradual zoom-in | To create focus or build suspense |
Slow Zoom-Out | Gradual zoom-out | To reveal environment or emotional distance |
Tracking Shot | Tracking movement | To follow a moving subject |
Dolly In/Out | Dolly shot | For depth or dramatic emphasis |
Pan Left/Right | Horizontal pan | To reveal elements side-to-side |
Tilt Up/Down | Vertical tilt | To emphasize height or descent |
Crane/Jib Shot | Vertical crane move | For sweeping top-to-bottom or reverse views |
Handheld Shot | Handheld motion | For realism, documentary feel, or tension |
360-Degree Pan | Full orbit | For immersive, surround perspective |
POV Motion | Point-of-view shot | To simulate what the subject is seeing |
Push-in/Push-out | Dramatic zoom | For emotional impact or scene emphasis |
Roll | Dutch roll | To create imbalance or psychological tension |
Whip Pan | Rapid pan | For fast transitions or action effects |
🎯 Prompt description examples for Camera Motion:
"Slow zoom-in as the anchor delivers the headline."
"Tracking shot following the character from behind as they walk through the marketplace."
"Crane shot moving downwards to reveal the entire city skyline."
"360-degree pan around the main character standing on a rooftop at sunset."
Extra Tips:
✅ If you want no movement: Always write explicitly "Static camera" to avoid the AI auto-adding motion.
✅ For more cinematic effects: Feel free to combine movements, like: "Slow tracking shot with a subtle zoom-in."
3.6 Visual Style: Defining the Artistic Personality of Your Video
Key question: What aesthetic look and artistic mood do you want your video to have?
Visual style sets the tone for rendering, color palette, texturing, and overall visual personality. It directly affects realism, emotional impact, and how viewers perceive your video.
Most Popular Visual Styles for AI Videos
Style | Key Features | When to Use |
Photorealistic | Maximum realism, natural light and textures | When you want to simulate real-life footage |
Cinematic | Controlled contrast, film-grade colors | For trailers, commercials, emotional storytelling |
Cartoon / 2D Animated | Flat colors, animated look | For playful, retro, or kids’ content |
Pixar / Disney Style | Stylized 3D, charming characters, bright colors | For emotional, cute, or epic animation |
Anime Style | Bold lines, flat colors, large eyes | For dynamic, pop-culture-inspired content |
Cyberpunk | Neon lights, rain, dystopian city vibes | For futuristic, dark, or sci-fi scenes |
Noir / Retro | Black-and-white, hard shadows | For mystery, tension, or vintage aesthetics |
Watercolor / Painting | Brush stroke textures, artistic feel | For lyric videos, artistic mood pieces |
Sci-Fi Futuristic | Metallic surfaces, LED lights | For technology, science, or space themes |
VHS / Analog / 80s | Glitches, video noise, grain | For nostalgic, lo-fi, or vintage projects |
🎯 Prompt examples for Visual Style:
"Photorealistic with shallow depth of field"
"Anime style with bold lines and flat colors"
"Cyberpunk aesthetic with neon lighting and rain-soaked streets"
"Cinematic tone with rich color grading and film grain texture"
Tips:
✅ For YouTube Shorts or TikTok, styles like "Cinematic Vertical", "Viral Social Media Style", or "TikTok Trend Look" work well.
✅ For corporate or educational videos, go for "Minimalist Corporate Style" or "Clean Explainer Style".
3.7 Ambiance / Mood / Lighting: Creating Emotional Impact
Key question: What emotional, visual, and lighting mood do you want for the scene?
This element defines the emotional resonance and atmospheric feeling of your AI video. It blends tone, color temperature, lighting setup, and overall vibe. You can focus on one aspect or combine several for a richer result.
Key Aspects Within Ambiance / Mood / Lighting
Category | Example Use Cases |
Mood (Emotion/Atmosphere) | Dramatic, Mysterious, Joyful, Dark, Tense |
Lighting Type | Soft lighting, High contrast, Backlit, Low-key |
Color Temperature | Warm golden tones, Cool blue tones, Neutral daylight |
Color Palette | Vibrant, Muted, Monochromatic, Neon, Pastel |
Atmospheric Elements | Fog, Rain, Golden Hour, Dust particles, Haze |
Vibe / Setting Tone | Retro vibe, Futuristic, Cozy coffee shop, Post-apocalyptic |
🎯 Prompt examples for Ambiance:
"The atmosphere is dramatic with warm golden-hour lighting, strong contrast, and soft shadows."
"Cold, sterile lighting with metallic blue tones, evoking a futuristic lab environment."
"Mysterious nighttime scene with dense fog and cool-toned backlighting."
"Warm and cozy interior with soft amber lighting and low contrast."
Pro Tips:
✅ Always try to combine mood + lighting + color tone in the same prompt block for more cinematic results.
✅ For social media-focused videos (TikTok, Shorts, Reels), phrases like "Social media aesthetic with high saturation and fast lighting changes" often work better.
✅ Visual samples would make this section too long—but testing is the best way to learn!
3.8 Audio / Sound Design (Optional)
Key question: Does your video need audio? If so, what type? Background music? Ambient sounds? Voiceover?
Not all AI video generation tools currently provide integrated audio, but many of the newest platforms are starting to include automatic background music, ambient sound effects, and even synthetic voiceovers.
If you want the AI to include audio directly during generation, it’s important to specify this clearly in your prompt.
Most Common Types of Audio in AI-Generated Videos
Audio Category | Examples | When to Use |
Background Music | Epic orchestral, Lo-fi beats, Tense cinematic score, Upbeat pop music | To create overall emotional atmosphere |
Sound Effects (FX) | Footsteps on gravel, Glass breaking, Wind blowing, Urban traffic noise | To add realism or emphasize specific actions |
Ambience Sounds | Rain falling, Birds chirping, Busy office background noise | To fill in scene atmosphere |
Voiceover / Dialogue | Deep male narration, Excited female voice, Robotized AI voice | For educational videos, commercials, or storytelling |
Silence / No Audio | “No audio needed” | For purely visual content where audio will be added later |
🎯 Audio Prompt Examples:
"Include epic orchestral background music with subtle string crescendos and deep percussion."
"Add realistic urban street noise with distant sirens and light traffic."
"Narration with deep male voice in English, delivering a motivational speech."
"No audio required."
3.9 Video Format / Aspect Ratio
Key question: Where will this video be published? On YouTube? TikTok? Instagram? A corporate website?
The aspect ratio determines the final visual layout and directly impacts the viewer’s experience across different platforms.
Most Popular Video Aspect Ratios for AI Generation
Aspect Ratio | Common Name | Best Use Case |
16:9 | Wide / Landscape | YouTube, Vimeo, Websites, Presentations |
9:16 | Vertical / Portrait | TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts |
1:1 | Square | Instagram Feed, Facebook |
2.35:1 / 2.39:1 | Cinemascope / Ultra Wide | Movie trailers, cinematic projects |
4:3 | Old TV Format / Vintage | Retro content, VHS effects, nostalgic videos |
Custom | Specific formats | For LED walls, digital signage, or unique projects |
🎯 Aspect Ratio Prompt Examples:
"Export video in 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio for YouTube."
"Vertical format (9:16) optimized for TikTok and Instagram Reels."
"Cinematic aspect ratio 2.35:1 for a movie trailer look."
"1:1 square format suitable for Instagram feed."
Final Tips on Format:
✅ If you don’t specify the aspect ratio, most AI tools will default to their platform’s standard (typically 16:9).
✅ If you want multiple formats, be specific: “Render two versions: one in 16:9 and one in 9:16 vertical.”
✅ Be aware of platform limitations: For example, Sora currently has predefined formats, and specifying aspect ratio in the prompt may have no effect.
4. Full Prompt Examples for AI Video Generation
Now that you understand how to structure each part of a high-quality AI video prompt, let’s dive into some complete, ready-to-use examples. Below you’ll find both template-based prompts (with each section labeled) and linear prompts (ready to copy and paste as a single block).
These examples cover different video styles and platforms: cinematic sci-fi, news broadcasting, and TikTok social media content.
4.1 Astronaut Scene (Cinematic Sci-Fi)
Prompt in Template Format:
Subject: Lone astronaut wearing a futuristic spacesuit, holding a helmet in one hand.
Action: Standing still, looking out over the alien canyon as wind blows dust across the scene.
Context and Setting: On the edge of a massive alien canyon under a stormy purple sky. Dark clouds are slowly moving and swirling across the sky, while intermittent lightning flashes illuminate different parts of the landscape.
Camera Composition: Wide establishing shot.
Camera Motion: Slow pull-back (dolly out) to reveal the full scale of the landscape.
Visual Style: Cinematic and photorealistic with film grain and shallow depth of field. Cool blue and purple color palette.
Ambiance / Mood / Lighting: Dramatic atmosphere with moving volumetric fog, high-contrast shadows, and dynamic light effects from the lightning.
Audio / Sound Design (Optional): Epic orchestral soundtrack with deep strings, low-end atmospheric rumble, and occasional distant thunderclaps.
Aspect Ratio / Format: 16:9 Cinemascope ratio for cinematic trailer feel.
Linear Prompt:
A wide establishing shot of a lone astronaut wearing a futuristic spacesuit, standing still on the edge of a massive alien canyon under a stormy purple sky, holding his energy weapn in one hand and looking out over the landscape as wind blows dust across the scene. Dark, dense clouds churn and move slowly across the sky, creating a sense of impending danger. Intermittent lightning flashes illuminate different parts of the canyon at irregular intervals, casting brief, dramatic highlights on the rocky terrain. The camera slowly pulls back (dolly out), revealing the vast scale of the environment. The atmosphere is filled with volumetric fog and high-contrast shadows. The visual style is cinematic and photorealistic, with film grain and shallow depth of field, color graded with cool blue and purple tones. Epic orchestral soundtrack with deep strings, low-end atmospheric rumbles, and distant thunder rolls accompany the scene. 16:9 Cinemascope aspect ratio.
4.2 Sports News Anchor (Broadcast Style)
Prompt in Template Format:
Subject: Charismatic male news anchor in his 30s, wearing a navy-blue suit, short dark hair, confident expression.
Action: Reporting breaking news, gesturing with one hand while speaking directly to the camera. The specific headline he is delivering is in Portuguese: "Palmeiras ganha o seu primeiro mundial no ano de aniversário de 100 anos do campeonato mundial de clubes."
Context and Setting: Inside a futuristic LED-lit newsroom.
Camera Composition: Medium close-up shot (chest to head level).
Camera Motion: Slow zoom-in.
Visual Style: Photorealistic with shallow depth of field.
Ambiance / Mood / Lighting: Dramatic mood with warm golden-hour lighting, strong contrast, and soft shadows.
Audio / Sound Design (Optional): Subtle newsroom ambient noise with dramatic background music.
Aspect Ratio / Format: 16:9 widescreen, optimized for YouTube.
4.3 Fashion Influencer for TikTok (Social Media Style)
Prompt in Template Format:
1. Subject: Young female fashion influencer, 20s, wearing oversized hoodie, sneakers, long blonde hair.
2. Action: Dancing energetically, moving towards the camera, interacting with the audience.
3. Context and Setting: On a New York rooftop during sunset.
4. Camera Composition: Full-body vertical shot.
5. Camera Motion: Fast-paced zoom-in and out synced with music beat.
6. Visual Style: Vibrant, colorful TikTok aesthetic with high saturation.
7. Ambiance / Mood / Lighting: Upbeat mood, warm sunset lighting with strong highlights.
8. Audio / Sound Design (Optional): Upbeat pop track with heavy bass.
9. Aspect Ratio / Format: 9:16 vertical format, optimized for TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Linear Prompt:
A vertical full-body shot of a young female fashion influencer in her 20s, wearing an oversized hoodie, sneakers, and with long blonde hair, dancing energetically on a New York rooftop during sunset. She moves towards the camera, interacting with the audience with playful gestures. The camera performs fast-paced zoom-in and out movements synced with the music beat. The visual style is vibrant and colorful, following a high-saturation TikTok aesthetic with warm sunset lighting and strong highlights. An upbeat pop track with heavy bass plays in the background. Format is 9:16 vertical, optimized for TikTok and Instagram Reels.
5. Recommended Technical Terms for AI Video Prompt Engineering (With Examples)
These tables summarize the key elements covered earlier in this guide. They will help you choose the right terminology when crafting video prompts for AI platforms like Sora, Veo, Runway, and Leonardo AI Video.
📸 A. Camera Composition Types (Framing and Shots)
Term | Meaning | Example Usage |
Close-up | Tight frame on the face | "Close-up shot of the speaker's face showing emotion." |
Medium Shot | From waist or chest up | "Medium shot of a teacher writing on the board." |
Wide Shot | Full body + background | "Wide shot of a dancer on stage." |
Extreme Close-up | Detail on eyes, hands, or objects | "Extreme close-up of a typing hand." |
Over-the-shoulder | Perspective over a character’s shoulder | "Over-the-shoulder shot of a gamer playing." |
Bird’s-eye View | Top-down aerial view | "Bird’s-eye view of a crowded city street." |
Worm’s-eye View | Low angle from the ground up | "Worm’s-eye view of a skyscraper." |
POV Shot | Point of view from the character | "POV of a cyclist riding through traffic." |
🎥 B. Camera Motion Types
Term | Meaning | Example Usage |
Static Shot | Fixed camera, no movement | "Static shot of a person sitting at a desk." |
Slow Zoom-In | Gradual zoom towards the subject | "Slow zoom-in on the singer’s face." |
Tracking Shot | Following the character in motion | "Tracking shot of a runner on the track." |
Dolly In/Out | Smooth in/out movement on a track | "Dolly in towards the speaker during speech." |
Pan Left/Right | Horizontal camera movement | "Pan right to reveal the landscape." |
Tilt Up/Down | Vertical camera movement | "Tilt up from the ground to the sky." |
Crane Shot | Large vertical camera move | "Crane shot revealing the entire battlefield." |
Handheld | Handheld, shaky cam effect | "Handheld shot for documentary feel." |
Whip Pan | Fast panoramic movement | "Whip pan transition to next scene." |
🎨 C. Visual Style Options
Term | Style | Example Usage |
Photorealistic | Ultra-realistic textures and lighting | "Photorealistic style with lifelike skin textures." |
Cinematic | Filmic look with rich contrast and grading | "Cinematic look with rich contrast and color grading." |
Cartoon / 2D Animation | Flat colors, traditional animation | "2D cartoon style with flat colors." |
Pixar Style | 3D stylized with soft shading | "Pixar-style character with big eyes and smooth shading." |
Anime | Japanese anime aesthetics | "Anime style with bold outlines and vivid colors." |
Cyberpunk | Neon, rainy, futuristic urban | "Cyberpunk style with rain and neon lights." |
Noir | Black-and-white with strong shadows | "Noir style with dramatic shadows." |
Watercolor | Painted, artistic look | "Watercolor look with flowing paint effects." |
💡 D. Lighting / Ambiance / Mood (Atmosphere and Emotion)
Category | Example Terms |
Lighting Type | Soft lighting, Hard light, Backlight, Low-key lighting, High contrast lighting |
Color Temperature | Warm golden tones, Cool blue tones, Neutral daylight, Sunset glow |
Mood / Emotion | Dramatic, Mysterious, Joyful, Tense, Uplifting |
Atmospheric Elements | Foggy environment, Rainy night, Golden hour, Dust particles, Volumetric light rays |
Vibe (Modern Term) | Retro vibe, Cozy coffee shop feel, Corporate clean look, TikTok trending aesthetic |
🎶 E. Audio / Sound Design (When Supported)
Category | Examples |
Background Music | Epic orchestral, Lo-fi chillhop, Upbeat pop, Dramatic cinematic score |
Ambient Sounds | City traffic noise, Forest birds, Office ambience, Rain sounds |
Sound Effects (FX) | Footsteps, Glass breaking, Car engine starting, Applause |
Voiceover Type | Deep male narration, Soft female voice, Robotic voice |
No Audio | "No audio required." |
6. Advanced Prompt Engineering Tips for AI Video Generation (Common Mistakes + Pro Hacks)
6.1 Most Common Mistakes in AI Video Prompt Writing
Mistake | Why It Hurts | How to Fix |
❌ Too generic prompt | Generates vague and unfocused scenes | Always include: subject, action, context, framing, and style |
❌ Not specifying camera motion | AI picks random movements | Clearly define: static shot, slow zoom-in, etc. |
❌ Ignoring lighting and mood | Visuals may look flat or emotionally off | Always specify: lighting type, color tone, mood |
❌ Skipping aspect ratio | AI outputs random formats (usually 16:9 by default) | Always define: 16:9, 9:16, 1:1, etc. |
❌ Mixing conflicting visual styles | Visually incoherent output | Stick to one style per prompt |
❌ Using ambiguous language | AI may misinterpret terms like "dark" (mood or lighting?) | Be specific: "dark mood with low-key lighting" |
6.2 Pro Hacks to Boost Your AI Video Quality
✅ Use high-definition adjectives:Example: "Cinematic close-up with shallow depth of field and realistic skin texture."
✅ Mention famous visual references:Example: "Blade Runner-inspired cityscape with neon lights" or "Pixar-style character with large expressive eyes."
✅ Combine multiple camera motions:Example: "Slow tracking shot combined with a subtle zoom-in for dramatic effect."
✅ Define both physical and emotional atmosphere:Example: "Foggy urban alley with cold blue lighting and tense mood."
✅ Specify camera + lens + effect:Example: "Wide-angle lens with soft bokeh effect and shallow focus on foreground subject."
✅ Use intensity modifiers:Example: "Extreme low-angle shot for exaggerated power dynamic" or "High-intensity dramatic lighting with deep shadows."
✅ Request focus pull effects:Example: "Focus pull from background city lights to foreground character."
✅ Detail character actions:Example: "The actor walks towards the camera, stops, looks directly at lens, and smiles confidently."
✅ Pair motion with dynamic setting:Example: "Crane shot moving downward as the city skyline lights up at sunset."
Example of a Full Advanced Prompt:
"A dramatic slow-motion tracking shot of a young female warrior in battle armor sprinting through a rain-soaked cyberpunk city at night, with neon reflections on the ground, volumetric fog, and intense blue and purple lighting. Cinematic style, shallow depth of field, high contrast, with epic orchestral background music. 16:9 aspect ratio."
7. Most Popular AI Video Generation Tools
In this section, we focus on the most accessible AI video generation tools, including platforms that offer free trials or affordable entry plans. While Midjourney is often considered one of the most powerful tools for visual AI (especially for image generation), it requires a paid subscription (starting at $8/month), making the following video-focused tools more approachable for most creators.
7.1 Sora (OpenAI)
Sora, developed by OpenAI (the creators of ChatGPT), is currently one of the most advanced platforms for realistic and cinematic AI video generation from text prompts.
Key Features:
Text-to-Video Generation: Users describe the scene in detail, and Sora generates the video from scratch based on the prompt.
Cinematic Quality: Capable of producing videos in 1080p with complex camera movements, realistic transitions, advanced lighting effects, and fluid character and object animation.Note: Free and basic accounts are limited to 720p output.
Long and Complex Scenes: Sora can generate videos up to 1 minute long, including multiple actions within the same scene.Note: Basic accounts are limited to 5-second videos, but users can combine clips for longer sequences.
Deep Visual Narrative Understanding: The AI accurately interprets spatial, temporal, and semantic relationships between scene elements. However, prompt creativity and detail from the user remain essential for best results.
Text-to-Video and Image-to-Video Modes: You can also provide an image as a starting frame for the video.
Limitations:
No Post-Generation Editing: Adjustments require regenerating the entire video with a new prompt.
Content Restrictions: No extreme violence, sensitive material, or content that violates OpenAI’s policies.
Rendering Time: Video generation can take several minutes due to high computational demands.
7.2 Veo (Integrated into Gemini)
Veo, developed by Google DeepMind, is Sora’s main competitor and Google’s latest evolution in AI video generation.
Key Features:
High-Quality Video Generation: Capable of 4K resolution (currently outperforming Sora in resolution). Supports multiple styles: cinematic, documentary, animated, time-lapse, and even drone-like aerial shots.
Advanced Camera Movements: Supports commands like zoom in/out, tracking, panning, tilt, and drone shots, offering greater cinematic control.
Detailed Prompt Interpretation: Veo understands camera angles, scene movement, photography styles, and narrative tones.
Physics-Based Scene Rendering: Realistic depth of field, particle movement, reflections, and volumetric lighting.
Audio Support (Veo 3): Now capable of generating contextual audio, including dialogues in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Limitations:
Closed Beta Access: Veo 3 is not yet publicly available—currently restricted to invited creators.
Short Narrative Focus: Maximum video length is around 60 seconds, depending on complexity.
Learning Curve for Prompts: Users need a better understanding of cinematography language to get optimal results.
Processing Time: Rendering can take several minutes, especially for 4K outputs.
Free Users: Limited to 8–10 second videos, with a daily limit of 4 renders.
Links:
7.3 Kling AI (Kuaishou Technology)
Kling AI, developed by Kuaishou Technology, is one of the most advanced AI video generators available, offering realistic visuals, complex movements, and strong character consistency, making it ideal for dynamic narratives and action scenes.
Key Features:
Generation Modes: Supports Text-to-Video and Image-to-Video, allowing users to transform text descriptions or static images into animated videos.
Start and End Frames: Users can provide both a starting and ending image for more controlled scene transitions.
Camera Control: Detailed commands for zoom, pan, and drone movements, providing high cinematic control.
Character Consistency: Maintains visual integrity of characters throughout the video, minimizing distortions.
Additional Features: Includes lip-sync with AI voice, video extension, and granular scene editing (add/remove elements within a scene).
Credit System: Offers pay-as-you-go credits for flexible usage.
Audio Generation (Version 2.1 and up): Supports audio in the generated videos.
Free Plan:200 free credits available for testing.
Limitations:
Resolution and Duration: Up to 1080p resolution, maximum 10-second videos.
Prompt Complexity: Highly detailed prompts may require iterations and refinements for best results.
Pricing: Free tier has limitations; paid plans range from $10 to $92 per month.
7.4 Hailuou AI
Hailuou AI is an emerging video generation platform known for its fast rendering speeds, making it ideal for beginners and social media content creators.
Key Features:
Generation Modes: Supports both Text-to-Video and Image-to-Video.
Output Quality: HD videos with optional upscaling to 4K, featuring smooth animations and pleasing visuals.
User-Friendly Interface: Simplified creation process suitable for all skill levels.
Additional Features: Includes static image animation, style transfer on existing videos, and template-based video creation.
Free Plan: Offers 500 credits for new users.
Limitations:
Video Length: Maximum duration of 8 seconds.
Camera Control: Limited control over camera movement and lighting.
Visual Style: More suited for stylized, conceptual, and social media-friendly content, less focused on hyper-realism.
Link: https://hailuoai.video/
7.5 Leonardo AI (Video-to-Video and Text-to-Video)
Leonardo AI, initially famous for its advanced image generation capabilities, has recently expanded into AI video generation. The new Video-to-Video and Text-to-Video features make it a powerful option for artists, designers, and content creators already familiar with Leonardo’s ecosystem.
Key Features:
Generation Modes:
Text-to-Video: Generate short videos (up to 6 seconds) from detailed text descriptions.
Image-to-Video (Video-to-Video): Transform a static image or short video into an animated clip, maintaining visual consistency.
Visual Styles: Native support for cinematic, realistic, anime, digital painting, and other styles.
Visual Consistency: Excellent preservation of color, texture, and rendering style between the input and output.
Ease of Use: Similar interface to Leonardo’s image tools, minimizing the learning curve for existing users.
Audio Generation: Integrated Veo-based generation, allowing videos with contextual audio.
Limitations:
Duration: Currently capped at 6 seconds per generation.
Camera Movement and Character Animation: Still basic, especially compared to Kling or Veo.
Resolution and Frame Rate: Typically outputs 720p to 1080p, with frame rates ranging from 15 to 24 FPS depending on style.
Rendering Time: Can be slower for complex styles.
Free Tier Limits: Daily free credits are insufficient for full video generation. Paid plans start at $10/month.
Quick Comparison: Leonardo AI vs Kling AI vs Hailuou AI
Feature | Leonardo AI (Video) | Kling AI | Hailuou AI |
Generation Modes | Text-to-Video, Image-to-Video | Text-to-Video, Image-to-Video | Text-to-Video, Image-to-Video |
Max Resolution | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p | HD with 4K upscaling |
Max Duration | Up to 6 seconds | Up to 10 seconds | Up to 8 seconds |
Camera Control | Basic | Advanced | Limited |
Visual Style | Cinematic, Realistic, Anime, etc. | Realistic, Cinematic | Stylized, Conceptual |
Consistency with Input Image | High | High (Character-focused) | Good for effects |
Ease of Use | High (for existing Leonardo users) | Requires prompt expertise | Beginner-friendly |
Pricing | Limited free plan; paid plans from $10/month | Free with limits; paid plans from $10–$92/month | Free with paid upgrades |
Conclusion
Creating effective AI video prompts isn’t just about creativity—it’s a technical skill that involves understanding visual language, narrative flow, and the unique parameters each AI tool requires.
By mastering elements like framing, camera movement, visual style, mood, and aspect ratio, you significantly increase your chances of producing high-quality, visually impactful videos.
Whether for corporate projects, social media content, cinematic trailers, or artistic experiments, the prompt structure outlined in this guide can be your key to turning ideas into visually stunning AI-generated videos.
👉 Pro Tip: Before hitting render, always ask yourself:“If I handed this prompt to a Hollywood cinematographer, would they know exactly what to shoot?”
If the answer is yes... you're on the right track.
Now it’s your turn: copy the template, customize, experiment with different styles, and start creating amazing AI videos today.
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