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AI reference to video generator

Generate a video from one reference image, with an action and camera movement you describe. Use a character, product or place as the visual starting point for your shot.

Animate a reference image

Choose a reference image and a motion preset, then edit the prompt for the shot you want. Select Animate it to generate the video.

Plan the reference-to-video shot

A still image explains appearance, while the motion brief describes what should happen next. Give the camera and the subject a clear direction.

An image without direction

What to decide

  • No chosen camera movement
  • Several possible actions competing for attention
  • No criteria for judging the finished take
Three video stills from the same prompt showing three different women

A focused motion brief

What to describe

  • One camera move to request
  • A clear action suited to the source scene
  • Specific details to inspect during playback
A portrait reference and a film strip keeping the same woman across shots

How to turn a reference image into video in 3 steps

Use the video form above to add one reference image, direct the movement and generate a clip.

  1. 1

    Choose a reference image

    Select a sample or upload an image of the subject you want to animate. Use a clear view and make sure you have the rights needed to supply it.

    Three sample reference photos with the portrait chosen
  2. 2

    Write the motion brief

    Start from a camera preset, then edit the prompt to describe the action and movement you want. Keep the request focused enough to judge the result.

    A product photo surrounded by six camera-move cards
  3. 3

    Generate and review

    Select Animate it. Watch the clip for subject changes, distorted objects and unexpected movement before revising the prompt for another attempt.

    A product photo turned into a slow push-in film strip

Direct your image-to-video shot

Separate the reference, the subject action and the camera movement when planning a shot. A focused brief makes each take easier to assess.

Supply one visual reference

Use a character, product or location image to guide the scene. Select a clear view of the subject so the picture communicates the appearance you want to develop.

Animate an image

Start with a motion preset

Choose a camera preset to begin the motion brief. Read its prompt and adjust the movement to suit the distance, framing and subject in your reference.

Animate an image

Describe the subject action

Write what should happen in the scene, such as steam rising or a person turning. Distinguish that action from the camera movement so the brief stays readable.

Animate an image

Keep the shot focused

Ask for a manageable action instead of several competing events. A concise brief gives you clearer criteria for deciding whether the resulting take fits your idea.

Animate an image

Inspect the moving subject

Review faces, hands, product labels and other important details throughout playback. Compare them across the clip when deciding which take fits your intended shot.

Animate an image

Refine the next attempt

Identify the main problem in the result, then adjust the motion description. Review the next take against the same visual criteria before selecting it for further work.

Animate an image

Reference to video prompt examples

Adapt these briefs for your reference image. All illustrations on this page are shot concepts, not interface screenshots or frames from verified generated videos.

A woman looking back on a rainy neon street
Character on a night streetShe turns to look back over her shoulder on a rain-soaked night street, neon reflections on the wet road, slow push in. One action and one camera direction give the brief a clear focus.
A steel tumbler on an oak table with rising steam
Product on a breakfast tableThe tumbler sits on an oak table in soft morning light from the left, a thin curl of steam rising, gentle orbit around the product. An orbit describes a changing viewpoint around the product. Keep the movement suited to the framing of the reference.
A walkthrough of an empty loft toward tall windows
Location walkthroughThe camera glides slowly through the empty loft from the doorway toward the tall windows, morning light spreading across the concrete floor, dust drifting in the beams. A start point and a destination give the camera move a direction through the room.
Steam rising from a bowl of ramen as noodles are lifted
Food close-upSteam rises from a bowl of ramen on a dark wooden table as chopsticks lift a few noodles, warm side light, slow push in toward the bowl. Steam and a small utensil movement add activity to a close view of the food.

Who makes AI video with reference images

Character series concepts

A creator is planning several shots around a recurring figure. Use a chosen reference as a visual starting point, then compare each take for differences in the face, clothing and proportions.

Animate an image
One host reference reused across three episodes
Character series concepts

Campaign motion studies

A brand team needs to discuss how a still campaign image could move. Review generated concepts beside the other material before deciding which shots warrant further production work.

Animate an image
Live and generated frames sharing one color grade
Campaign motion studies

Location shot planning

A production team has scout photos but no moving preview of its idea. Use a photo to explore a camera direction while recognizing that the model may invent unseen details.

Animate an image
A location scout photo turned into preview frames
Location shot planning

Pitch presentation concepts

An agency wants to explain a motion idea before a shoot is commissioned. Label the generated clip as a concept and use it to discuss pacing and visual direction.

Animate an image
Pitch stills of a scooter turned into a short motion clip
Pitch presentation concepts

Social motion experiments

A social editor is exploring movement for an existing photo. Assess whether the generated action suits the post, and review both the source permissions and the result before sharing it.

Animate an image
Approved photos turned into short social clips
Social motion experiments

Product launch previews

A launch team has packshots and needs an early motion concept. Inspect packaging, text and shape throughout the clip before treating any generated take as a usable representation of the product.

Animate an image
Approved packshots turned into an orbit clip
Product launch previews

Reference, motion and account details

Reference inputOne image selected from the samples or supplied through the upload control.
Upload guidanceFollow the current file and size guidance shown by the upload control.
Motion presetsSlow push in, gentle orbit, handheld follow, crane up, locked off and parallax dolly.
Motion promptRead the selected preset prompt and edit the action or camera direction to suit the reference.
OutputA video clip generated from your chosen reference image and motion brief.
Request costCheck the requirement shown for your account before generating. Current plans and allowances are on the pricing page.Verified 2026-10-12
Plan optionsReview the pricing page for current plans and the access requirements for video generation.Verified 2026-10-12
People in referencesUse images you have permission to supply. Check the applicable rules for recognizable people and review the output before sharing it.
Commercial usePaid-plan clips may be used commercially subject to provider terms and reference rights. Free-plan generations are for non-commercial evaluation.Verified 2026-10-12

Explore model guides for other workflows

Browse these video models for separate canvas workflows. Open each guide to compare its supported inputs and motion controls.

AI reference to video generator FAQ

What is reference to video?

Reference to video uses an image together with a motion brief to request a generated clip. On this page you supply one image, choose or edit a preset prompt, and request video. You do not need to generate a new reference image as a separate first step.

Where can I check video generation costs?

Check the requirement displayed for your account before starting a clip. The pricing page lists the current plans and included allowances, including the free account option; eligibility for the video you want to generate depends on your account's current access.

Can I use the generated clip commercially?

Clips created on paid plans carry commercial-use rights under Astorie's policy, subject to provider conditions and rights to the reference material. Free-plan generations are for non-commercial evaluation. Clear any necessary permissions for people, brands and artwork before distributing the clip.

How do I keep a character consistent across shots?

Use a clear reference and compare the face, outfit and proportions throughout each clip. Keep an approved take as a visual benchmark for later review. Reusing the same image can guide the request, but it does not lock the character or guarantee continuity between generations.

Give your reference a motion brief

Return to the video form with one image and the action you want to explore.

Animate an imageSee pricing