AI Video Generation: Complete Guide to Models & Modes
10 AI models for video creation in 2026 — with demos and prompts
AI Video in 2026: A Production Tool, Not an Experiment
AI video generation has moved beyond the lab. Commercial spots in an hour instead of a week. Character animation without actors or studios. Storyboard visualization before the first day of shooting. Brands are cutting production budgets 5-10x. Content creators are closing monthly plans in a day.
In 2026, AI video generators deliver 4K at 60fps, create native audio, sync lips in 8 languages, transfer motion from video references, and shoot multi-camera stories across multiple scenes. The question is no longer "does it work" but which model to choose for your specific task.
This guide covers 10 models, each with a video demo, prompt, and price. Copy the prompts, watch the results, pick your model.
Video Generation Modes
Text-to-Video (T2V)
Describe a scene in text — the AI creates a video from scratch. The most universal mode. Great for ad concepts, idea visualization, background videos, social media content.
Image-to-Video (I2V)
Upload a photo, describe the motion — the model animates it. A portrait starts blinking. A landscape comes alive with waves. A product rotates on a table. Great for portrait animation, product marketing, landing pages.
Motion Control
Upload a video with the motion pattern you want — the model transfers it to new content. Choreography, gesture transfer, camera movement replication. Available in Kling 2.6 and Kling 3.0.
Lip Sync
Character photo + audio track = video with realistic lip animation. Great for localization, virtual speakers, avatars. Kling 3 supports 5 languages, Seedance 2.0 supports 8+.
Multi-Shot — Multi-Scene Stories
New mode in Kling 3.0. Describe multiple scenes with separate prompts and durations — the model generates a cohesive video with transitions. Perfect for short films, narrative ads, storytelling.
Model Overview
Kling 3.0 — Flagship with 4K and AI Director
A colossal ancient tree at the center of a floating island, its massive roots dangling into the clouds like wooden waterfalls, thousands of bioluminescent butterflies rising from the glowing canopy into the twilight sky, the camera slowly ascending from the base upward, revealing an endless vista of floating islands connected by vine bridges stretching beyond the horizon, epic orchestral fantasy, a sense of wonder and discoveryThe top model on the platform. 4K at 60fps, up to 15 seconds. AI Director — 6 camera presets for professional cinematography. Native sound, lip sync in 5 languages, Motion Control, Multi-Shot.
Price: from 22 credits (3 sec, 720p) to 131 (15 sec). 1080p — from 30. Sound adds 11-62 credits depending on duration.
Best for: cinema, advertising, multi-camera scenes, anything requiring maximum quality.
Price: from 15 credits (10 sec) to 25 (15 sec).
Best for: narrative videos, short films, dialogue, scenes with speech.
Veo 3.1 (Google) — Realistic Physics in Two Modes
A master glassblower in a dimly lit Venetian workshop, molten glass glowing orange-red on the blowpipe, sparks flying with each breath, the artisan's weathered hands working with precise movements, dramatic warm side light revealing intense concentration on his face, the glass slowly taking the shape of an elegant swan, documentary cinematography, warm amber color gradingTwo modes: Fast (20 credits) — quick results for prototyping, and Quality (30 credits) — maximum detail. Realistic physics: water, fire, fabric, smoke, glass. Native sound. 8 seconds.
Price: Fast — 20 credits, Quality — 30 credits (flat rate).
Best for: natural scenes, realistic physics, budget-friendly quality video.
Seedance 2.0 — Multimodal Record-Holder
Epic cinematic tracking shot of a young woman warrior with glowing cyan tattoos leaping off a crumbling skyscraper rooftop in a futuristic destroyed city. Mid-air she summons a massive swirling vortex of electric blue and molten gold energy between her hands, hurling it downward at a colossal shadow creature climbing the building below. The impact creates a shockwave explosion of bright teal sparks and golden debris radiating outward in slow motion. Marvel meets Akira cinematography, anamorphic lens flares, 2KAccepts text + up to 9 images + video + audio simultaneously. 2K, up to 15 seconds. Lip sync in 8+ languages. Unique @image1–@image9 syntax for referencing uploaded images directly in prompts.
Price: from 29 credits (5 sec, 720p) to 78 (15 sec). Preview mode costs more (x1.9).
Best for: complex projects with references, multilingual content, music videos.
Kling 2.6 — Camera Effects and Predictability
A breathtaking drone aerial shot over a misty mountain valley at dawn, clouds slowly parting to reveal a hidden waterfall plunging hundreds of meters into an emerald glacial lake, the camera descending through the fog, golden morning light painting the peaks, flocks of birds taking flight from the treetopsA reliable workhorse. 8 camera modes: pan, zoom, orbit, tilt and their combinations. 1080p, 5-10 seconds. Excellent result predictability. I2V and Motion Control.
Price: from 20 credits (5 sec) to 42 (10 sec I2V). Sound adds 20-84 credits.
Best for: camera effects, predictable results, commercial content.
Seedance 1.5 Pro — Sound and Lip Sync at Minimum Cost
A tracking shot following a lone astronaut walking across the vast rust-red Martian desert, a tiny blue Earth reflected in his visor in the distance, fine red dust particles floating in the thin golden atmosphere, footprints trailing across untouched sand, the setting sun casting an impossibly long shadow, contemplative and emotionally profound, Interstellar-style cinematographyThe most affordable model with sound on the platform. Native audio and lip sync. 480p-720p, 4-12 seconds. T2V and I2V. At 480p — just 3 credits for 4 seconds of video.
Price: from 3 credits (4 sec, 480p) to 17 (12 sec, 720p). Sound included in the price.
Best for: budget video content with sound, social media, bulk generation, idea testing.
Hailuo — Three Models for Different Budgets
The camera slowly orbits a luxurious mechanical watch floating in zero gravity, water droplets drifting around it, each droplet catching the light and splitting into tiny prisms and rainbows, an extreme close-up reveals the intricate tourbillon, pulling back to a wider shot as the watch begins to rotate, cinematic studio lightingThree options: Hailuo 02 Standard — most affordable (from 7 credits, 512p). Hailuo 2.3 Fast — balance of price and quality (30 credits, 1080p). Hailuo 2.3 Pro — maximum stylization quality (45 credits, 1080p). I2V in all variants.
Best for: stylization, product videos, commercial clips with high detail.
Wan 2.5 — Instant Prototyping
A majestic white stag with branching antlers slowly emerging from morning mist in an enchanted forest, sunbeams piercing through ancient tree canopies, each step lifting a cloud of golden spores and luminous particles, moss on the trunks shimmering with emerald light, the stag turns its head toward the camera, dawn reflected in its eyes, cinematic camerawork, depth of fieldFast model for iterations. 720p-1080p, 5-10 seconds. Two variants: standard and Fast. I2V supported.
Price: from 20 credits (5 sec, 720p) to 65 (10 sec, 1080p).
Best for: quick prompt testing, drafts, iterations before final generation on a premium model.
Grok Video (xAI) — A Different Visual Voice
A samurai slowly drawing a gleaming katana during a torrential downpour, every raindrop frozen in time and illuminated by a flash of lightning, the camera orbiting 180 degrees around the warrior, his robes billowing, ink wash painting style merging with reality, dramatic and hypnoticT2V and I2V. 6-10 seconds. A distinct visual style — useful for A/B testing and experiments. The most affordable I2V model on the platform.
Price: from 8 credits (I2V, 6 sec) or from 10 (T2V, 6 sec).
Best for: style experiments, A/B testing, budget I2V animation.
Kling 3.0 Multi-Shot — Multi-Scene Stories
Close-up of an ancient compass on a stone altar, the needle begins to spin, runic symbols on the casing ignite with warm golden light An explorer pushes through dense jungle, following the glowing compass in hand, sunbeams piercing through tropical foliage A majestic entrance to a hidden temple emerges from the overgrowth, covered in centuries-old moss and vines, the compass pulsing brightly before the ancient stone gatesPrice: 155 credits (flat rate). A premium mode for serious projects.
Best for: narrative ads, trailers, short films.
Higgsfield DoP — Cinematic Depth
The camera slowly pushes in on the subject, with subtle parallax depth creating a cinematic 3D feel, gentle ambient lighting shifts reveal new details and textures, atmospheric particles float softly in the foreground, smooth and dreamlike motion, professional cinematographyA specialized I2V model for turning photos into cinematic videos with depth effect. Three quality modes: Lite (10 credits), Turbo (30), Preview (41). Creates a "camera effect" from a static image.
Price: from 10 credits (Lite) to 41 (Preview).
Best for: photo animation with 3D effect, social media content, live wallpapers.
\n\nComparison Table
| Model | Max Duration | Max Resolution | Sound | I2V | Motion Control | Lip Sync | Credits from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kling 3.0 | 15 sec | 4K 60fps | Yes (+) | Yes | Yes | 5 languages | 22 |
| Veo 3.1 Fast | 8 sec | 1080p | Yes | No | No | No | 20 |
| Veo 3.1 Quality | 8 sec | 1080p | Yes | No | No | No | 30 |
| Seedance 2.0 | 15 sec | 2K | Yes | Yes | Yes | 8+ languages | 29 |
| Kling 2.6 | 10 sec | 1080p | Yes (+) | Yes | Yes | No | 20 |
| Seedance 1.5 Pro | 12 sec | 720p | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | 3 |
| Hailuo 2.3 Pro | 6-10 sec | 1080p | No | Yes | No | No | 45 |
| Hailuo 2.3 Fast | 6-10 sec | 1080p | No | Yes | No | No | 30 |
| Hailuo 02 Standard | 6-10 sec | 768p | No | Yes | No | No | 7 |
| Wan 2.5 | 10 sec | 1080p | No | Yes | No | No | 20 |
| Grok Video | 10 sec | 720p | No | Yes | No | No | 8 |
| Kling 3 Multi-Shot | multi-scene | 1080p | Yes | No | No | No | 155 |
| Higgsfield DoP | 5 sec | 1080p | No | Yes (I2V) | No | No | 10 |
"Yes (+)" — sound available as a paid add-on. Prices shown for minimum configuration. Current prices at pricing.
How to Choose a Model
Maximum Quality
Kling 3.0 — 4K, AI Director, Motion Control. Covers 90% of professional tasks.
Limited Budget
Seedance 1.5 Pro — from 3 credits with sound. Grok I2V — from 8 credits. Hailuo 02 Standard — from 7. Veo 3.1 Fast — 20 credits for Google-level quality.
Need Sound
Seedance 1.5 Pro — from 3 credits (sound included). Veo 3.1 — native sound. Kling 3 and 2.6 — sound as a paid add-on.
Animate a Photo
Higgsfield DoP — cinematic depth from 10 credits. Kling 3 I2V — maximum quality. Grok I2V — most affordable option (from 8).
Lip Sync / Voice-over
Seedance 2.0 — 8+ languages. Kling 3 — 5 languages. Kling Lip Sync — specialized mode (from 30 credits).
Multi-Scene Video
Only Kling 3 Multi-Shot — multiple scenes with separate prompts in one video. 155 credits, but replaces 3-5 separate generations + editing.
Social Media Content
Seedance 1.5 Pro (from 3) or Hailuo 02 Standard (from 7) — maximum content for minimum credits. Use 9:16 format for Reels/TikTok.
\n\nPrompt Engineering for Video
Effective Prompt Structure
A good video prompt describes four things: what happens, how the camera moves, what lighting/style, and what mood.
Formula: Subject + Action + Camera movement + Lighting/style + Mood
Camera Movement
slow zoom in— creates intimacycamera orbits 180 degrees— reveals the form of the subjectdrone aerial shot descending through fog— drone descending through fogtracking shot following the subject— camera follows the charactervertical dolly drop— vertical camera drop (action)pull back to reveal— pull back revealing scale
Physics and Materials
water droplets splitting into tiny prisms— droplets refract lightsparks flying with each breath— sparks with each exhalefine red dust particles floating— fine particles floating in airfabric rippling in the wind— cloth waving in the windgolden spores and luminous particles— glowing particles (atmosphere)
Cinematic Style
cinematic color grading— professional color correctionanamorphic lens flares— cinema-style lens flaresshallow depth of field, f/1.4 bokeh— shallow DOFdocumentary cinematography— documentary styleMarvel meets Akira cinematography— mixing styles (creates unique results)
Tips
- Start with 5 seconds — shorter videos are cheaper and faster for prompt testing
- Write prompts in English — all models are trained on English data
- Describe specific actions: "blinks slowly and turns head to the right" instead of "movement"
- Specify camera style — models, especially Kling 3, follow camera instructions well
- Use the "Enhance prompt" feature — it automatically adds cinematic details
- Test on budget models (Seedance 1.5, Grok), finalize on Kling 3 or Veo 3.1
Generation Parameters
Duration — start with 5 seconds. 10 seconds is the standard for most tasks. 15 seconds — only for Kling 3 and Seedance 2.0. Price scales nearly linearly with duration.
Resolution — 720p for social media and prototypes. 1080p — the universal choice. 4K — Kling 3 only, for professional production. Upgrading from 720p to 1080p adds 30-50% to the cost.
Format — 16:9 for YouTube and horizontal video. 9:16 for Reels, TikTok, Stories. 1:1 for Instagram feed. Most models support all three formats.
Sound — native audio (Veo 3.1, Seedance) or paid add-on (Kling). Lip sync requires uploading an audio file.
Summary
For first experiments — Seedance 1.5 Pro (from 3 credits, with sound) or Grok I2V (from 8). For serious work — Kling 3.0 (4K, AI Director, all modes). For realistic physics — Veo 3.1.
10 models, 5 generation modes, prices from 3 to 155 credits. For any task and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does video generation cost?
From 3 credits (Seedance 1.5 Pro, 4 sec, 480p) to 155 (Kling 3 Multi-Shot). Most tasks cost 15-30 credits. Budget options: Seedance 1.5 (from 3), Hailuo 02 Standard (from 7), Grok I2V (from 8).
What is the maximum resolution?
4K at 60fps — only Kling 3.0. Seedance 2.0 — up to 2K. Most models — 1080p. For social media 720p is enough, for advertising 1080p is standard.
Which models generate video with sound?
Native sound (included): Veo 3.1, Seedance 2.0, Seedance 1.5 Pro. Paid add-on: Kling 3.0 and Kling 2.6. For lip sync: Kling 3 (5 languages), Seedance 2.0 (8+ languages), Seedance 1.5 Pro.
How long does generation take?
From 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Fast models (Wan 2.5 Fast, Veo 3.1 Fast) — 30-90 seconds. Heavy tasks in Kling 3 4K or Multi-Shot — up to 5-10 minutes. Seedance 2.0 — up to 15-25 minutes (complex multimodal requests).
How do I animate a photo?
Use Image-to-Video (I2V) mode. Upload a photo and describe the motion specifically: "blinks slowly and turns head to the right" instead of just "movement". Best I2V models: Kling 3 (quality), Higgsfield DoP (depth), Grok I2V (price — from 8 credits).
Can I create multi-scene videos?
Yes. Kling 3 Multi-Shot lets you describe multiple scenes with separate prompts and durations. The model generates a cohesive video with transitions. Cost — 155 credits. Alternative — generate scenes separately and edit together.
What language should I write prompts in?
English. All models are primarily trained on English data and understand English prompts better. Clipia has an "Enhance prompt" feature that automatically expands and translates your prompt for better results.
Which model for commercial video?
Kling 3.0 — for 4K, camera effects, and maximum quality. Veo 3.1 Quality — for realistic scenes with physics. For bulk content (social media) — Seedance 1.5 Pro for the best price/quality ratio.
