Full guide
This comprehensive guide teaches you how to craft compelling prompts for AI video generation. Master the art of video prompt engineering to bring motion, timing, and narrative flow to your creative visions.
Note
All example videos in this guide were generated using the Pruna-optimized WAN video models on Replicate:
What is a video generation prompt?
A “video prompt serves as your creative blueprint for motion” - it’s the textual instruction that guides AI models to generate specific videos. Think of it as directing a cinematographer who can capture anything you can describe.
Effective video prompt engineering involves “strategically describing movement, timing, and visual flow” that communicates your vision clearly across multiple frames. The precision of your language directly influences the quality and coherence of the generated output.
Prompting principles for video generation
Master these fundamental principles to create compelling prompts that generate better, more coherent video results.
✅ DO |
❌ DON’T |
|---|---|
Use descriptive, direct language “Camera slowly panning across a serene lake at sunset” |
Use command-style instructions “Please create a video of a lake at sunset” |
Focus on motion and action “Waves crashing against rocky shore with dramatic motion” |
Describe static scenes “A rocky shore with waves” |
Be specific about timing “Slow motion of water droplets splashing” |
Ignore pacing “Water splashing” |
Include camera movements “Tracking shot following the cyclist down the winding road” |
Omit camera work details “Cyclist on a road” |
Use dynamic verbs “Running, flying, swimming, dancing” |
Use passive language “A person who is moving” |
Specify temporal elements “Gradually, slowly, quickly, building to crescendo” |
Leave timing ambiguous “Scene changes” |
Include atmospheric details “Misty morning with soft diffused light” |
Ignore mood and atmosphere “Morning scene” |
Tip
Successful video prompts follow a simple formula: Subject(s) + Action(s) + Scene(s) + (Camera Movement(s) + Lighting(s) + Style). The first three are essential; the last three are optional enhancements.
Creating a video generation prompt
Every well-crafted video prompt contains three essential components:
Subject(s): What or who are the main focus of the video
Action(s): What the subject(s) are doing
Scene(s): Where the action(s) are taking place
Optional enhancements that add to the narrative and visual appeal:
Camera Movement(s): How the scene(s) are filmed
Lighting(s): Lighting that enhances atmosphere and mood
Style: The visual tone and aesthetic
Step 1: Define the subject(s)
Begin by identifying the main focus of your video - whether it’s a person, animal, object, or scene. Be as descriptive as possible to guide the AI model toward generating the exact subject you envision.
Subject Specification Guidelines:
Human Subjects: Include age range, gender, clothing style, physical features, facial expressions, and body postures
Animal Subjects: Specify breed/variety, size, coloration, behavior, and habitat
Objects: Detail materials, dimensions, condition, and placement
What to Include:
Primary subject: The main focus of the video
Additional subjects: Supporting subjects that enhance the narrative
Appearance: Physical features, hairstyle, clothing, accessories
Body postures: Stance and positioning
Physical characteristics: Size, proportions, distinctive features
"Cinematic shot of a knitted purple prune character"
Step 2: Describe the action(s)
What is the subject doing? This is the core of your prompt, as it drives the video’s storyline. The action describes the motion, movement, and activity that occurs throughout the video.
Action Specification Guidelines:
Motion Verbs: Use dynamic verbs like “running”, “flowing”, “transforming”, “dancing”, “soaring”, “colliding”
Tempo and Pacing: Specify timing with terms like “slow motion”, “fast-paced”, “building to crescendo”, “gradually”
Direction and Flow: Indicate movement direction like “from left to right”, “circling around”, “approaching”
Intensity: Describe energy level with terms like “energetic”, “peaceful”, “dramatic”, “intense”
Continuity: Define whether the action is “continuous”, “sequential”, “transitioning”, or “building”
What to Include:
Primary action: The main movement or activity
Additional actions: Multiple sequential or simultaneous actions (e.g., “wakes up, then puts on glasses, then drinks coffee”)
Motion quality: How the movement feels (smooth, jerky, fluid, explosive)
Temporal elements: Speed, duration, and progression of action
"[...] dancing joyfully through the room"
Step 3: Establish the scene(s)
Where is the action taking place? The scene provides the environmental context that sets the stage for your video’s narrative. This includes the foreground, background, and spatial elements that define where the action unfolds.
Scene Specification Guidelines:
Location Type: Specify the environment like “urban street”, “mountain peak”, “underwater cave”, “space station”
Spatial Elements: Describe the setting including architecture, landscape, furniture, or structural features
Environmental Conditions: Include weather, atmospheric effects, time of day, seasonal elements
Contextual Details: Add ambient elements like crowds, furniture, natural features, or architectural details
Depth and Scale: Define the scope with terms like “vast landscape”, “intimate space”, “panoramic view”
What to Include:
Foreground elements: Objects, people, or features in the immediate action space
Background elements: Distant scenery, architecture, natural features that provide context
Environmental mood: The overall feeling of the space (cozy, vast, industrial, natural)
Spatial relationships: How elements relate to each other in the scene
"[...] a large pink and purple room with puddles on the floor"
Step 4: Specify camera movement(s) (optional)
How is the scene filmed? Camera movement defines the visual perspective and how the viewer experiences the action. These techniques guide the audience’s attention and create dynamic visual narratives.
Camera Movement Guidelines:
Tracking Techniques: “following”, “tracking”, “pursuing” - camera moves with the subject
Orbital Movements: “circling around”, “orbiting”, “rotating view” - camera moves around the subject in a circular path
Zoom Effects: “zooming in/out”, “approaching”, “backing away” - camera distance changes
Panning and Tilting: “panning left/right”, “tilting up/down” - camera rotates horizontally or vertically
Aerial Perspectives: “bird’s eye view”, “overhead shot”, “flying camera” - elevated camera positions
Handheld Effects: “shaky”, “handheld”, “documentary style” - simulating camera operator movement
What to Include:
Movement type: “following”, “circling”, “flying”, “pushing in”
Direction and path: Where the camera moves (up, down, around, through)
Speed and pacing: How quickly the camera moves (“slowly”, “rapidly”, “gradually”)
Transition effects: “starting”, “ending”, “smoothly transitioning” between positions
Multiple techniques: You can combine multiple camera movements for complex shots
"[...] camera starting in front, then circling and ending behind the character"
Step 5: Define lighting(s) (optional)
What lighting conditions enhance the mood and atmosphere? Lighting is a powerful tool for setting emotional tone, creating depth, and directing attention in your video. It affects how viewers perceive and feel about the scene.
Lighting Specification Guidelines:
Natural Lighting: “golden hour”, “blue hour”, “daylight”, “sunset”, “dawn”, “natural window lighting”
Artificial Lighting: “streetlights”, “neon glow”, “spotlight”, “studio lighting”, “LED strips”
Lighting Character: “soft”, “harsh”, “diffused”, “dramatic”, “warm”, “cool”, “natural”
Lighting Direction: “front-lit”, “backlit”, “side-lit”, “top-down”, “rim lighting”
Shadow Effects: “dramatic shadows”, “soft shadows”, “high contrast”, “shadow play”, “dancing shadows”
Atmospheric Effects: “flickering”, “shifting”, “glowing”, “luminescent”, “ethereal illumination”
What to Include:
Light source: “golden hour”, “candlelight”, “neon signs”, “streetlamps”
Lighting quality: “soft”, “dramatic”, “harsh”, “diffused”, “warm”, “cool”
Shadow characteristics: “dramatic shadows”, “soft shadows”, “long shadows”
Mood and atmosphere: “mysterious”, “warm”, “intimate”, “dramatic”, “peaceful”
Time and setting: “morning light”, “midnight”, “sunset colors”, “candlelit”
"[...] warm golden hour lighting creating soft illumination"
Step 6: Establish style (optional)
What is the visual tone and aesthetic? Style encompasses the artistic approach, emotional tone, and overall visual language of your video. It determines how the content looks and feels to viewers.
Style Specification Guidelines:
Animation Styles: “anime”, “3D rendered”, “cel-shaded”, “motion graphics”, “stop motion”
Realism Levels: “photorealistic”, “hyper-realistic”, “lifelike”, “documentary style”
Artistic Approaches: “oil painting”, “watercolor”, “sketch”, “graphic novel”, “comic book style”
Visual Aesthetics: “cyberpunk”, “vintage”, “modern minimalist”, “retro”, “futuristic”
Cinematic Styles: “cinematic”, “Hollywood blockbuster”, “indie film”, “documentary”, “music video”
Emotional Tones: “whimsical”, “dramatic”, “peaceful”, “energetic”, “mysterious”, “inspirational”
Cultural Styles: “American comics”, “Japanese animation”, “European art house”, “documentary film”
What to Include:
Visual medium: “3D animation”, “2D illustration”, “live-action”, “painted”
Artistic movement: “impressionist”, “expressionist”, “minimalist”, “surrealist”
Genre aesthetics: “sci-fi”, “fantasy”, “noir”, “cyberpunk”, “retro”
Emotional atmosphere: “serene”, “dramatic”, “whimsical”, “intense”, “calming”
Technical quality: “cinematic”, “professional”, “studio quality”, “film grain”
"[...] cinematic animation style"
Video generation prompt categories
Understanding how specific words and phrases impact your generated videos is essential for crafting effective prompts. Each term you include shapes the visual output in predictable ways. This section explains not just what terms to use, but “what temporal effects they create” and “how they influence motion and pacing”.
Visual style vocabulary
Visual style terms control the artistic medium, rendering technique, and overall aesthetic approach of your generated videos. These keywords transform how subjects appear in motion and what mood the video conveys.
"3D animated knitted purple prune character running from left to right across urban rooftops stopping in the middle of the screen to wave towards the camera, smooth motion capture, whimsical and energetic mood, fast-paced action"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Three-dimensional rendering |
“3D rendered”, “CGI animation”, and “computer-generated” establishes three-dimensional appearance, “polygonal models” adds geometric structure |
Motion capture quality |
“smooth motion capture” and “realistic animation” creates natural movement, “professional rigging” ensures proper articulation, “fluid motion” adds smoothness |
Dynamic camera work |
“camera following with dynamic angles” provides tracking shots, “orbital camera” creates circular motion, “flying camera” establishes fluid movement |
Textured materials |
“realistic textures”, “procedural materials”, and “shader effects” adds surface detail, “reflective surfaces” creates glossy appearances |
Lighting systems |
“global illumination”, “ray-traced lighting”, and “volumetric lighting” creates realistic illumination, “dramatic shadows” adds depth |
Action sequences |
“parkour movements”, “acrobatic stunts”, and “dynamic action” establishes energetic motion, “fast-paced” creates intensity, “building to climax” adds progression |
Architectural visualization |
“modern buildings”, “urban environments”, and “architectural details” establishes spatial contexts, “flying through interior” creates immersive motion |
"Old school anime scene of Isaac Newton discovering gravity. young Newton with silver hair sits under an apple tree, an apple falls on his head, and equations swirl around him as he realizes the law of gravity, dramatic lighting, cinematic anime style, brownish color palet, inspiring and magical atmosphere."
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Animated proportions |
“anime style” and “chibi animation” create exaggerated features with large eyes and stylized proportions, “expressive facial features” adds emotional clarity |
Cel-shaded motion |
“smooth animation” provides fluid transitions between frames, “on-model consistency” maintains character proportions, “dynamic motion lines” creates energy |
Color saturation |
“vibrant colors” increases intensity and saturation, “bright palette” establishes cheerful mood, “stylized hues” adds artistic coloration |
Exaggerated movement |
“dynamic action” and “exaggerated movements” create energetic motion, “rubber hose animation” adds elastic bouncy quality, “squash and stretch” provides cartoony physics |
Particle effects |
“cherry blossom petals”, “sparkles”, and “motion trails” add environmental animation, “magical energy swirls” creates fantasy atmosphere |
Camera movements |
“dynamic camera following” establishes tracking motion, “cinematic anime framing” creates dramatic angles, “close-up transition to wide” adds variety |
Animation principles |
“smooth interpolation”, “anticipation and follow-through”, “timing and spacing” ensure natural motion, “ease in/ease out” creates believable movement |
"Purple prune wizard is casting spells on a bowl of prunes in an ancient library, magical energy swirling around floating spell books, dramatic lighting from glowing crystals, mystical and enchanting atmosphere, slow build to crescendo"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Magical elements |
“magical energy swirling” and “spell effects” create supernatural phenomena, “floating objects” defies gravity, “glowing crystals” adds luminous magical sources |
Mystical environments |
“enchanted forests”, “ancient ruins”, and “wizard towers” establishes fantastical settings, “otherworldly landscapes” creates impossible geography |
Supernatural lighting |
“dramatic lighting from magical sources” creates glow effects, “ethereal illumination” adds otherworldly atmosphere, “mystical shadows” deepens mystery |
Fantastical creatures |
“dragons”, “unicorns”, and “magical beings” adds mythical characters, “creatures soaring” provides dynamic motion |
Transformation effects |
“morphing”, “metamorphosis”, and “transformation sequences” creates shape-changing magic, “materializing” adds appearance effects |
Narrative pacing |
“slow build to crescendo” creates dramatic progression, “epic moments” establishes grand scale, “building intensity” adds tension |
Camera techniques |
“dramatic angles”, “sweeping camera movements”, “cinematic framing” establishes filmic quality, “tracking alongside creatures” adds dynamic motion |
"Professional chef preparing gourmet meal in modern kitchen, close-up shots of precise knife work transitioning to wide establishing shot, natural window lighting, documentary-style camera work, focused and authentic mood, steady rhythm"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Realistic motion |
“photorealistic” and “lifelike movement” creates believable motion, “natural physics” establishes realistic dynamics, “fluid motion” adds smooth transitions |
Professional cinematography |
“documentary-style camera work” provides authentic feel, “handheld” adds shaky realism, “shallow depth of field” focuses attention, “cinematic composition” establishes filmic quality |
Natural lighting progression |
“golden hour lighting” creates warm natural illumination, “soft morning light” establishes gentle dawn atmosphere, “shifting shadows” shows time passage |
Realistic detail |
“ultra-detailed”, “high resolution”, and “sharp focus” increases precision, “textured surfaces” adds material realism, “authentic atmosphere” creates believability |
Human subjects |
“professional chef”, “natural expressions”, and “realistic body language” adds human authenticity, “natural movement” creates believable motion |
Environmental realism |
“natural setting”, “authentic backdrop”, and “real-world location” establishes believable context, “environmental details” adds depth |
Professional techniques |
“camera transitioning between shots”, “jump cuts”, and “match cuts” creates professional editing, “smooth transitions” maintains flow |
"Spacecraft docking at orbital station, camera circling around the massive structure, neon lights and holographic displays, futuristic and technological atmosphere, smooth cinematic movement"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Futuristic environments |
“orbital stations”, “spaceships”, and “futuristic cities” establishes advanced technology settings, “neon-lit streets” adds cyberpunk atmosphere |
Technological elements |
“holographic displays” creates translucent interfaces, “neon lights” adds electric glow, “laser beams” provides futuristic weapons, “particle effects” adds sci-fi details |
Advanced motion |
“smooth docking sequences” creates precise movement, “levitating objects” defies gravity, “mechanical precision” establishes robotic motion |
Cyberpunk aesthetics |
“rain-soaked streets” adds reflective surfaces, “neon reflections” creates atmospheric lighting, “dark urban landscapes” establishes dystopian mood |
Camera techniques |
“circling around structures”, “tracking through corridors”, “flying camera” creates dynamic motion, “dramatic low angles” adds epic scale |
Space and cosmic settings |
“nebulas”, “star fields”, and “alien planets” creates cosmic environments, “cosmic lighting” adds dramatic atmosphere, “floating in space” establishes zero-gravity |
Robotic movement |
“precise mechanical motion”, “servo movements”, and “robotic gait” creates artificial motion, “sleek mecha designs” adds futuristic robots |
"Fluid purple prune shapes morphing and transforming in sync with ambient music, kaleidoscopic camera movements, neon purple colors against dark void, hypnotic and meditative atmosphere, rhythmic timing"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Non-representational motion |
“abstract patterns” and “organic forms” create flowing non-figurative movement, “geometric transformations” establishes mathematical motion with shapes morphing and evolving |
Color and light effects |
“neon colors” provides electric saturation with glowing effects, “dark void” creates contrast against bright elements, “color gradients” adds smooth transitions between hues |
Hypnotic movement |
“morphing”, “transforming”, and “flowing shapes” create seamless transitions between forms, “rhythmic timing” establishes musical synchronization |
Camera techniques |
“kaleidoscopic camera movements” provides rotating symmetrical views, “orbiting around” creates circular motion, “fluid camera work” adds smooth transitions |
Particle effects |
“particle trails”, “explosions”, and “swirling particles” add dynamic visual effects, “dissolving patterns” creates transformative motion |
Meditative atmosphere |
“hypnotic and meditative” establishes calm focused mood, “soothing” creates peaceful feeling, “tranquil” adds serene quality |
Artistic techniques |
“color field animation”, “liquid light”, “abstract expressionist” add artistic movement styles |
Subject matter vocabulary
Subject matter terms specify what appears in your video - the environments, activities, objects, and contexts that create your visual narrative. These terms define the content and setting of your generated videos, working alongside visual style to create complete compositions.
"Martial artist performing complex kata in dojo, camera circling around the practitioner, dramatic lighting creating shadows, intense and focused atmosphere, rhythmic timing"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Combat movements |
“martial arts”, “fighting”, and “combat sequences” creates violent action, “karate moves” establishes specific techniques, “combat choreography” adds professional quality |
High-energy motion |
“fast-paced action”, “dynamic movement”, and “rapid sequences” establishes energetic intensity, “explosive” creates sudden bursts |
Stunt sequences |
“acrobatic stunts”, “parkour”, and “extreme sports” adds athletic performance, “daredevil” creates risk, “precise movements” adds control |
Dramatic lighting |
“dramatic shadows”, “high contrast lighting”, and “intense illumination” creates mood, “backlighting” adds silhouette effects |
Camera techniques |
“camera circling”, “tracking shots”, and “dynamic angles” creates motion, “close-up to wide” adds variety |
Atmospheric intensity |
“tense”, “focused”, and “dramatic” establishes mood, “building to climax” creates progression |
"A small group of lions walking across the African savanna while a single Jeep, camera tracking the group from left to right, golden hour lighting, natural and raw atmosphere, building tension and excitement"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Wildlife behavior |
“hunting”, “running”, and “soaring” creates natural movement, “predatory behavior” establishes instincts, “migration” adds seasonal motion |
Natural motion |
“graceful movement”, “powerful strides”, and “soaring flight” establishes animal qualities, “natural gait” creates authenticity |
Documentary style |
“wildlife photography”, “documentary footage”, and “natural behavior” creates authenticity, “gorgeous cinematography” adds beauty |
Environmental context |
“savanna”, “ocean”, and “forest” establishes habitats, “natural setting” creates realistic context, “wild habitat” adds authenticity |
Camera techniques |
“tracking”, “following motion”, and “documentary camera work” creates natural framing, “ground level” adds perspective |
Natural lighting |
“golden hour”, “dramatic sunset”, and “natural light” establishes time of day, “creating atmosphere” adds mood |
Behavioral details |
“hunting behavior”, “parenting”, and “social interaction” creates stories, “raw and natural” adds authenticity |
"Time-lapse of construction crane building skyscraper, camera positioned at ground level looking up, dramatic shadows shifting, industrial and impressive mood, accelerated pace"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Architectural motion |
“time-lapse construction”, “building process”, and “construction activity” creates fast-motion building, “structural assembly” adds progress |
Static to dynamic |
“animated architecture”, “moving elements”, and “transforming spaces” establishes change, “modular assembly” adds construction |
Urban environments |
“city streets”, “urban landscapes”, and “metropolitan areas” establishes settings, “bustling activity” adds energy |
Light and shadow |
“shifting shadows”, “dramatic lighting”, and “golden hour on buildings” creates atmosphere, “changing illumination” adds time |
Camera techniques |
“looking up”, “ground level”, and “aerial view” establishes angles, “flying through” adds motion |
Industrial atmosphere |
“industrial”, “impressive scale”, and “monumental” establishes mood, “architectural grandeur” adds beauty |
Construction processes |
“construction crane”, “building materials”, and “worksite activity” adds realism |
"A model walking down an improvised runway in a flowing evening gown, camera tracking from side then front, studio lighting, elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, graceful pacing"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Runway motion |
“walking runway”, “strutting”, and “modeling” creates fashion movement, “graceful stride” establishes elegance, “professional walk” adds quality |
Garment movement |
“flowing fabric”, “swirling dress”, and “draping materials” creates textile motion, “fabric physics” adds realism |
Sophisticated atmosphere |
“elegant”, “sophisticated”, and “luxury” establishes mood, “chic” adds style, “high fashion” creates exclusivity |
Studio lighting |
“studio lighting”, “elegant illumination”, and “professional lighting” creates controlled atmosphere, “flattering light” adds beauty |
Camera techniques |
“tracking alongside”, “moving camera”, and “dynamic framing” creates motion, “close-up details” adds texture |
Styling details |
“evening gown”, “haute couture”, and “designer clothing” establishes garments, “accessories” adds details |
Presentation quality |
“professional”, “polished”, and “refined” creates quality |
"A purple prune pie is in the window sill and steam rises from the pie. The camera slowly moves to the outside of the forest cabin and reveals singing birds cozy and authentic mood, meditative pace"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Culinary preparation |
“kneading dough”, “chopping vegetables”, and “cooking process” creates food prep motion, “culinary techniques” adds skill |
Food dynamics |
“sizzling”, “bubbling”, and “steaming” creates cooking action, “floating particles” adds atmosphere, “pouring liquids” establishes flow |
Micro detail motion |
“slow motion”, “macro details”, and “extreme close-up” focuses on textures, “material surfaces” adds realism |
Kitchen atmosphere |
“warm lighting”, “cozy atmosphere”, and “authentic mood” creates feeling, “homey” adds comfort |
Particle effects |
“floating flour”, “steam rising”, and “sparkles” adds details, “droplets” creates water effects |
Professional techniques |
“professional chef”, “culinary artistry”, and “food styling” creates quality, “appetizing” adds appeal |
Camera movements |
“close-up of hands”, “tracking motion”, and “dynamic angles” focuses attention, “transitioning shots” adds variety |
"A group of adults (African, white, Asian) sit at a long table in a cosy Parisian living room filled with artsy furniture and metal water pitchers. The camera view moves from left to right. There is a joyful atmosphere, and the pace is relaxed."
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Interior spaces |
“living room”, “bedroom”, and “kitchen” establishes domestic settings, “cozy atmosphere” creates comfort |
Intimate activities |
“reading”, “relaxing”, and “personal moments” creates private activities, “peaceful activity” establishes calm |
Ambient lighting |
“warm candlelight”, “fireplace glow”, and “soft illumination” creates atmosphere, “mood lighting” adds feeling |
Camera techniques |
“slowly zooming in”, “gentle camera movement”, and “intimate framing” creates focus, “close-up progression” adds detail |
Domestic details |
“furniture”, “decorative elements”, and “personal items” adds context, “homey details” establishes environment |
Peaceful mood |
“peaceful”, “intimate”, and “cozy” creates atmosphere, “gentle pacing” adds calm |
Activity focus |
“everyday activities”, “routine moments”, and “casual scenes” establishes relatable content |
"Gentle waves lapping against rocky coastline at sunset, camera slowly panning from left to right, golden hour lighting creating long shadows, peaceful and meditative atmosphere, slow motion"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Natural elements |
“waves crashing”, “leaves falling”, and “flowing rivers” creates natural motion, “organic movement” establishes flow |
Seasonal changes |
“autumn leaves”, “winter snow”, and “spring blossoms” establishes time, “seasonal transformation” adds change |
Landscape cinematography |
“panoramic views”, “wide landscape shots”, and “establishing shots” creates scope, “stunning scenery” adds beauty |
Natural lighting |
“golden hour”, “sunset colors”, and “dawn light” establishes time, “natural illumination” adds realism |
Camera techniques |
“slowly panning”, “gentle motion”, and “smooth camera work” creates calm, “following nature” adds harmony |
Atmospheric effects |
“mist rising”, “fog rolling”, and “rain falling” adds mood, “weather effects” establishes atmosphere |
Peaceful mood |
“meditative”, “serene”, and “peaceful” establishes calm, “slowed down” adds tranquility |
"High-speed off-road rally race through muddy, rugged forest terrain. Shaky, action-packed camera from inside vehicles and close to the action. Custom, mud-covered buggies and trucks race intensely, engines roaring, splashing through river crossings, and spraying mud everywhere. Key moment: one buggy hits the river at full speed, vanishing in a huge splash, closely followed by a truck that barrels through the muddy water. Both vehicles emerge, dripping with water and mud, and the wild race continues through the tough landscape."
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Outdoor activities |
“cycling”, “hiking”, and “running” creates athletic motion, “exploring” establishes discovery |
Adventure motion |
“racing”, “traversing”, and “conquering” creates excitement, “dynamic movement” establishes energy |
Environmental variety |
“mountain trails”, “forest paths”, and “urban streets” establishes settings, “diverse landscapes” adds variety |
Natural lighting |
“filtering light”, “dappled sunlight”, and “natural illumination” creates atmosphere, “changing light” adds time |
Camera techniques |
“following behind”, “tracking alongside”, and “flying camera” creates dynamic motion, “immersive POV” adds perspective |
Energetic atmosphere |
“adventurous”, “dynamic”, and “exciting” establishes mood, “fast-paced” creates intensity |
Outdoor elements |
“wind effects”, “moving foliage”, and “dust clouds” adds realism, “environmental details” creates immersion |
"A Mexican family is standing outside at Dia de los Muertos at a parade in Mexico City. The parade is full of people moving, wearing colourful traditional Mexican attire and face paint; a band plays music next to the family. The camera zooms in on a photo on an ofrenda and shows a Mexican grandfather and grandmother who play chess underneath a tree and suddenly start waving."
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Human activity |
“dancing”, “walking”, and “working” creates human motion, “natural movement” establishes authenticity |
Emotional expression |
“joyful”, “pensive”, and “expressive” establishes feeling, “emotional range” adds depth |
Body language |
“gesturing”, “interacting”, and “communicating” creates social motion, “human behavior” adds realism |
Professional framing |
“close-up portraits”, “full body shots”, and “dynamic angles” creates variety, “professional cinematography” adds quality |
Activities |
“performing”, “creating”, and “expressing” establishes action, “artistic expression” adds meaning |
Camera movements |
“transitioning shots”, “tracking motion”, and “circling around” creates dynamic framing, “following action” adds immersion |
Atmospheric mood |
“expressive”, “artistic”, and “captivating” establishes feeling |
"Water droplets colliding and merging in slow motion, macro camera work showing surface tension effects, laboratory lighting, scientific and precise atmosphere, deliberate timing"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Physical phenomena |
“colliding”, “merging”, and “splitting” creates physics motion, “gravity effects” establishes natural forces |
Slow motion detail |
“slow motion”, “capturing moments”, and “detailed observation” creates clarity, “revealing physics” adds understanding |
Scientific precision |
“precise”, “measured”, and “controlled” establishes accuracy, “scientific method” creates credibility |
Material interactions |
“surface tension”, “fluid dynamics”, and “elastic collision” creates physics, “material properties” adds detail |
Macro cinematography |
“extreme close-up”, “microscopic detail”, and “macro work” focuses on small scale, “revealing detail” adds insight |
Laboratory aesthetics |
“scientific lighting”, “controlled environment”, and “precise conditions” establishes lab setting |
Educational value |
“educational”, “demonstrative”, and “illustrative” creates learning content |
"The computer screen displays a building designed in real-time in a modern office with wood and brown vibes; the camera is positioned over the programmer's shoulder while she designs. Blue screen glow, focused and productive atmosphere, steady rhythm"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Digital interfaces |
“code appearing”, “typing animation”, and “screen transitions” creates digital motion, “UI elements” adds interface |
Technology focus |
“computer screen”, “display interfaces”, and “digital content” establishes settings, “tech aesthetic” creates modern mood |
Electronic lighting |
“screen glow”, “blue light”, and “ambient display” creates atmosphere, “electronic illumination” adds mood |
Productive atmosphere |
“focused”, “productive”, and “efficient” establishes mood, “work environment” creates context |
Camera positioning |
“over shoulder”, “screen focus”, and “close-up details” creates framing, “documenting work” adds realism |
Content progression |
“real-time updates”, “animated interfaces”, and “changing displays” creates motion, “dynamic content” adds life |
Modern aesthetics |
“contemporary”, “digital age”, and “tech-forward” establishes style |
"A woman illuminated by single candle flame, dramatic shadows dancing on walls, camera slowly circling around, mysterious and intimate atmosphere, flickering light creating movement"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Lighting conditions |
“candlelight”, “sunset”, and “neon” establishes illumination, “dramatic shadows” creates mood |
Lighting motion |
“flickering”, “shifting”, and “dancing light” creates movement, “dynamic illumination” establishes change |
Atmospheric effects |
“dramatic”, “mysterious”, and “intimate” creates mood, “atmospheric lighting” adds feeling |
Time of day |
“golden hour”, “blue hour”, and “midnight” establishes time, “changing light” creates progression |
Light sources |
“firelight”, “sunlight filtering”, and “LED strips” creates sources, “artificial lighting” adds control |
Shadow effects |
“dramatic shadows”, “soft shadows”, and “shifting shadows” creates depth, “shadow play” adds drama |
Cinematic quality |
“cinematic lighting”, “film noir”, and “professional illumination” establishes quality |
"Medieval knight walking through castle courtyard, camera following from behind, torchlight creating flickering shadows, historical and atmospheric mood, deliberate pacing"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Historical periods |
“medieval”, “Victorian”, and “ancient” establishes time, “period-accurate” adds authenticity |
Location-specific |
“castle courtyard”, “Victorian street”, and “ancient ruins” establishes place, “authentic setting” creates realism |
Era-appropriate aesthetics |
“historical architecture”, “period clothing”, and “antique design” creates style, “authentic details” adds accuracy |
Historical atmosphere |
“atmospheric mood”, “period feel”, and “nostalgic” creates feeling, “historical context” adds depth |
Camera techniques |
“documenting era”, “following through space”, and “capturing period” creates framing, “time-travel feel” adds immersion |
Cultural elements |
“cultural details”, “traditional elements”, and “period-appropriate” adds context |
Narrative depth |
“telling story”, “historical narrative”, and “transporting viewers” creates engagement |
"Real-life scene of a rock climber scaling a steep cliff at sunrise, she slowly moves upward, camera positioned below capturing the climber's movements, warm natural lighting, dust and small rocks falling, realistic textures and details, triumphant and energetic atmosphere."
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Athletic motion |
“scoring”, “running”, and “competing” creates sports action, “athletic performance” establishes skill |
Dramatic moments |
“triumphant”, “competitive”, and “intense” creates feeling, “defining moment” establishes importance |
Sports environments |
“stadium”, “court”, and “track” establishes settings, “sports venue” creates context |
Professional cinematography |
“dramatic angles”, “slow motion”, and “tracking shots” creates quality, “sports camera work” adds excitement |
Dynamic action |
“fast-paced”, “explosive”, and “energetic” creates intensity, “powerful movements” establishes force |
Team and individual sports |
“team coordination”, “individual performance”, and “competitive spirit” creates variety |
Celebratory atmosphere |
“triumphant”, “victory”, and “celebration” establishes mood |
"Arm of a robot machine assembling electronic components, macro camera work showing precise movements, clean laboratory lighting, technological and efficient atmosphere, rhythmic timing"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Technological processes |
“assembling”, “programming”, and “operating” creates tech motion, “automated” establishes machines |
Precision movement |
“precise”, “controlled”, and “measured” creates accuracy, “mechanical precision” establishes quality |
Modern aesthetics |
“clean”, “high-tech”, and “futuristic” creates style, “contemporary technology” establishes era |
Laboratory settings |
“clean environment”, “sterile workspace”, and “professional setting” creates atmosphere |
Robotic motion |
“robot arm”, “automated assembly”, and “servo movements” creates mechanical action, “sleek technology” adds beauty |
Camera techniques |
“macro details”, “close-up precision”, and “focusing on process” creates framing, “documenting technology” adds realism |
Efficient atmosphere |
“productive”, “technological”, and “modern” establishes mood |
"A hand with a silver wedding ring is writing "pruna" on a paper, the camera view shows from above the desk, warm desk lamp lighting, creative and personal atmosphere, steady pace"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Writing motion |
“appearing”, “being written”, and “forming” creates text motion, “real-time writing” establishes authenticity |
Typography animation |
“letters appearing”, “words forming”, and “sentences building” creates progression, “animated text” adds movement |
Personal atmosphere |
“creative”, “personal”, and “intimate” creates mood, “handwritten” adds authenticity |
Warm lighting |
“desk lamp”, “warm glow”, and “cozy illumination” creates atmosphere, “intimate lighting” adds feeling |
Camera positioning |
“above”, “overhead”, and “documenting writing” creates framing, “focus on text” adds clarity |
Writing media |
“on paper”, “digital screen”, and “chalkboard” establishes format, “various surfaces” adds variety |
Creative process |
“creative”, “artistic”, and “expressive” establishes intent |
"Classic car driving through winding mountain road, camera mounted on hood, golden hour lighting, nostalgic and adventurous mood, smooth cinematic movement"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Vehicle motion |
“driving”, “cruising”, and “racing” creates movement, “vehicle movement” establishes motion |
Transport variety |
“cars”, “motorcycles”, and “trains” establishes variety, “vehicles” creates scope |
Camera mounting |
“on hood”, “on dashboard”, and “following” creates perspective, “mounted camera” adds realism |
Driving environments |
“mountain roads”, “city streets”, and “highways” establishes settings, “diverse routes” adds variety |
Lighting conditions |
“golden hour”, “night driving”, and “daylight” establishes time, “atmospheric lighting” adds mood |
Adventurous atmosphere |
“nostalgic”, “adventurous”, and “exciting” creates mood, “journey feel” adds narrative |
Cinematic quality |
“smooth movement”, “cinematic”, and “professional” establishes quality |
"An old sailor is blowing bubbles underwater. His knitted blue sailor hat casts a shadow over his eyes, and a thick grey beard obscures his chin. He holds his pipe in one hand while blowing bubbles and waving at a school of fish. "
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Aquatic motion |
“swimming”, “diving”, and “flowing water” creates movement, “underwater” establishes environment |
Water dynamics |
“waves”, “currents”, and “ocean flow” creates motion, “water physics” establishes realism |
Underwater environments |
“coral reef”, “ocean floor”, and “underwater caves” establishes places, “aquatic scenes” creates variety |
Lighting effects |
“filtered sunlight”, “caustics”, and “underwater illumination” creates atmosphere, “refracted light” adds beauty |
Camera techniques |
“gliding alongside”, “underwater camerawork”, and “fluid motion” creates framing, “immersive underwater” adds realism |
Serene atmosphere |
“peaceful”, “serene”, and “tranquil” creates mood, “aquatic tranquility” adds calm |
Marine life |
“schooling fish”, “coral”, and “marine creatures” adds authenticity |
"It is raining on a wet green tent in a forest. Raindrops splatter on the tent. The camera position is on the grounds nearby the tent, and we can also see twigs and leaves on the ground."
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Weather phenomena |
“rainfall”, “snowfall”, and “wind effects” creates weather, “atmospheric conditions” establishes mood |
Dramatic weather |
“thunderstorms”, “blizzards”, and “tornadoes” creates intensity, “extreme weather” establishes power |
Lightning effects |
“flashing”, “illuminating”, and “striking” creates drama, “electrical activity” adds excitement |
Camera techniques |
“tracking storms”, “time-lapse weather”, and “dramatic angles” creates framing, “documenting weather” adds realism |
Atmospheric power |
“dramatic”, “powerful”, and “intense” creates mood, “nature’s force” establishes scale |
Weather progression |
“approaching”, “arriving”, and “clearing” creates narrative, “weather changes” adds progression |
Seasonal effects |
“autumn rain”, “winter snow”, and “spring showers” establishes time, “seasonal weather” adds context |
Video format vocabulary
Video format terms control the structure, length, camera technique, and complexity of your generated videos. These keywords determine how your video unfolds and how the content is organized.
"Knitted purple prune character stretching in sunbeam, slow motion, warm lighting, peaceful mood"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Concise content |
“brief”, “simple”, and “focused” creates clarity, “to the point” establishes efficiency |
Single focus |
“one subject”, “single action”, and “simple scene” creates focus, “unified content” establishes simplicity |
Clear action |
“straightforward motion”, “direct movement”, and “simple activity” creates clarity, “defined action” establishes purpose |
Essential elements |
“core components”, “key details”, and “essential information” creates completeness, “necessary elements” establishes sufficiency |
Quick execution |
“fast generation”, “efficient”, and “rapid” creates speed, “streamlined” establishes quickness |
Immediate impact |
“instant appeal”, “clear message”, and “direct communication” creates effectiveness |
Simple framing |
“basic camera work”, “straightforward framing”, and “uncomplicated” creates accessibility |
"Epic cinematic sequence of a lone warrior climbing a treacherous mountain peak during a fierce blizzard, camera shows a close-up shots of determined eyes and quickly widens establishing shots of the vast, snow-covered landscape, dramatic lighting from occasional lightning strikes, handheld camera work creating sense of struggle and determination, building intensity with each step, heroic and inspiring atmosphere, slow build to triumphant crescendo as they reach the summit"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Comprehensive detail |
“long prompts” and “detailed descriptions” creates complexity, “comprehensive content” establishes depth |
Multiple elements |
“incorporating multiple aspects”, “complex scenes”, and “layered content” creates richness, “detailed narratives” establishes stories |
Extended sequences |
“sequential moments”, “progressive action”, and “building intensity” creates development, “evolving scenes” adds change |
Complex camera work |
“alternating shots”, “various angles”, and “dynamic framing” creates variety, “professional cinematography” establishes quality |
Narrative depth |
“telling complete stories”, “developing characters”, and “rich narratives” creates engagement, “emotional arc” establishes journey |
Sophisticated timing |
“slow build”, “crescendo”, and “progressive intensity” creates pacing, “dramatic progression” adds tension |
Production value |
“cinematic”, “professional”, and “epic scale” establishes quality |
"Realistic high quality 4k drone footage, the camera is circling around square skyscraper in an asian city, the glass surfaces the skyscraper reflecting some clouds and sunlight, smooth camera movements transitioning from wide establishing shot to close-up details, architectural and impressive mood, cinematic pace"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Dynamic camera motion |
“moving camera”, “tracking shots”, and “following action” creates motion, “dynamic cinematography” establishes movement |
Orbital movement |
“circling around”, “orbiting”, and “rotating view” creates circular motion, “surrounding subject” adds perspective |
Sweeping motion |
“sweeping camera”, “panning shots”, and “wide sweeps” creates grand movements, “dramatic reveals” adds excitement |
Drone cinematography |
“flying”, “aerial”, and “soaring” creates elevation, “bird’s eye view” establishes perspective |
Smooth transitions |
“smooth movements”, “seamless transitions”, and “fluid camera work” creates flow, “professional motion” establishes quality |
Progressive framing |
“zooming in”, “approaching subject”, and “focusing closer” creates intensity, “intimate reveals” adds detail |
Immersive perspective |
“first-person feel”, “immersive”, and “engaging viewers” creates connection, “POV movement” adds realism |
"an asian woman wakes up in her bed in her pyjamas and puts on her glasses, then the woman is drinking a coffee in the kitchen in her sweater, then the woman enters an office building in formal clothes. The camera transitions smoothly between each scene, natural lighting progression from dawn to daylight, productive and energetic atmosphere, rhythmic pacing connecting all moments"
Category |
Visual Effect |
|---|---|
Multiple sequences |
“montage”, “multiple scenes”, and “series of events” creates variety, “sequential content” establishes progression |
Scene transitions |
“smooth transitions”, “connecting scenes”, and “flowing between” creates continuity, “seamless progression” adds flow |
Temporal progression |
“showing passage of time”, “time progression”, and “day to night” creates change, “temporal narrative” establishes story |
Location changes |
“different settings”, “various locations”, and “changing environments” creates diversity, “spatial variety” adds interest |
Rhythmic editing |
“matching tempo”, “coordinated pacing”, and “unified rhythm” creates harmony, “synchronized timing” establishes flow |
Narrative structure |
“beginning, middle, end”, “story arc”, and “complete narrative” creates structure, “developing story” adds depth |
Coordinated elements |
“connected scenes”, “unified aesthetic”, and “cohesive whole” creates consistency |
Advanced prompting strategies
Master these sophisticated techniques to refine your video generation and achieve more precise results.
Chaining videos
Video chaining allows you to extend your videos by using the last frame of a generated video as the starting image for a new image-to-video model. This technique enables you to create seamless longer sequences and connect multiple video segments into a continuous narrative.
How video chaining works:
Extract the last frame: After generating your initial video, extract the final frame
Use as image input: Feed this last frame into an image-to-video model as the starting frame
Continue the sequence: The model will generate new motion extending from that last frame
You can also incorporate image generation or image editing models into this workflow to make controlled changes to the scene between video segments:
Image generation: Use text-to-image models to create entirely new starting frames that match your narrative
Image editing: Use image editing models to make specific modifications to the last frame before feeding it to the image-to-video model
This gives you precise control over scene transitions, allowing you to gradually transform scenes, introduce new elements, or make targeted changes to specific parts of the frame.
Example workflow:
Generate initial video: “A character walking through a forest”
Extract the last frame showing the character at the forest edge
Edit the frame to add a doorway in the background
Use the edited frame to generate next segment: “The character approaching and entering a magical doorway”
Cheaper and faster iteration
Iterating on video generation can be time-consuming and expensive. A more efficient workflow combines image-to-video models with image generation or image editing models, allowing you to rapidly refine your scene before committing to video generation.
Why this approach works:
Faster iteration: Generating and editing images is much faster than generating full videos
Lower costs: Image generation/editing operations cost significantly less than video generation
More control: You can precisely adjust composition, lighting, style, and elements before animating
Better results: Refining the base image leads to better starting frames for video generation
Example workflow:
Generate initial image: Use a text-to-image model to create your starting scene
Edit and refine: Use image editing models to make targeted adjustments
Generate video: Once you have the perfect starting image, use it with an image-to-video model
Troubleshooting common issues
Even with well-crafted prompts, you may encounter issues. Here’s how to address common problems:
Problem |
Solution |
Check |
Try |
|---|---|---|---|
Video lacks motion |
Add dynamic verbs and movement descriptors |
Whether you described static scenes |
Include “running”, “flowing”, “transforming” |
Poor pacing control |
Specify timing elements |
If pacing feels off |
Add “slow motion”, “fast-paced”, “building intensity” |
Limited camera variety |
Include camera movement details |
Whether camera work is mentioned |
Add “tracking”, “circling”, “panning” |
Confusing transitions |
Clarify scene progression |
For multi-scene content |
Specify “smooth transitions” and “connecting scenes” |
Inconsistent quality |
Add quality enhancement terms |
Technical specifications |
Include “cinematic”, “professional”, “high-quality” |
Unclear focus |
Simplify and focus on core elements |
Too many conflicting elements |
Reduce to essential components |
Next steps
Full guide - Learn how to prompt for image generation
Full guide - Learn how to prompt for image editing
Addressing biases in models - Learn about creating inclusive and diverse content
Prompt engineering tools - Learn about tools and techniques for improving your prompts