How to Turn a Photo Into an AI Video (Step by Step)

Updated 22 July 2026 · 4 min read

Turning a still photo into a moving video used to require a video editor and hours of work. With AI image-to-video, you upload one image, describe the motion you want, and get a short cinematic clip in a couple of minutes. This guide walks through exactly how to do it.

What you need

• A clear photo — a person, product, landscape or artwork all work well.
• A short description of the motion (what moves, and how the camera behaves).
• A free Mina Labs account — new users get 20 free credits.

Step-by-step

1. Open the Video Studio. Sign in and go to the Video Studio.
2. Pick an image-to-video model. Kling is great for realistic motion, Pixverse C1 is fast and flexible, and Seedance 2.0 is a strong all-rounder. The credit price shows on the Generate button before you spend anything.
3. Upload your photo. This becomes the exact first frame of the clip.
4. Describe the motion. Be specific: "slow push-in on her face as she smiles, hair moving in a gentle breeze" beats "make it move." Mention the camera (push in, pan left, orbit) and the subject's action.
5. Set length and generate. Pick your duration, hit Generate, and the job runs in the background — you can leave the page and it'll be waiting in your library.

Tips for better results

• Keep motion simple. One clear action per clip looks far better than many.
• Match the prompt to the image. Don't ask for actions the photo can't support (e.g., a face turning fully around).
• Start short and cheap. Generate a 5-second clip first to test the motion, then commit to a longer one.
• Want sound? Use Veo 3.1 for clips with native audio (see our Veo guide).

Frequently asked

Which model is best for turning a photo into a video?

For lifelike movement, Kling image-to-video is a top pick. For speed and price, Pixverse C1 and LTX are excellent. Try the same photo on two models and compare.

How much does it cost?

You pay per clip in credits, and the exact price is shown before you generate. New accounts start with 20 free credits, so your first clips are free.