How to Create Video from Image
Generate videos from still images using image-to-video (I2V) models.
Overview
Image-to-video models animate a static image into a video, adding motion based on your prompt.
Quick Start
Web Interface
- Go to wavespeed.ai/models
- Select an I2V model (e.g., Kling I2V, Wan I2V, Veo 3.1)
- Upload your image
- Enter a motion prompt
- Click Run
API
First, upload your image to get a URL, then generate the video:
curl --location --request POST 'https://api.wavespeed.ai/api/v3/alibaba/wan-2.6/image-to-video' \
--header "Content-Type: application/json" \
--header "Authorization: Bearer ${WAVESPEED_API_KEY}" \
--data-raw '{
"prompt": "The cat slowly turns its head and blinks",
"image": "https://your-uploaded-image.jpg",
"duration": 5,
"resolution": "720p",
"seed": -1
}'Recommended Models
| Model | Best For | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Wan 2.6 I2V | Fast, good quality | 720p |
| Veo 3.1 | Realistic motion | High quality |
| Kling I2V | Professional videos | 720p/1080p |
| Hailuo | Dynamic motion | 720p |
Common Parameters
| Parameter | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
prompt | Motion description | ”Walking forward” |
image | Source image URL | ”https://…” |
duration | Video length (seconds) | 5 |
resolution | Output resolution | ”720p” |
seed | For reproducibility (-1 for random) | -1 |
Step-by-Step Workflow
1. Prepare Your Image
- Use high-quality images (at least 720p)
- Ensure the subject is clearly visible
- Avoid overly complex scenes
2. Upload the Image
Upload your image using the upload endpoint to get a URL.
3. Write a Motion Prompt
Focus on describing the motion, not the image:
| Good Prompt | Why |
|---|---|
| ”Slowly walking forward” | Clear motion |
| ”Gentle wind blowing hair” | Specific effect |
| ”Camera zooms in slowly” | Camera motion |
| Bad Prompt | Why |
|---|---|
| ”A beautiful woman” | Describes image, not motion |
| ”Professional photography” | Style, not motion |
4. Generate and Download
curl --location --request POST 'https://api.wavespeed.ai/api/v3/alibaba/wan-2.6/image-to-video' \
--header "Content-Type: application/json" \
--header "Authorization: Bearer ${WAVESPEED_API_KEY}" \
--data-raw '{
"prompt": "Slowly walking forward",
"image": "https://your-uploaded-image-url",
"duration": 5,
"resolution": "720p",
"seed": -1
}'Download the video from the output URL before it expires (7 days).
Tips for Better Results
- Match prompt to image — Describe realistic motion for the scene
- Keep motion simple — One main action works best
- Test at low resolution — Save costs during iteration
- Check model limits — Some models have max duration