tool guide
Photo to Video: Animate Images with AI
Turn a still photo into a short animated clip for product reveals, architecture camera moves, and social content with Kansova's AI video models.
TL;DR
Upload one photo, describe one camera move, and get a short video clip. No editing timeline required.
Who this is for
- Sellers animating an approved product still for ads.
- Architects adding camera movement to a visualization.
- Social creators turning stills into short vertical clips.
Best for / Not best for
Best for
- Product reveal clips
- Image-to-video animation
- Architecture camera moves
- Social media loops
Not best for
- Timeline editing
- Long-form film
- Guaranteed readable text in motion
- Multiple shots in one generation
Parameters
| Parameter | Supported value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Video models | Seedance 2.5, Seedance 2.0, Seedance 2.0 Mini, Minimax H3, Gemini Omni, FLUX 3 Video, Wan 3.0 | Choose the model inside the video studio. |
| Input | One photo plus a motion prompt | The photo anchors the first frame; the prompt describes one camera move and one action. |
| Duration | 5-30 seconds depending on model | Seedance 2.5 supports up to 30 seconds per generation. |
| Resolution | 480p to 1080p, plus 2K on Minimax H3 | Higher resolutions cost more credits per second. |
| Processing | Asynchronous | Kansova polls task status until completion. |
Pricing
Kansova bills generations in credits. Basic is $9.90/month for 300 credits; Pro is $19/month for 750 credits; Studio is $39/month for 1,700 credits.
| Generation | Kansova credits | Cost methodology |
|---|---|---|
| Seedance 2.0 Mini | 7 credits/sec (480p) or 14 credits/sec (720p) | A 5-second draft starts at 35 credits |
| Seedance 2.0 | 15 credits/sec (480p) or 30 credits/sec (720p) | A 5-second clip starts at 75 credits |
| Seedance 2.5 | 20 credits/sec (480p) or 45 credits/sec (720p) | A 5-second clip starts at 100 credits |
| Wan 3.0 | 4 credits/sec (480p), 8 (720p), 16 (1080p) | The lowest entry cost per second |
Comparison
| Dimension | Kansova photo-to-video | Manual motion design | Template video apps | Stock footage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input | One photo plus a text prompt | Source files and keyframes | Your photo in fixed templates | None |
| Camera control | Described in plain text | Frame-by-frame work | Preset moves | Not applicable |
| Turnaround | Minutes per clip | Hours to days | Minutes | Minutes |
| Scenes | Any product or space you photograph | Any, with manual work | Template-bound | Generic library |
| Best for | Fast ad and social motion | Finished films | Casual social posts | Editing existing footage |
Prompt examples
- 01
Slow push-in toward the product with one soft reflection sweep across the surface. No camera shake; the label stays unchanged. - 02
Gentle 5-second arc around the building at dusk, warm interior lights on, subtle tree shadows moving in the foreground. - 03
The product rotates 15 degrees on its plinth with a soft moving shadow; everything else stays identical.
Known limitations
- Motion is generated, not filmed; complex actions can deform small details.
- Keep the prompt to one camera move and one action; stacking motions reduces control.
- Text and logos in the source photo can drift during animation. Review before publishing.
Alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Which models support photo-to-video?
Seedance 2.5, Seedance 2.0, Seedance 2.0 Mini, Minimax H3, Gemini Omni, FLUX 3 Video and Wan 3.0 all accept a reference image in the Kansova video studio.
How long can the clip be?
Up to 30 seconds per generation on Seedance 2.5; other models have their own limits shown in the studio. Every clip is a single continuous shot.
How much does a clip cost?
Billing is per second. For example, Seedance 2.0 Mini costs 7 credits/sec at 480p, so a 5-second draft starts at 35 credits.
Can I use the clip commercially?
Paid plans include commercial use rights, subject to the Terms and Acceptable Use Policy.
Last updated
2026-10-16
Sources and methodology
Parameters and credit figures reflect the live Kansova controls and the production pricing function as of 2026-10-16. Provider rates are reference figures and may change independently.
- EvoLink API documentation index
Provider documentation used to verify Seedance modes and parameters.
- Kansova product facts
Canonical list of supported workflows and current limitations.
- Kansova pricing
Current subscription and monthly credit allowances.