By the end of this guide you will have generated a short video from a written description, refined it through a few rounds of changes, and exported a clip you can use. To generate a video from a text prompt with AI you use a text-to-video tool: you describe the scene, the tool renders a clip, and you adjust the prompt until it matches what you pictured.
Text-to-video is a trial-and-error craft, and every attempt costs credits on most platforms. This guide helps you plan the prompt, choose between model-first platforms and script-first video makers, and keep the cost down. It compares seven tools from our Video category.
Key takeaways
- Write a prompt that names the subject, the action, the camera and the style, generate a short test clip, then change one thing at a time and export the version you like.
- The main decision is the type of tool: a model platform for cinematic clips (Runway, Veo, Kling AI, Luma AI, PixVerse), a script-to-video maker for explainers (Pictory), or a pay-per-clip service (Sisif).
- Generation is metered in credits, and cost depends on the model, resolution and length, so test at low settings first.
- Check the plan's rules on commercial use and watermarks before you publish. Do not generate real people or brands without permission.
What you need before you start
- An idea. A scene, a short story or a product shot, described in a sentence or two.
- A plan or credits. Runway, Kling AI and PixVerse have free tiers, Pictory has a free trial, and Luma AI and Sisif are paid.
- A budget. Credits are spent per generation, so decide how many attempts you can afford.
- Time. An hour or less for a first short clip; more if you iterate.
- Difficulty. Easy to start, with a learning curve for prompt detail.
- Permissions. If your video includes people, likenesses, logos or music, make sure you have the rights to use them.
Which kind of AI tool fits this job
Pick by the kind of video you want.
Model platforms for cinematic clips. Runway generates video from text, images or existing clips, recommends a suitable model and offers editing tools such as adding or removing objects and changing the backdrop. Kling AI turns text or a still image into motion, with start and end frames and a way to keep a character or product consistent. Luma AI works from a written brief, with creative agents that route steps across its own and third-party models. PixVerse creates clips from text prompts or images and adds transitions, upscaling and sound effects.
A model family you reach through Google products. Veo is Google DeepMind's video model family. It produces video with matching audio from a plain-language description or an image, and is reached through the Gemini API, Google AI Studio, Vertex AI, Flow and Workspace. Google does not publish prices on its model pages.
A script-to-video maker. Pictory builds finished videos from a script, web page URL, PowerPoint or prompt, with stock footage, music, subtitles and AI voices. It suits explainers and marketing videos more than cinematic shots.
Pay per clip. Sisif turns a text prompt into a short portrait clip and sells clips individually rather than behind a subscription.
Step 1: Decide what the video is for
A defined purpose keeps your prompts focused.
- Write one sentence on the goal: a mood clip, a product teaser, a background loop, an explainer.
- Choose the format. Sisif produces portrait clips only, so check which aspect ratios any other tool supports before you start.
- Decide the length. Most generations are short, and longer stories are built from several clips.
- Note whether you need sound. Veo's listing describes natively generated audio.
Check it worked by being able to describe the finished clip in one sentence.
Step 2: Write a detailed prompt
Specific prompts beat vague ones.
- Name the subject and the setting.
- Describe the action in one clear movement.
- Add the camera framing and movement, such as a slow push-in or a wide shot.
- Add the visual style and lighting, and any audio you want. Google's prompt guide for Veo recommends adding detail about camera framing and movement, the visual style and the audio.
Check it worked by reading the prompt aloud and picturing exactly one scene.
Step 3: Pick a tool and a plan
Match the platform to your budget and use.
- If you want to test cheaply, start with a free tier. Runway's Free plan is a one-time deposit of 125 credits, and PixVerse has a free Basic tier.
- If you need commercial use, check the plan. Kling AI says its Basic plan's output is not for commercial use.
- Compare the limits in the table below, including resolution and watermark rules.
- Set a credit budget for the session.
Check it worked by confirming that the plan allows what you plan to do with the video.
Step 4: Generate a short test clip
Start small to avoid wasting credits.
- Paste your prompt and choose the shortest duration and the lowest resolution that still lets you judge the result.
- Pick a model if the tool offers a choice.
- Generate the clip and watch it twice.
- Note what works and what does not, such as motion, faces, hands, text or physics.
Check it worked by having a clip that shows your subject doing roughly the right thing.
Step 5: Refine one thing at a time
Iteration is where the quality comes from.
- Change a single element per attempt, such as the camera, the lighting or the action wording.
- Use an image as a starting point if the tool supports it. Veo accepts an image, and Kling AI supports start and end frames.
- Use editing tools instead of regenerating where you can. Runway lists tools to add or remove objects, relight a scene or swap a backdrop.
- Keep a note of prompts that worked.
Check it worked by finding that each attempt gets closer to your idea.
Step 6: Extend, upscale or assemble
Combine clips into something longer.
- Extend or upscale the clip you prefer, where the tool allows it. Runway lists extending, upscaling and exporting finished clips.
- For a longer story, plan several shots. Sisif plans multi-shot stories with a storyboard preview, and Pictory builds scenes from a script.
- Add voiceover, music and captions in the tool or in an editor.
- Check the final resolution, since credit cost often rises with resolution. Luma AI's listing notes that costs rise sharply at 1080p.
Check it worked by watching the assembled video from start to finish without a jarring cut.
Step 7: Export and check rights
Finish with a file you are allowed to use.
- Export the highest resolution your plan allows without a watermark.
- Check the commercial-use terms of your plan. Sisif's listing says clips carry no watermark and include commercial use, while Kling AI's Basic plan does not allow commercial use.
- Review the video for faces or content that resemble real people, and remove anything you do not have permission to show.
- Label the video as AI generated where viewers would expect to know.
Check it worked by playing the exported file on the device where it will be viewed.
Tools for this job compared
| Tool | Good fit for | Pricing | Stated limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runway | Generating and editing clips on the web, with an API | Freemium, paid from $12/mo (checked 24 Oct 2026) | Free plan is a one-time deposit of 125 credits; monthly credits do not roll over; cost depends on model, duration and resolution |
| Veo | Video with native audio via Gemini API, AI Studio or Vertex AI | Pricing unknown | Google does not publish Veo prices on its model pages; access varies by channel |
| Kling AI | Text or image to motion, with consistency tools | Freemium, paid from $8.8/mo (checked 24 Oct 2026) | Basic plan has no monthly credits and no commercial use; unused credits do not roll over |
| Luma AI | Brief-driven video, image and audio on web, iOS and API | Paid, from $30/mo (checked 24 Oct 2026) | Credit costs rise sharply with resolution; Team and Enterprise pricing not published |
| PixVerse | Short social clips from text or images | Freemium, paid from $8/mo (checked 24 Oct 2026) | Basic outputs video up to 540P and Standard up to 720P; daily credits expire |
| Pictory | Script, URL or prompt to explainer video | Free trial, paid from $25/mo (checked 24 Oct 2026) | Free trial runs 14 days with 300 credits and a Pictory brand mark; no downloads after the trial without a subscription |
| Sisif | Pay-per-clip portrait video | Paid, from $1, usage-based (checked 24 Oct 2026) | Portrait only; rendering takes about 2 to 5 minutes per clip; API keys have request limits |
Prices and plan limits change, so confirm the current terms on each vendor's site before you subscribe.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Writing vague prompts. A short phrase leaves the model to guess the camera, light and action. Fix it by describing the subject, movement, framing and style.
- Generating at the highest quality first. Credit costs depend on model, duration and resolution. Fix it by testing at a low setting and raising it only for the version you will keep.
- Changing everything at once. If you alter several things, you cannot tell what helped. Fix it by changing one element per attempt.
- Ignoring commercial-use rules. Some free plans forbid commercial use or add watermarks. Fix it by reading the plan terms before you publish.
- Depicting real people or brands without permission. AI video can imitate real faces and logos. Fix it by avoiding them or getting permission, and by labelling AI-generated video.
How we put this together
This is an evidence-based guide built from each tool's listing in our directory, which is compiled from the vendor's own site and pricing page. It is not a review based on using the tools. We don't rank tools, and nobody paid to be included. Some outbound links may be affiliate links; see our disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free way to generate a video from text with AI?
Yes, within limits. Runway's Free plan gives a one-time deposit of 125 credits, Kling AI's Basic plan is free with no monthly credits, PixVerse has a free Basic tier, and Pictory offers a 14-day free trial. Free output is often watermarked or restricted for commercial use.
How long can a text-to-video clip be?
It depends on the tool and plan. Kling AI's page describes native generation of up to 30 seconds, Sisif sells clips of 5 seconds and stories up to 60 seconds, and Pictory builds longer videos from scenes. Check the current limits on the vendor's site.
How long does it take to generate an AI video?
Times vary and most vendors do not publish them. Sisif says most clips are ready in 2 to 5 minutes. Plan for several attempts, since each one adds its own render time.
Can I use AI-generated video commercially?
It depends on the plan. Sisif includes commercial use, Luma AI lists commercial use on paid plans, and Kling AI says its Basic plan is not for commercial use. Always read the terms for your plan before publishing.
Which tool should a beginner start with?
A tool with a free tier and a simple prompt box is a gentle start. Runway and PixVerse have free options, and Pictory is built around scripts and stock footage. Choose based on whether you want cinematic clips or an explainer.
Compare more options in our Video category.
