Prompt library

AI Video Prompts: Guide, Examples & Templates

Learn how to write AI video prompts that work — the anatomy of a great prompt, 39 copy-and-tweak prompt templates by category, a cheat sheet of proven words, and the mistakes to avoid. Free to use across 30+ models.

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Anatomy of a great AI video prompt

Every high-performing AI video prompt names the same things — subject, action, setting, style, camera and lighting. Learn the parts and your results stop being random.

Subject+Action+Setting+Camera+Lighting+Style

Subject

Who or what is on screen — the anchor of any prompt for AI video. Use concrete nouns, not vague ones.

e.g. a vintage red convertible

Action

One clear thing happening. Keep it to a single action per shot.

e.g. driving along a coastal road

Setting

Where and when — location plus time of day or weather.

e.g. Amalfi cliffs at golden hour

Camera

Shot size and movement. Direct it like a cinematographer.

e.g. aerial tracking shot, slow follow

Lighting

The light source and its quality — this sets the whole mood.

e.g. warm low sun, long shadows

Style

Medium, look and grade. Name a film stock or genre if it helps.

e.g. cinematic, shot on 35mm, warm grade

Put it together

All six parts in one prompt — copy it and swap the details for your own shot.

“A vintage red convertible driving along the Amalfi coast at golden hour, aerial tracking shot slowly following the car, warm low sunlight with long shadows, cinematic, shot on 35mm film, nostalgic warm grade — no text, no watermark.”

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AI video prompt cheat sheet

The words that actually move the model — camera moves, lighting, film styles and motion cues you can drop into any AI video prompt.

Camera moves

Shot sizes

Lighting

Style & medium

Lens & film

Mood & grade

AI video prompt templates by category

Copy-and-tweak AI video prompt examples for every use case — cinematic, product, social, anime and more. Grab one, swap in your details, and generate.

Cinematic & film

Establishing shot

Cinematic [wide/aerial] establishing shot of [location] at [time of day], [weather/atmosphere], [camera move], anamorphic, shot on film, [mood] grade — no text.

Example“Cinematic aerial establishing shot of a rain-soaked Tokyo street at night, glowing neon reflections, slow forward drone push, anamorphic, shot on film, moody teal-and-orange grade — no text.”

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Character moment

[shot size] of [character] [emotion/action] in [setting], [lighting], shallow depth of field, slow [camera move], cinematic, [film stock] — no text.

Example“Close-up of a weathered fisherman gazing at the horizon on a misty harbor at dawn, soft rim light, shallow depth of field, slow push-in, cinematic, 35mm film — no text.”

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Action sequence

Dynamic [shot] of [subject] [fast action] through [environment], motion blur, fast [camera move], high frame rate, cinematic, dramatic lighting.

Example“Dynamic tracking shot of a motorcyclist speeding through a neon tunnel, motion blur, fast camera follow, high frame rate, cinematic, dramatic lighting.”

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Product & e-commerce

Hero spin

A [product] slowly rotating on a [surface], studio softbox lighting, soft reflections, seamless [color] background, macro detail, photoreal product shot — no text.

Example“A matte-black wireless earbud case slowly rotating on a glossy pedestal, studio softbox lighting, soft reflections, seamless white background, macro detail, photoreal product shot — no text.”

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In-use lifestyle

[product] being used by [person] in [real setting], natural light, shallow depth of field, candid, photoreal, [mood].

Example“A stainless-steel water bottle being used by a hiker at a mountain summit, natural light, shallow depth of field, candid, photoreal, energetic.”

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Texture macro

Extreme macro shot of [product detail], slow [camera move], dramatic side lighting, glistening texture, photoreal, shallow depth of field.

Example“Extreme macro shot of fizzing droplets on a cold soda can, slow pan, dramatic side lighting, glistening texture, photoreal, shallow depth of field.”

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Talking head & UGC

Founder to camera

A [person] speaking directly to camera in [setting], natural lighting, eye-level medium shot, shallow depth of field, authentic, [tone].

Example“A friendly female founder speaking directly to camera in a bright modern office, natural lighting, eye-level medium shot, shallow depth of field, authentic, warm.”

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UGC selfie ad

Handheld vertical selfie video of a [person] excitedly showing [product] in [casual setting], phone-camera look, natural light, authentic UGC style.

Example“Handheld vertical selfie video of a young woman excitedly showing a skincare bottle in her bathroom, phone-camera look, natural light, authentic UGC style.”

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Testimonial

[person] sitting and talking warmly in [home/office], soft window light, shallow depth of field, documentary interview framing, realistic.

Example“A middle-aged man sitting and talking warmly in a cozy living room, soft window light, shallow depth of field, documentary interview framing, realistic.”

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Nature & landscape

Sweeping landscape

Aerial drone shot sweeping over [landscape] at [time of day], [weather], volumetric light, cinematic, ultra-wide, [mood] grade.

Example“Aerial drone shot sweeping over misty pine-forest mountains at sunrise, low fog, volumetric light, cinematic, ultra-wide, serene grade.”

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Wildlife close-up

Slow-motion close-up of [animal] [action] in [habitat], natural light, shallow depth of field, documentary, photoreal.

Example“Slow-motion close-up of a fox prowling through autumn leaves in a forest, natural light, shallow depth of field, documentary, photoreal.”

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Elemental detail

Macro slow-motion of [natural element], soft natural light, mesmerizing detail, cinematic, shallow depth of field.

Example“Macro slow-motion of a dewdrop falling from a green leaf, soft natural light, mesmerizing detail, cinematic, shallow depth of field.”

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Animation & motion

Anime scene

Anime style, [character] [action] in [setting], expressive, vibrant colors, dynamic camera, studio-quality 2D animation.

Example“Anime style, a young hero standing on a rooftop overlooking a neon city at night, expressive, vibrant colors, dynamic camera, studio-quality 2D animation.”

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3D character

Pixar-style 3D animation of [character] [action], soft global illumination, expressive, colorful, cinematic depth of field.

Example“Pixar-style 3D animation of a curious little robot exploring a sunlit meadow, soft global illumination, expressive, colorful, cinematic depth of field.”

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Motion graphics / logo

Sleek motion-graphics animation of [shape/logo concept], smooth easing, [color] gradient, clean and minimal, looping, modern.

Example“Sleek motion-graphics animation of abstract liquid shapes morphing, smooth easing, purple-to-cyan gradient, clean and minimal, looping, modern.”

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Real estate & architecture

Interior walkthrough

Smooth gliding walkthrough of a [style] [room], bright natural light, wide-angle, real-estate showcase, photoreal, inviting.

Example“Smooth gliding walkthrough of a modern open-plan living room, bright natural light, wide-angle, real-estate showcase, photoreal, inviting.”

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Exterior reveal

Slow aerial reveal of a [property type] surrounded by [environment], golden hour, cinematic, luxury real-estate style.

Example“Slow aerial reveal of a modern hillside villa surrounded by lush gardens, golden hour, cinematic, luxury real-estate style.”

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Amenity detail

Slow pan across [amenity/detail], warm light, shallow depth of field, premium real-estate aesthetic, photoreal.

Example“Slow pan across an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, warm light, shallow depth of field, premium real-estate aesthetic, photoreal.”

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Food & drink

Appetizing hero

Close-up of [dish] with [appetizing detail], soft natural light, shallow depth of field, mouth-watering food-film style.

Example“Close-up of a juicy burger with melting cheese and rising steam, soft natural light, shallow depth of field, mouth-watering food-film style.”

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Pour / drip

Slow-motion macro of [liquid] being poured over [food/drink], glistening, warm light, satisfying, photoreal.

Example“Slow-motion macro of honey being poured over warm pancakes, glistening, warm light, satisfying, photoreal.”

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Prep action

Top-down shot of [cooking action], dynamic, fresh ingredients, bright clean kitchen light, vibrant, foodie social style.

Example“Top-down shot of hands chopping fresh basil on a wooden board, dynamic, fresh ingredients, bright clean kitchen light, vibrant, foodie social style.”

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Fashion & beauty

Runway movement

[model] wearing [outfit] walking through [setting], confident movement, fashion-editorial lighting, slow motion, cinematic, [mood].

Example“A model wearing a flowing red gown walking through a marble hall, confident movement, fashion-editorial lighting, slow motion, cinematic, dramatic.”

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Beauty close-up

Beauty close-up of [subject/detail], glowing skin, soft diffused light, shallow depth of field, luxury cosmetics style, photoreal.

Example“Beauty close-up of a model applying glossy lipstick, glowing skin, soft diffused light, shallow depth of field, luxury cosmetics style, photoreal.”

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Fabric in motion

Macro slow-motion of [fabric/texture] moving in the wind, soft light, elegant, high-fashion aesthetic.

Example“Macro slow-motion of red silk fabric rippling in the wind, soft light, elegant, high-fashion aesthetic.”

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Tech & gadgets

Gadget reveal

A [device] emerging from darkness with light tracing its edges, sleek, futuristic, studio lighting, premium tech-ad style — no text.

Example“A foldable smartphone emerging from darkness with light tracing its edges, sleek, futuristic, studio lighting, premium tech-ad style — no text.”

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Abstract data viz

Abstract 3D visualization of [tech concept], glowing nodes and lines, dark background, sleek, futuristic, smooth camera motion.

Example“Abstract 3D visualization of a neural network, glowing nodes and lines, dark background, sleek, futuristic, smooth camera motion.”

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In-hand demo

Close-up of hands using [device] in [setting], crisp screen, natural light, shallow depth of field, modern tech lifestyle.

Example“Close-up of hands using a smartwatch on a morning run, crisp screen, natural light, shallow depth of field, modern tech lifestyle.”

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Travel

Destination montage

Cinematic travel montage of [destination] — [landmarks/scenes], golden light, dynamic camera, vibrant, wanderlust mood.

Example“Cinematic travel montage of Kyoto — temples, bamboo forest and lantern-lit streets, golden light, dynamic camera, vibrant, wanderlust mood.”

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POV explore

POV walking through [place], handheld, immersive, natural light, authentic travel-vlog style.

Example“POV walking through a bustling Marrakech market, handheld, immersive, natural light, authentic travel-vlog style.”

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Aerial landmark

Aerial drone orbit around [landmark] at [time of day], cinematic, ultra-wide, breathtaking, [mood] grade.

Example“Aerial drone orbit around the Santorini cliffs at sunset, cinematic, ultra-wide, breathtaking, warm grade.”

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Image-to-video (motion)

Subtle life

Add subtle motion: [what moves gently], slow [camera move], keep the subject and composition unchanged, natural, seamless loop.

Example“Add subtle motion: hair and clothing drift gently in the breeze, slow push-in, keep the subject and composition unchanged, natural, seamless loop.”

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Product turn

Animate this product photo: slow [rotation/parallax], soft moving reflections, studio feel, keep the product exactly as shown.

Example“Animate this product photo: slow 360° rotation, soft moving reflections, studio feel, keep the product exactly as shown.”

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Cinemagraph

Cinemagraph: only [element] moves while everything else stays perfectly still, [subtle motion], slow, mesmerizing loop.

Example“Cinemagraph: only the waterfall moves while everything else stays perfectly still, gentle flowing water, slow, mesmerizing loop.”

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Explainer & education

Presenter framing

A [presenter] explaining [topic] to camera in [setting], friendly, clear, medium shot, soft even light, professional.

Example“A friendly presenter explaining how the product works to camera in a bright studio, friendly, clear, medium shot, soft even light, professional.”

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Concept visual

Clean animated visual illustrating [concept], simple shapes, [brand colors], minimal, modern explainer style, smooth motion.

Example“Clean animated visual illustrating how data moves to the cloud, simple shapes, blue and white, minimal, modern explainer style, smooth motion.”

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Process / how-to

Step-by-step visual of [process], clear icon-style stages, bright friendly style, smooth transitions, educational.

Example“Step-by-step visual of brewing pour-over coffee, clear icon-style stages, bright friendly style, smooth transitions, educational.”

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Common AI video prompt mistakes

The prompt errors that produce broken or generic clips — and the fix for each, so your AI video prompts land the first time.

Instead ofa cool car video

Trya red sports car drifting around a wet city corner at night, neon reflections, low tracking shot

Name the subject, the action and the setting — the model can’t guess what “cool” looks like.

Instead ofbeautiful amazing stunning 8K masterpiece, high quality, trending

Trysoft golden-hour light, shallow depth of field, slow push-in, 35mm

Concrete craft terms (light, lens, camera) beat a pile of vague hype adjectives.

Instead ofa person walks in, sits down, opens a laptop, sips coffee and starts talking

Trysplit into separate scenes — one clear action each

A text to video prompt renders one main action per shot reliably; cramming several muddies all of them.

Instead of(no exclusions at all)

Tryadd: no text, no watermark, no extra fingers

A short list of negative cues removes the most common AI artefacts.

A negative prompt to reuse

Paste this at the end of any prompt to strip out the usual AI artefacts.

“no text, no watermark, no logos, no captions, distorted faces, extra fingers, warped hands, jittery motion, blurry, low quality”

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Prompting FAQ

How long should a video prompt be?

One or two clear sentences is the sweet spot for a text to video prompt. Be specific, not long — a few precise details (subject, action, camera, light) beat a wall of adjectives.

Do these prompts work with Sora, Veo and Kling?

Yes. Good AI video prompts are model-agnostic. On Vivideo you can run the same prompt through different models and compare — some favor realism, others motion or speed.

What is a negative prompt and do I need one?

A negative prompt lists what to exclude (text, watermarks, extra fingers). It’s optional but cleans up results noticeably — copy the recommended one above as a starting point.

Why does the video ignore part of my prompt?

In a prompt for AI video, models weight the start most heavily and can drop later details. Move the key element earlier, or split it into its own scene.

How do I keep a character or product consistent across shots?

Reuse the exact same subject description in every prompt, or use image-to-video / an avatar so the look stays locked. For products, image-to-video keeps them accurate.

Can I just copy these templates?

Absolutely — these AI video prompts are built to be copied. Take a template, swap the [bracketed] parts for your own, and generate. Then change one thing at a time to refine.

Writing an AI video prompt that generates a video

How to write AI video prompts that work

An AI video prompt is the single biggest lever on your output — the same model produces a masterpiece or a mess depending on the words. Writing good AI video prompts is a learnable skill: name the subject and action, set the scene and style, and direct the camera and lighting the way a director would. This library teaches that structure and hands you prompt examples you can copy and tweak.

Prompts also aren't one-size-fits-all across models. Sora and Veo reward cinematic, detailed prompts; Kling and Hailuo respond to clear motion cues; anime models like Vidu and PixVerse want style-led prompts. The templates here are organized by category and tuned for what actually works, so you spend less time guessing and more time generating. On Vivideo you can run the same AI video prompt through 30+ models and keep the best.

The fastest way to improve is to start from a proven prompt and iterate. Grab a template, swap in your details, generate, then adjust one variable at a time using the cheat-sheet vocabulary. Every prompt here is free to use, and you can generate from it directly — turning an AI video prompt into a finished clip in minutes.

AI video prompts — FAQ

What is an AI video prompt?

An AI video prompt is the text description you give a model to generate a video — the subject, action, setting, style, camera and lighting. A precise prompt is the difference between a great clip and a generic one, which is what this guide and template library teach.

How do I write a good AI video prompt?

Name the subject and what it's doing, set the scene and style, then direct the camera and lighting. Use the anatomy breakdown and cheat sheet here, start from a template, and change one variable at a time to dial it in.

Are there free AI video prompt examples?

Yes — this library has 39 copy-and-tweak AI video prompt templates by category, all free. Grab one, swap in your details, and generate across 30+ models on Vivideo.

Do prompts differ by model?

Yes — Sora and Veo reward detailed cinematic prompts, Kling and Hailuo respond to motion cues, anime models want style-led prompts. Vivideo lets you run one prompt through 30+ models and compare.

What's the best prompt to video AI?

The best results come from a good prompt plus the right model. Use these templates, then generate on Vivideo, which runs 30+ prompt-to-video models behind one box so you're never limited to one engine.

How do I fix a bad AI video result?

Usually the prompt is too vague or overloaded. The mistakes section here shows the common errors — missing camera direction, conflicting styles, too many subjects — and the fix for each.

Can I use these prompts commercially?

The prompts are free to use and adapt. Videos you generate on Vivideo are yours; export watermark-free on a paid plan.

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