Image-to-video models for animating a still
Keep the same starting image when comparing motion. Describe what should move and check how the subject changes throughout the resulting clip.
Models to consider
Seedance 2.5
Short product scenes and still-image motion
386 credits · ≤ $1.156 provider estimateText to video · Animate an imageRead the model guide →Google · Integration previewVeo 3.1
Short cinematic scenes and image animation
267 credits · ≤ $0.80 provider estimateText to video · Animate an imageRead the model guide →Google · Integration previewVeo 3.1 Fast
Short scenes from a written brief
134 credits · ≤ $0.40 provider estimateText to video · Animate an imageRead the model guide →Kling · Integration previewKling 2.5 Turbo Pro
Short scenes from a written brief
117 credits · ≤ $0.35 provider estimateText to video · Animate an imageRead the model guide →Kling · Integration previewKling 3
Short scenes from a written brief
420 credits · ≤ $1.26 provider estimateText to video · Animate an imageRead the model guide →MiniMax · Integration previewHailuo 2.3
Short scenes from a written brief
94 credits · ≤ $0.28 provider estimateText to video · Animate an imageRead the model guide →ByteDance · Integration previewSeedance 1 Lite
Short scenes from a written brief
30 credits · ≤ $0.09 provider estimateText to video · Animate an imageRead the model guide →PrunaAI · Integration previewP-Video
Short scenes from a written brief
34 credits · ≤ $0.10 provider estimateText to video · Animate an imageRead the model guide →xAI · Integration previewGrok Imagine Video
Short scenes from a written brief
84 credits · ≤ $0.25 provider estimateText to video · Animate an imageRead the model guide →Runway · Integration previewRunway Gen 4.5
Short scenes from a written brief
200 credits · ≤ $0.60 provider estimateText to video · Animate an imageRead the model guide →Use one clear comparison brief
A selected coffee-cup still gains gentle steam and a slow camera move.
Add gentle steam and a slow camera move around this selected cup. Keep the cup in view and the background motion subtle.
Example request, not a generated result. Replace placeholders with approved facts and bind the exact source when the task requires one.
What to look for in the result
- Does the starting subject remain recognizable?
- Is the motion suitable for the original framing?
- Does the ending frame remain usable?
Keep rejected candidates available when they help explain your choice. A new request can improve one detail while changing another.
Which model is best for your task?
Start with the output you need and compare the same brief. For an edit, keep the source image fixed. For speech, keep the script fixed. Judge the complete saved result against the details that matter to your project, then consider cost and waiting time.
These guides use current provider documentation and task-specific evaluation criteria. Comparative results can be added after the same briefs have been tested across models. Live comparison results are not available yet.
Learn how to compare exact saved versions →Good to know.
Creation notes
Keep the comparison inputs consistent
Specify one focal subject, a simple action and a clear camera direction. Bind an eligible still for animation and keep the motion suited to its framing. Review actual exposed clip settings rather than assuming long-form film or native audio controls.
Use this concrete job: A selected coffee-cup still gains gentle steam and a slow camera move. A result made with different facts, source material or settings can obscure the reason one route seems more useful. Change one meaningful variable when exploring alternatives.
Follow the animate an image workflowUse the criteria that matter to this task
Does the starting subject remain recognizable? Is the motion suitable for the original framing? Does the ending frame remain usable? Play the whole clip, including the ending. Check subject shape, action continuity, camera movement and unexpected details. For animation, compare the recognizable subject throughout the sequence with the selected still. A useful opening frame alone does not make a useful clip.
Evaluate the complete saved output before weighing cost or another pass. Public task groupings are editorial guidance. No measured leaderboard or live quality comparison is implied by the order of the cards.
Learn exact-version comparisonCommon questions
Which model is best for animate an image?
Choose from compatible inputs and review the same brief across candidates. Judge the artifact against the task criteria and current quote. There is no verified universal winner in these public guides.
Can every listed model run now?
Inspect the support stage and current workspace model choices. Preview integration, provider availability and tested output quality are separate; a directory entry alone does not enable generation.