Blog › How to Write Better AI Video Prompts

How to Write Better AI Video Prompts

Updated September 28, 2026

The quality of an AI video depends heavily on the prompt. Unlike image prompts, a video prompt has to describe not only what the scene looks like but also what happens over time. Here is a simple structure that works well for most models.

1. Start with the subject

Say clearly who or what is in the frame: "a lone astronaut walking across red sand dunes". Avoid stacking many subjects, because each extra subject increases the chance of morphing and confusion.

2. Add explicit motion

Models tend to produce almost static clips when motion is not described. Use verbs and camera terms such as "slow push-in", "camera pans left", "waves rolling toward shore" or "hair blowing in the wind".

3. Set the visual style

Mention lighting and look: "golden hour", "neon-lit rainy street", "35mm film grain", "soft studio light". A few precise style words beat a long list of adjectives.

4. Keep it to one action

Clips are only a few seconds long. One clear action per prompt is far more reliable than a sequence of events.

5. Iterate

Change one thing at a time between generations, such as the camera move or the lighting, so you can see what each change does.

Example prompt

"A red fox trotting through snowy pine forest at dawn, soft mist, slow tracking shot from the side, cinematic lighting."

Ready to try it? Open the video generator and paste your own version.