How to make AI videos with Pika Labs

Pika Labs
(Image credit: Pika Labs/Future AI)

I really enjoy playing around with Pika Labs, it's one of the higher quality AI video  generators out there. Pika offers quick video creation, producing quality results in mere seconds. With its easy-to-use interface, you can transform text, images, or even other videos into dynamic motion. 

Each video is a single-shot, 3-second clip, providing a perfect playground to experiment with the platform and its sound effects. It's incredibly intuitive for inputting prompts, making it a great tool for both seasoned AI video creators and those just getting started. 

Pika Labs is the ultimate tool for those who value efficiency without compromising quality, seamlessly combining simplicity with top-notch output. Achieving your exact vision can take some practice, but it's fun playing director, and it's surprisingly easy to create something great with Pika Labs.

1. Log in

(Image: © Future)

Log in to Pika. 

2. Crafting the prompt

(Image: © Future)

In the prompt box, write clear and vivid descriptions of the scene, character or action. Use camera commands such as 'camera pan', 'camera rotate' or 'camera zoom', to guide the camera movement and angles. For each camera command, specify your desired movement, for example 'pan right'. 

I used the prompt: A quiet village under a full moon, dash camera pan left followed by dash camera zoom out.

3. Generate your video

(Image: © Future)

Hit enter to generate your video. You can save your creations by clicking the arrow button. All of your videos are saved in My Library, so you can revisit them any time. 

The finished result...

A quiet village under a full moon, dash camera pan left followed by dash camera zoom out seed1500195 - YouTube A quiet village under a full moon, dash camera pan left followed by dash camera zoom out seed1500195 - YouTube
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Turning images into videos

You can also turn your photos into videos by uploading them into Pika Labs. To do this, click the paperclip icon underneath the prompt box. Simply choose your photo, type in the prompt and click enter. 

Below is an image to video creation made by uploading an existing image, with the accompanying prompt. 

3D render, the background is slightly blurred seed7604817140240183 1 - YouTube 3D render, the background is slightly blurred seed7604817140240183 1 - YouTube
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While other video generators like Luma Dream Machine offer longer videos at around five seconds, Pika Labs stands out with its extensive capabilities for curating your video. The good thing about Pika Labs is that you can also apply a custom style to your video using the recently launched Style feature. By using well-crafted prompts, you can yield fantastic results that truly reflect your creative vision.

Kaycee Hill
Tutorials editor

Kaycee is an Editor at Tom’s Guide and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her journey into the tech world began as Cazoo's Knowledge Content Specialist, igniting her enthusiasm for technology. When she’s not exploring the latest gadgets and innovations, Kaycee can be found immersed in her favorite video games, or penning her second poetry collection. 

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