AI video prompts that actually work.

Sora 2

Alien ship rises over Manhattan

“A massive alien spaceship, miles long and covered in glowing blue circuits, slowly rises from the East River in Manhattan. Wide shot, golden hour, dramatic backlight.”

Tip: Lead with the scale word ('massive', 'miles long'). Sora 2 listens for scale.

Sora 2

Detective on a New Orleans porch

“Slow dolly-in shot, low angle, golden hour. A weathered detective in his 50s sits on a New Orleans porch and lights a cigarette. The camera holds. Light grain.”

Tip: Sora rewards a single, deliberate camera move. 'The camera holds' is a real instruction.

Sora 2

Subway train, rain, neon

“Wide cinematic shot, anamorphic 2.39:1. A subway train pulls into a neon-lit Tokyo station in heavy rain. Steam rises off the tracks. Strangers watch through the windows.”

Sora 2 Pro

Volcano roller coaster POV

“First-person POV of a roller coaster plunging into the mouth of an erupting volcano. Wind in the ears, sparks flying past. 4K, ultra-wide.”

Tip: Pro can hold longer POV shots than standard Sora 2. Use the length.

Sora 2 Pro

Trailer-style hero shot

“Slow push-in, 35mm anamorphic, low-key lighting. A giant mech stands silhouetted against a setting sun. The camera dollies forward through fog. Cool color grade.”

Google Veo 3.1

Barista pulls espresso

“Shot on 50mm, shallow depth of field, warm morning light. A barista pulls espresso. Steam rises into a beam of sunlight. Soft jazz plays.”

Tip: Veo will attempt the audio. Describe what you want to hear.

Google Veo 3.1

Talking-head news anchor

“Medium shot. A news anchor in a navy suit looks at the camera and says: 'Tonight, an exclusive — we have the footage.' Studio lighting. Slight zoom in.”

Tip: Write dialogue exactly as you want it spoken. Veo will attempt lip sync.

Google Veo 3.1 Fast

Dog running, park, fast

“Handheld shot, sunny park. A golden retriever runs toward the camera, ears flopping. Bright daylight.”

Tip: Fast loves short prompts. Don't over-write.

Google Veo 3.1 Lite

Person walking through city

“Tracking shot from behind. A young woman in a long coat walks through a busy Tokyo crosswalk at dusk. Neon signs reflect on wet pavement.”

Hailuo

Penguin walking toward mountain

“A penguin walks away from the camera, towards a large snowy mountaintop in the distance. Soft overcast light.”

Tip: Hailuo loves simple, clear prompts. Don't dress them up.

Pruna 5

Morning routine vignette

“Soft morning light. A close shot of hands buttering toast on a wooden cutting board. Warm tones.”

Google Veo 3.1

Product watch close-up

“Macro shot of a chrome wristwatch on dark marble. Single soft key light from the left. Slow rotation. Studio mood.”

Hailuo

Coffee pour close-up

“Close-up of coffee being poured into a ceramic mug. Steam rises. Warm morning kitchen.”

WAN 2.6

Detailed studio set

“Studio set. A wooden desk with a brass lamp, a closed leather notebook, a steel pen, and a half-empty glass of water. Soft top-down light. Camera slowly orbits clockwise.”

Tip: WAN holds long detailed prompts. Use them.

WAN 2.2

Quick precise object shot

“Tabletop shot. A glass marble rolls across a wooden surface from left to right. Soft window light.”

Kling 3.0

Lego jungle chameleon

“A dense, verdant jungle world made up of small lego-like pieces. We see a rainbow chameleon running through the 3D world. Camera tracks alongside.”

Tip: Kling shines when multiple things move at once.

Kling 3.0

Kung fu fight scene

“Wide low angle. Two fighters trade kicks and blocks on a rooftop at dusk. Smooth choreography. Slow motion on the impact.”

Seedance Pro Fast

Street dance, two performers

“Two breakdancers perform a coordinated routine on an empty street at night under a single streetlight. Smooth choreography.”

Seedance 2.0

Ballet on a stage

“A ballerina performs a slow turn on a softly lit stage. Wide shot from the wings. Cinematic spotlight.”

Kling o3

Fashion editorial motion

“Editorial fashion shot. A model in a flowing red dress spins on a pier at golden hour. Wind catches the fabric. Camera circles slowly.”

PixVerse 5.6

Anime girl on rooftop

“Anime style. A teenage girl with long black hair stands on a rooftop at sunset. Wind blows her hair. Painted background.”

Vidu Q3

Mixed-style city walk

“A character walks down a street that transitions from photoreal to anime in style mid-shot. Camera tracks alongside.”

Happy Horse

Confused cat looking at TV

“A small orange cat sits on a couch staring confused at a flickering TV. Cartoon-leaning style.”

Grok Imagine Video

Pop culture meme moment

“A confused-looking commuter on a packed subway car holds up a sign that reads 'this is fine.' Style: contemporary internet meme.”

LTX 2

Time-lapse clouds

“Fast time-lapse of clouds racing over rolling hills at golden hour.”

Tip: LTX 2 is best for very short, loopable moments.

Luma Ray Flash 2

Neon rain alley

“Wide shot of a rain-soaked alley lit only by neon signs. A figure with an umbrella walks slowly away from the camera. Heavy atmosphere.”

Tip: Luma rewards mood-led writing. Lead with the lighting.