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Reference image defines characters, background, and other elements. Size needs to be ≥300px, aspect ratio 2:5–5:2.
AI Motion Control from a Reference Video
ThisVid AI motion control animates a character image using movement from a reference video. Use it when you have a performance to follow, such as a dance, a wave, or a short acting sequence.
Give Your Character a Performance to Follow
The image defines who appears; the reference video guides how they move. This makes motion transfer useful when a written description leaves too much room for interpretation.
Ordinary image to video starts with a picture and a motion prompt. Motion control adds a visible performance reference. For a portrait speaking a script, choose the AI avatar tool, where speech drives the animation.
What Shapes an AI Motion Transfer?
Match the character and reference before fine-tuning the settings.
Follow Body Movement
Use the reference to guide poses, turns, and gestures. Keep the moving parts visible in both inputs so the model has a clear movement to interpret.
Keep Hands in View
For a wave or a hand-led action, choose inputs with visible hands and minimal obstruction. A clear reference makes small gestures easier to interpret; review fingers and hand positions in the generated clip.
Choose a Focused Clip
Use a reference that contains the action you need, without unrelated cuts or long pauses. Follow the duration limit shown for your selected settings.
Match the Framing
A full-body performance needs room for the whole character. Similar framing and body proportions give the source movement a more suitable target.
Add Scene Direction
Use the optional prompt to clarify the setting or appearance. Let the reference supply the movement instead of describing a competing action.
Set Character Orientation
The orientation option chooses whether character orientation follows the image or video. Select it according to the pose and view you want to retain.
How to Animate an Image with a Motion Reference
Prepare a clear character image and a clip of the action you want.
Upload the Character
Choose an image with a readable face, visible limbs, and room for the intended movement.
Add the Motion Reference
Upload a video of the performance. Check its length, framing, and character orientation before generating.
Generate and Review
Create the clip in ThisVid, then watch the body movement, face, hands, and background before downloading.
Put Reference Motion to Work
Use a performance you can show to guide an animation you want to create.
Dance Clips
Follow an existing routine
Apply a short dance reference to a character. Start with one dancer whose arms and legs remain visible.
Animated Character Posters
Add a deliberate gesture
Turn a static character visual into a moving shot using a wave, head turn, or other simple performance.
Character Acting
Explore a physical performance
Try a walk, a reaction, or a change in posture on an illustrated character before building a longer sequence.
Presenter Gestures
Guide an on-screen movement
Use a reference for a greeting or pointing gesture. If the presenter also needs synchronized speech, use the avatar workflow.
Movement Explainers
Illustrate a simple action
Create a visual aid for a pose or gesture, then check that the generated movement conveys the intended action accurately.
Short Social Videos
Build around recognizable motion
Reimagine a short performance with a different character and use the result as one shot in your edit.
Choose References That Work Together
Character Image
- Show the body parts that need to move.
- Choose a clear silhouette with minimal obstruction.
- Match the reference framing where practical.
- Leave space around the character for larger gestures.
Reference Video
- Prefer one clearly visible performer.
- Choose a continuous shot with readable movement.
- Avoid rapid cuts and heavy motion blur.
- Trim the clip to the action you actually need.
Motion Control vs. Image to Video
Choose Motion Control When…
- You already have a video of the desired action.
- Gesture timing matters more than inventing a new scene.
- The character image suits the reference performance.
- You want to guide movement with visual evidence.
Choose Image to Video When…
- You have a starting image but no motion reference.
- A short written motion description is enough.
- You want to explore scene or camera movement.
- Following a specific performance is unnecessary.
Prepare a Character or Choose Another Video Workflow
AI Motion Control Questions
Reference selection, Kling motion control, and what to check in the result.
Bring Your Character into Motion
Pair your character with a reference performance and create a motion-guided video with ThisVid.
Animate My Character