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Explore our comprehensive documentation for in-depth information about Ludo.ai and its powerful features.
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Video Generator

  • Introduction and Getting Started

    The Video Generator is a powerful AI tool within the Ludo.ai platform designed to create short, animated game videos based on images and text descriptions. This feature allows you to quickly visualize motion, animate characters and assets, or create dynamic gameplay mockups.

    With the Video Generator, you can:

    • Generate videos from a detailed text prompt (Text to Video).
    • Generate videos from a starting image and a motion prompt (Image to Video).
    • Set a custom final frame for precise animation control.
    • Choose between multiple video models, each with its own supported durations and credit cost.
    • Add custom sound effects or music to your videos.
    • Utilize a two-step generation process for maximum control.
    • Apply filters for art style, perspective, aspect ratio, and more.
    • Edit the initial or final frame of a video using the integrated Image Editor.
    • Download, save, and iterate on your video creations.

    To get started:

    1. Navigate to the Video Generator tool from the main menu.
    2. Choose your desired generation mode: Text to Video or Image to Video.
    3. Provide your inputs (text prompt and/or an image).
    4. Use filters and, in Image to Video, pick a model and duration to refine your request.
    5. Generate the initial frame or the final video.

  • Generation Modes Explained

    The Video Generator offers two primary modes to start your creation process.

    Text to Video

    This mode is ideal when you are starting from scratch with just an idea. You provide a single, detailed text prompt that describes both the visual content of the video's first frame and the motion you want to see. The tool then generates an initial static image based on your description, which you can then approve to generate the final animated video.

    Image to Video

    Use this mode when you already have a specific image you want to animate. This could be an image you've previously generated on Ludo.ai, one from your favorites, or one you upload. You provide the starting image, an optional final frame, and a separate text prompt to describe the desired motion. The tool will then generate a video that animates your provided image.

  • Text to Video: The Two-Step Process

    The "Text to Video" mode uses a two-step workflow so you can review and refine the starting visuals before committing credits to a full video render.

    Step 1: Generate the First Frame

    1. Select the Text to Video tab.
    2. In the prompt box, write a detailed description. Your prompt should describe both the subject of the video AND the motion you want to happen. For example: "In a pixelated world, a retro spaceship narrowly evades incoming asteroid clusters while its cannons unleash a barrage of retro laser fire."
    3. Pick a Video Type (Art, Gameplay, Icon, Asset, Sprite) and, optionally, set filters (Art Style, Perspective, Aspect Ratio) to further guide the AI.
    4. Click the "Generate First Frame" button.
    5. Ludo.ai will generate one or more static images that represent the starting point of your video.
    6. If you are not happy with the result, generate again with the same inputs or adjust the prompt and filters.

    Step 2: Turn the Frame into a Video

    1. Review the generated first frame(s). You can click on an image to zoom in.
    2. On the frame that best matches your vision, click "Use as First Frame" in the action bar.
    3. Ludo.ai switches you to the Image to Video tab with that frame pre-loaded as the first frame and your original prompt copied over as the motion prompt.
    4. In the Image to Video tab you can:
      • Optionally set a Final Frame for precise control over how the animation ends.
      • Edit the motion prompt to better describe what should happen.
      • Choose a Model and a Duration (see Choosing a Model below).
    5. Click "Generate Video" to render the final animated video. It will appear in the gallery below once ready.

  • Image to Video

    The "Image to Video" mode is a direct way to animate an existing visual. It is also where you land after clicking "Use as First Frame" on a frame generated in the Text to Video flow.

    1. Select the Image to Video tab.
    2. Click "Choose initial image" on the First Frame card. You can drag and drop a file, browse your computer, or pick an image from your Ludo.ai Favorites.
    3. (Optional) Set a Final Frame. Click the "Choose final image" card. You can upload an image, pick one from your Favorites, copy the first frame, or open the editor to derive a final frame from your starting image. The final frame is guaranteed to be the last frame of the video, giving you precise control over the animation's end point — ideal for perfect loops or specific scene transitions.
    4. In the prompt box, describe what should happen in the video. This prompt should focus on motion, since the initial (and optional final) images already define the visuals. You can leave it blank to let the AI decide on the motion.
    5. Pick a Model and a Duration — see Choosing a Model below.
    6. Click the "Generate Video" button. The final video will appear in the gallery once it is ready.

    Editing Your Keyframes for Better Control

    Before generating the video, you can precisely control the starting and ending visuals using the integrated Image Editor. After uploading or selecting an image for the First Frame or Final Frame, click the "Open In Editor" button on its card. This allows you to:

    • Add, remove, or change specific elements in the image.
    • Modify colors, styles, or backgrounds.
    • Refine the composition to better suit the animation you have in mind.

    Editing your keyframes ensures the animation begins and ends with the exact visuals you want. Once you save your edits, you will return to the Video Generator to describe the motion and create the video.

    Input Image Guidelines and Limitations

    To ensure the best results and adhere to platform policies, please follow these guidelines for your input images:

    • No Photos of Real People: The generator is not designed to animate photographs of identifiable individuals.
    • No Not-Safe-For-Work (NSFW) Content: All uploaded and generated content must be suitable for a general audience.

  • Writing Effective Prompts

    The quality of your prompt is key to getting great results. The approach can vary depending on whether you are looking for precise control or creative exploration.

    Comprehensive Prompts for Control

    For the "Text to Video" mode, a detailed prompt gives you the most control. A good structure includes:

    • Subject: The main focus (e.g., a hero sprite).
    • Setting: The environment (e.g., in a top-down pixel art perspective).
    • Action/Motion: What the subject and camera are doing (e.g., executes a rapid dash attack through a cluster of blocky enemies, triggering bright particle effects).
    • Details: Specifics about the scene (e.g., a health bar depletes).

    Simple Prompts for Exploration and Ideation

    While detailed prompts offer control, simple prompts are excellent for brainstorming and discovering unexpected ideas. Don't be afraid to start with a broad concept and let the AI fill in the details. This is a great way to overcome creative blocks.

    • Simple Prompt Example: "a spaceship shooting lasers"
    • AI Interpretation: The AI might generate a side-scrolling view, a top-down view, a cinematic fly-by, or something else entirely. Each result can be a new source of inspiration.

    Use detailed prompts when you have a specific vision in mind, and use simple prompts when you want the AI to be a creative partner in the ideation process.

  • Filters and Options

    The Video Generator uses a focused set of options to steer the AI. The options available depend on which tab you are in.

    Text to Video options

    These options shape the first frame generated from your prompt:

    • Video Type: Choose the category of the starting image (Art, Gameplay, Icon, Asset, Sprite).
    • Art Style: Choose from styles like Pixel Art, Cartoonish, Photorealistic 3D, and more.
    • Perspective: Define the camera viewpoint, such as Top-Down, First-Person, or Side-Scroll.
    • Aspect Ratio: Control the dimensions of the generated first frame (e.g., Square, Landscape, Portrait). The video inherits the aspect ratio of the frame.

    Image to Video options

    In Image to Video, the first frame is already chosen, so the options focus on the animation itself:

    • First Frame and (optional) Final Frame: The keyframes that bound the animation.
    • Model: Which video model to use. See Choosing a Model.
    • Duration: Video length, in seconds. The available durations and credit cost depend on the selected model.

  • Interacting with Generated Videos

    Once a video is generated, it appears in the gallery with several options:

    • Play/Zoom: Click on a video thumbnail to open it in a larger player window.
    • Mute / Unmute: Once a video has audio, a speaker icon appears on the thumbnail. Clicking it toggles all videos between muted and unmuted, so previews don't talk over each other.
    • Add to Favorites (Heart Icon): Saves the video to your Favorites page for easy access later.
    • Action Bar (on hover):
      • Generate Audio / Re-generate Audio: See Adding Sound to Your Videos below.
      • Generate from Image: Takes the first frame of the selected video and brings it into the Image to Video tab. This is perfect for trying a different motion prompt while keeping the same starting visual.
    • Three-dot Menu (top-right of the thumbnail):
      • Download Video: Downloads the video file (as an .mp4) to your computer.
      • Delete: Removes the video from your gallery.

    First-frame thumbnails (Text to Video flow)

    Between Step 1 and Step 2 of the Text to Video flow, the gallery shows the generated first frames as image-only thumbnails. These have their own actions:

    • Use as First Frame: Sends the image to the Image to Video tab as the first frame, with the original motion prompt copied over. This is the bridge to Step 2 of the two-step flow.
    • Edit Image: Opens the frame in the integrated Image Editor. Save your edits to use the edited version as the basis for a new video.

  • Adding Sound to Your Videos

    The Video Generator allows you to bring your creations to life by adding custom sound effects and music directly to your generated videos. This feature can be used with or without a text prompt, giving you both creative control and automated convenience.

    How to Generate Audio

    1. Locate the video you want to add sound to in the generation gallery.
    2. Click the musical note icon (🎵) on the top right of the video thumbnail.
    3. An input field will appear. You have two choices:
      • Prompt-Based Generation: Type a description of the sound you want into the field.
      • Automatic Generation: Leave the field blank. The AI will analyze the video's visuals and create a fitting soundscape.
    4. Click the generate button (the arrow). This will process your request and add audio to the video.

    Tips for Prompting

    • Be descriptive. Clearly state the type of sound you want.
    • For Sound Effects: "heavy footsteps on a wooden floor", "high-pitched laser blasts", "epic cinematic explosion".
    • For Music: "upbeat 8-bit chiptune music", "calm and serene traditional japanese flute", "dramatic orchestral battle theme".

    After Generation

    • The original button will change to "Re-generate Audio", allowing you to try again with a different prompt if you're not satisfied with the result.

  • Use Cases in Game Development

    The Video Generator is a versatile tool that can accelerate various stages of the game creation process, from initial design to marketing.

    Concept and Design

    • Visualize Mechanics: Quickly create short clips to demonstrate how a core gameplay mechanic, like a dash attack or a magic spell, would look in motion.
    • Animate Characters: Bring character sprites or concept art to life to get a feel for their movement and personality.
    • Dynamic Mood Boards: Instead of a static mood board, create a collection of short, atmospheric videos to establish the tone and feel of your game world.

    Development and Prototyping

    • Animated Placeholders: Generate simple animated assets (e.g., a spinning coin, a pulsating power-up, an opening treasure chest) to use as placeholders in early prototypes.
    • VFX Ideation: Brainstorm ideas for visual effects like explosions, smoke, or energy blasts.
    • Sound Design Brainstorming: Quickly generate placeholder sound effects or background music to match the mood of your animated concepts, helping to establish the audio-visual tone early on.
    • UI Animation Mockups: Create animated UI elements, such as a glowing button, a loading bar, or a level-up notification, to test in your UI mockups.

    Marketing and Social Media

    • Eye-Catching Social Media Clips: Generate short, looping videos perfect for sharing on platforms like Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram to build community interest.
    • Ad Creative Mockups: Rapidly produce multiple variations of a short video to test different concepts for marketing campaigns.
    • Conceptual Trailers: Stitch together several generated clips to create a simple "vision" trailer that communicates your game's concept to potential team members or investors.

  • Troubleshooting

    If you encounter issues while using the Video Generator, consider these steps:

    • Irrelevant or Static Videos:
      • Ensure your prompt in "Text to Video" mode includes a clear description of motion. If no motion is described, the resulting video may be static.
      • Rephrase your prompt to be more specific or direct about the action you want to see.
    • Initial Frame is Not What You Expected:
      • Refine your initial text prompt with more detail.
      • Use the filters (Art Style, Perspective, etc.) to better guide the AI.
      • Click "Generate First Frame" again to get new variations.
    • Generated Audio Doesn't Match the Video:
      • Try using the "Re-generate Audio" button with a more specific prompt. Instead of a general description, detail the exact sounds you want to hear (e.g., "footsteps on gravel," "futuristic synthwave music," "sword clashing sound effects").
      • If you didn't use a prompt initially, try providing one to guide the AI more directly.
    • Video Generation is Slow:
      • Video generation is computationally intensive and can take longer than image generation.
      • If generation seems stuck, please wait a few moments. If the problem persists, try refreshing the page.
    • Video Fails to Generate:
      • This can sometimes happen if the requested motion is too complex or conflicts with the initial image.
      • Try simplifying your motion prompt.
      • Try generating a video from a different first frame.
    • Undesired Motion:
      • Use the "Generate from Image" option on the video to try again with a refined or different motion prompt.

    If problems persist, please contact Ludo.ai support or ask on our Discord server for assistance.

  • Choosing a Model

    When you generate a video in the Image to Video tab, you pick which underlying video model Ludo.ai should use. Different models trade off visual quality, motion stability, supported durations, and credit cost.

    The Model dropdown

    Open the Model dropdown to compare the available models side by side. Each card shows:

    • Name — the model's friendly name.
    • Duration range — the shortest and longest video length the model supports (for example, 5 to 10s).
    • Description — a short summary of what the model is good at.
    • Visual quality — how good the frames look and how coherent the motion stays, especially under complex or fast movement.
    • Motion stability — how predictably the model follows your prompt without introducing unwanted motion or drift.
    • Credits per second — the per-second cost, plus a minimum charge where applicable.

    Older models that are kept around for compatibility appear under a Legacy models subheader at the bottom of the list.

    Duration

    After you pick a model, the Duration control shows only the durations that model supports:

    • If the model supports a single duration, it is displayed as a fixed value.
    • If it supports multiple durations, a slider lets you snap between them.

    The credit cost shown next to the duration updates live based on your model + duration choice, so you always know what a generation will cost before clicking Generate Video. If you switch models and your current duration is not supported by the new model, Ludo.ai automatically selects the closest valid duration.