Writing a simple video prompt to generate a full video with AI has opened up creative possibilities for content creators.
But getting the results you want can feel like solving a puzzle. As researcher Hachik Yazadzhiyan points out, creators don’t just want speed. They want AI that helps them tell better stories.
Say you have a great video idea. You type it into an AI tool and get stiff visuals, clunky transitions, and a video that feels nothing like what you pictured.
Sound familiar? You're not alone. Most creators run into this. And sometimes, the issue isn’t the tool but the prompt.
What you ask, and how you ask it, makes all the difference.
This guide will teach you how to write effective video prompts, whether you're a TikTok creator, a YouTuber, or a business owner making product demos. You’ll learn to speak the AI’s language and get scroll-stopping results that reflect your creative vision. Let’s turn your ideas into videos that deliver.
What every great AI video prompt has in common
If you've ever typed a complete sentence into an AI tool and hit "generate," only to get something weird, random, or underwhelming, you probably thought the tool wasn’t working.
But in most cases, it’s the way the idea was framed that throws the AI off.
So, here are the three essential ingredients every great video prompt needs to help the AI understand your idea and bring it to life the way you imagined:
1. Lock in your subject and action like a director
Your subject is the who or what of your video. Is it a person talking? A product being unboxed? A cat wearing sunglasses on a skateboard? Great prompts don’t just say “woman” or “product demo.” They paint a clear picture of what exactly you imagine.
Example:
❌ "Make a video of a person walking"
✅ "A confident young woman in a red blazer walks across a neon-lit city street at night, looking directly at the camera."
And don’t forget the action. Action adds motion and intent. Whether it's someone smiling, typing, or dancing, that detail gives the AI something to animate.
Tip: Use action verbs and include small but meaningful behaviors. “Sips coffee and smiles slightly” creates a much richer scene than “drinks coffee.”
2. Choose a visual style that pops
Visual style tells the AI what vibe you’re going for, and it makes all the difference in how your video feels. Here’s what to guide with:
- Lighting: Set the mood with terms like soft lighting, cinematic glow, harsh shadows, or backlit with lens flare. Lighting tells the AI whether this scene feels dramatic, dreamy, or documentary-style.
- Color scheme: Use color to establish visual identity. Opt for pastel tones for a gentle and playful look, high contrast for bold energy, or warm neutrals for a polished and professional appearance.
- Atmosphere or mood: Describe how the video should feel. Words like cozy, energetic, eerie, or romantic can instantly shift how the AI interprets everything from camera angles to transitions.
Example:
✅ "A wide shot of a cozy bookstore with golden hour lighting, warm earth tones, and soft bokeh effects"
This is also the perfect place to experiment with artistic styles. Try prompts that mention anime, claymation, watercolor, or glitchy VHS to give your content a unique visual flair.
3. Add technical details that will create pro-level results
To get pro-level results, you need to guide the AI like a director. These details shape how your video looks, moves, and fits the platform you’re creating for.
- Aspect ratio: Tell the AI where you’ll post your video to get the best aspect ratio. Use 9:16 for TikTok, Reels, or YouTube Shorts. Opt for 16:9 for YouTube and most landscape-oriented content.
- Duration: Be specific. Say “15-second product teaser” or “60-second storytelling ad” so the pacing feels intentional.
- Pacing: Guide the rhythm. Ask for fast, beat-matched cuts for snappy edits or slow, cinematic transitions for emotional moments.
- Camera direction: Describe how the scene moves. Terms like “slow zoom-in,” “steady pan from left to right,” or “aerial overhead shot” help make your video feel like a human directed it.
How to write prompts that don’t sound like everyone else’s
Once you’ve nailed the basics, it’s time to level up. These advanced techniques help you stand out and help AI deliver videos that look polished, intentional, and uniquely yours.
Use power words that AI understands
Descriptive words can shape the mood, energy, and feel of your video. Some keywords do more heavy lifting than others. These are the ones to reach for:
- Tone-setters: bold, moody, elegant, gritty, vibrant, surreal
- Temporal cues: sunrise, twilight, winter morning, golden hour, 90s aesthetic
- Spatial cues: narrow alley, wide open field, indoor studio, underwater cave
- Emotional triggers: peaceful, high-energy, suspenseful, heartwarming
Example:
✅ “A joyful couple dancing under string lights during golden hour, filmed in slow motion with warm tones and dreamy bokeh”
Power words like these help the AI understand the scene and the feel of your video.
Provide directions in an organized manner
AI responds best when your prompt follows a clear order. If you toss in a list of disconnected details, the output will be just as jumbled. But structure it like a mini-script, and the results improve dramatically.
Here’s a simple structure that works:
1. Subject + Action: Who or what is the focus, and what are they doing?
2. Setting + Time: Where is it happening, and when?
3. Style + Mood: What does it look and feel like?
4. Technical Direction: How should it be filmed?
Example:
✅ “A child jumping in puddles on a rainy street at dusk, shot in slow motion with muted colors and handheld camera movement”
This prompt moves from the what to the where, then how it looks, and finally, how it’s captured. It flows just like a creative brief or a short script.
❌ “Muted colors with handheld camera, rainy street, jumping in puddles, a child, dusk”
This version has all the right ingredients, but it's scrambled. The AI might focus too much on the aesthetic first and miss the subject, or interpret the mood without anchoring the scene to an explicit action. If you structure it in this way, you will end up with a disjointed or overly stylized clip that doesn’t tell a coherent story.
Tip: Use punctuation, such as commas and line breaks, to organize your ideas. Avoid cramming everything into a single messy sentence.
Let ChatGPT do the heavy lifting
Structure matters. But if organizing all your ideas feels overwhelming, let ChatGPT take over. It’s your built-in creative assistant: fast, flexible, and surprisingly good at giving structure to your ideas.
Here’s how to make it work for you:
1. Generate draft prompts from loose ideas
Drop your concept in and ask ChatGPT to shape it.
Example: “Give me three short prompt ideas for a calming skincare ad.”
2. Refine prompts that feel off
Ask it to enhance tone, visuals, or clarity without changing the core.
Example: “Make this prompt feel more cinematic and specific.”
3. Remix for tone or platform
Quickly get variations for different moods or channels.
Example: “Write three versions of this prompt for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram.”
Plug-and-play video prompts for every kind of content
To help you get started fast, we’ve put together customizable prompt templates for various content, from viral reels to polished product demos. Just fill in the blanks and go.
Test out these prompts through VEED’s AI Playground. It provides access to multiple video generation models in one streamlined space, allowing you to experiment with different styles, motion, and visual outputs. It's also designed for fast iteration, making it easy to refine prompts, compare results, and identify the model that best fits your content.
Prompts for TikTok and Instagram videos that go viral
Trend-powered content
Trending videos are a key way to grow your TikTok and Instagram presence. They're how the algorithm finds fresh content, and how new audiences find you. So if you're aiming to ride a trend, your prompt needs to reflect it.
Template:
[Person or object] participating in [trend] with [unexpected twist or detail]. Use [camera style], [visual effect], and [music style]. Set it at [seconds] and in [aspect ratio] format.
Lifestyle and entertainment content
For creators in lifestyle, fashion, or entertainment niches, your videos need to feel personal, aspirational, and fun. Your prompt should describe movement, energy, and details that bring everyday moments to life.
Template:
[Character] doing [activity] in a [setting] that reflects their personality. Use [camera motion] to follow their movement, and include [props] that enhance the story. Emphasize a [mood] with a [color scheme] that sets the tone.
Attention-grabbing openers
You have three seconds or less to hook your viewer. Use prompts that start with bold movement, facial expressions, or unexpected visual moments.
Template:
1. Start with [dramatic motion or facial reaction], then reveal [situation or twist]. Use fast-paced cuts and zoom-ins.
2. Open on [something visually odd or exciting], then shift to [core scene or message].
Prompts for YouTube videos that keep people watching
Educational and explainer content
When creating educational video content, structure is everything. Your prompt should describe the teaching setup, visual aids, and overall pacing to keep the viewer engaged.
Template:
[Expert or narrator] explains [topic] with [visual format]. Include [text overlays], [tone of voice], and [background visuals].
Step-by-step tutorials
Tutorials and how-to videos are most effective when they’re step-by-step and visually consistent. Prompt the AI to provide on-screen instructions for clarity and what you want to see in each frame.
Template:
[Person] gives a step-by-step tutorial on [task] in [setting]. Show each stage with [hands-in-frame action], [camera angle], and [on-screen instructions]. Include [background detail] and [lighting].
Storytelling with flow
Story-based YouTube content benefits from prompts that describe emotional arc, camera movement, and cinematic transitions.
Template:
Tell the story of [event or character] in [number] scenes. Combine [narration or voiceover] with [key visual moments] and [cinematic camera style]. Use [lighting mood], [music cue], and [scene transitions] to build emotional flow.
Prompts for business videos that sell
Product showcases that convert
When you're selling a product, your prompt should do more than just show it. It should make someone want it. That means highlighting the benefits, using clear visuals, and giving it a professional finish.
Template:
Show [product] in use in [setting]. Emphasize [key benefit], with [lighting style], [camera angle], and [music mood].
Brand-building promotional videos
Brand videos show not only your product, but also the feeling, story, and mission of your brand. These prompts help you express your values, showcase your personality, and add a call to action that feels natural and authentic.
Template:
1. Feature [team member/customer] sharing [testimonial/message] in [setting]. Overlay [text or graphic] and CTA.
2. Narrate a story of [user experience or brand origin] while showing [related scenes or product use]. Tie back to [mission or offer].
Prompts for creative content that stands out
Funny, shareable content
Funny AI video prompts rely on timing, absurdity, and characters that pop. The goal is to surprise and delight, and make it shareable.
Template:
[Character] reacts to [ridiculous situation] with [emotion or action]. Use comedic pacing, zoom-ins, and cartoon sound effects.
Artistic and experimental videos
These prompts are for when you're feeling experimental. Think concept pieces, aesthetic mood boards, or stylized visuals that speak louder than words.
Template:
Visual poem on [theme or emotion] using [art style/animation technique]. Blend scenes of [symbolic imagery] with [color motif] and [camera rhythm].
Try your prompts in the AI Playground tool and see how different models bring your ideas to life. It’s the fastest way to test, compare, and create videos that match your vision.
The best AI video platforms to bring your prompts to life
Here's a quick breakdown of top AI video platforms, so you can see which one fits your workflow and goals.
VEED: Your all-in-one AI video powerhouse
VEED is an all-in-one, browser-based AI-powered video creation and editing tool. Start with a text prompt, generate a video, then polish it all inside the same interface.
Why you’ll love it:
- Smart prompt suggestions and built-in templates
- Full editor with stock, audio, subtitles, and more
- Streamlined workflow from concept to final export
Pricing:
Start free with basic features like subtitles and limited AI usage. Paid plans begin at around $10/month, unlocking HD exports, watermark removal, and premium assets. Enterprise options are available for teams.
VEED AI models you can try in the AI playground
These AI video models are available directly in VEED’s AI Playground, giving you the flexibility to test different styles, motion, and video outputs all in one place.
MiniMax Video 01
MiniMax Video 01 is a nimble text-to-video model that delivers expressive, visually engaging clips. It’s designed to strike a balance between style and speed, making it ideal for creating short-form social content and rapid creative testing.
Why you’ll love it:
- Generates stylized visuals with fast render times
- Ideal for quick storytelling or content previews
- Great for creators who want quality with minimal wait time
PixVerse
PixVerse excels at producing vibrant, imaginative visuals with a surreal edge. It’s a solid choice for creators looking to push into fantasy, experimental, or visually playful styles.
Why you’ll love it:
- Bold color palettes and strong scene coherence
- Great for dreamlike, fantasy, or animated aesthetics
- Reliable motion and detail even in busy scenes
Seedance
Seedance is designed for smooth, rhythmic motion, particularly in scenes with music, dancing, or flow-based storytelling. It brings an organic, fluid feel to your footage, even when working with minimal prompts.
Why you’ll love it:
- Optimized for movement-based scenes
- Perfect for music videos, dance edits, or high-motion content
- Smooth transitions and realistic pacing
Veo 2
Veo 2 focuses on delivering clean, structured outputs, which is excellent for business use, educational explainers, or product showcases. It produces reliable framing and motion, even with more straightforward prompts.
Why you’ll love it:
- Crisp scene structure and minimal noise
- Ideal for instructional, product, or branding content
- Sharp, reliable results with minimal tuning
Veo 3
Veo 3 builds upon everything from Veo 2, dialing it up. With enhanced scene fidelity, motion realism, and light handling, it’s built for short films, ads, or branded storytelling where polish matters most.
Why you’ll love it:
- High-end visuals and smooth scene transitions
- Best for cinematic, narrative-driven clips
- Improved light dynamics and environmental realism
Kling AI: For high-fidelity, realistic clips
Kling AI produces lifelike, cinematic videos with smooth motion and expressive visual detail. It supports both text and image prompts, making it ideal for creating stylized or high-end content.
Why you’ll love it:
- Ultra-smooth transitions and realistic movement
- Customizable elements and cinematic transitions
- Ideal for animating stills or building dynamic scenes
Pricing:
The free tier includes watermarked clips and a daily credit allowance. Paid plans start under $10/month for longer, watermark-free videos and more creative flexibility.
Other platforms worth trying
- Runway Gen‑2/Gen‑3: Great for stylized edits and text-to-video experimentation.
- Synthesia: Realistic avatars, 140+ languages. This is ideal for training or business videos.
- Pika Labs: Quick, stylized clips with natural motion. It is currently free in beta.
- InVideo AI, Fliki, Vexub: Tools that specialize in turning text prompts or scripts into social-ready videos, featuring voiceovers, avatars, or subtitle integration.
- Sora (by OpenAI): Early-stage AI model known for cinematic, realistic, and coherent video output.
- Stable Video Diffusion (by Stability AI): Open-source model built for converting stills into animated scenes.
Ready for rolling?
AI video tools are more powerful than ever, but your results still come down to one thing: the words you give them.
Start with a clear subject and action. Structure your prompt in a clear and organized flow. Use ChatGPT to sharpen your ideas. Select a tool that aligns with your style and goals.
Confidence comes with practice. Use this guide, experiment often, and focus on prompts that reflect your voice. Great videos don’t just come from AI. They come from creators who know how to prompt them.
