Generate a Video Clip


Kreator can turn a still image and a short text prompt into a moving clip in under a minute. For this task, you'll generate a 4-second video with the Seedance 2.0 model, using a reference image to guide the look and subject.


This task takes about 3 minutes.



What is a video clip?

In Kreator, a video clip is a short AI-generated video — typically 4 to 15 seconds — created from a prompt, an optional reference image, and a chosen model. Seedance 2.0 is ByteDance's video model and is well suited to product, lifestyle, and motion shots.


Steps

1. Open the video clip generator

Click the + Create button (top-right of the dashboard or the Assets page) and choose Video Clip from the dropdown.



You'll land on the Generate Video Clip screen. The form is on the left; generated clips will appear in the gallery on the right.


2. Choose the Seedance 2.0 model

In the form, click the Model dropdown and select Seedance 2.0.


The form will refresh to show only the options Seedance supports (duration, resolution, aspect ratio, references, audio).


3. Add a reference image

Scroll to the Image References card and click the + tile. From the dropdown, pick one of:


  • Upload — choose an image from your computer.
  • Choose from asset library — pick an existing image from your assets.
  • Choose from Actors — use a saved virtual actor's image.
  • Choose from Products — use a saved product image.

For this task, the easiest path is Choose from asset library and pick the image you generated or uploaded earlier in onboarding.



Your reference will appear as a small thumbnail. To remove it, hover over the thumbnail and click the X.


Note: Use the Image References card (not Start Image) for this task — Seedance will treat the image as a style/subject reference for the clip.


4. Set the duration to 4 seconds

In the Duration dropdown, select 4 seconds.



You'll see the credit cost on the Generate button update — Seedance charges per second of video.


5. Choose a resolution and aspect ratio (optional)

Leave Resolution at the default 720p for a sharp result, or switch to 480p for a cheaper run.


For aspect ratio, 16:9 is a safe default. Open the aspect ratio dropdown (right side, below the duration) and pick the shape that fits where you'll post the clip — for example, 9:16 for TikTok or Reels, 1:1 for Instagram feed.



6. Write a prompt

In the prompt field at the top of the form, describe what should happen in the clip. Mention movement, camera, and mood — the reference image will handle the look.


A few examples:

Slow zoom on the subject from the reference image, soft ambient light, gentle particle effects.
Camera dolly forward toward the product, glossy reflections, cinematic shallow depth of field.
Subject from the reference image walking through golden hour, light wind, hair moving.

Click Refine in the prompt field if you want Kreator to rewrite the prompt with stronger visual direction.


7. Generate the clip

Click Generate Video Clip at the bottom of the form.




A placeholder tile will appear in the gallery while Seedance creates the video. Generation usually takes 30–90 seconds.


How do I know it worked?

You'll know the task is complete when:


  • A new clip appears in the gallery on the right of the Generate Video Clip screen.
  • Pressing play shows a 4-second video with motion.
  • Hovering the clip confirms it was generated with Seedance 2.0 and used a reference image.
  • The clip is saved to your asset library and can be downloaded or reused.

Tips

  • Use a strong, on-subject reference. Sharp, well-composed images with a clear subject produce far better motion than busy or low-contrast ones.
  • Describe motion, not just subject. Words like "slow zoom," "camera dolly," "subject turns toward camera," and "ambient particles" give Seedance something to animate.
  • Match the aspect ratio to the platform. 9:16 for TikTok / Reels / Shorts, 1:1 for Instagram feed, 16:9 for YouTube and landing pages.
  • Generate a few variations. Use the number-of-assets control next to the aspect ratio to create up to two clips at once, then pick the better motion.
  • Try Seedance 2.0 Fast for quick previews. If you're iterating on the prompt, switch to Seedance 2.0 Fast for cheaper, faster runs, then re-run the final version on Seedance 2.0.

Troubleshooting

The duration dropdown doesn't show 4 seconds.

Make sure you've selected Seedance 2.0 (or Seedance 2.0 Fast) — the available durations depend on the model. Switching models can reset the duration; re-pick 4 seconds after changing models.


"Insufficient credits."

Video generation costs more than image generation because it scales with duration. Reduce the duration, drop the resolution to 480p, or top up credits in billing settings.


The Generate Video Clip button is disabled.

Hover the button for a tooltip — it will tell you what's missing (usually a prompt or a required image). Add the missing field and try again.


My reference image won't add.

Reference images must be JPG, PNG, or WebP and under 100 MB. If the upload fails, upload it to your Assets library first, then add it from there.


The clip looks nothing like my reference.

Mention the reference explicitly in your prompt ("subject from the reference image," "in the style of the reference") and try again. You can also add a second reference to give Seedance more visual anchors.


Generation is taking a long time.

Most 4-second Seedance clips finish in 30–90 seconds. If a clip stays as a placeholder for over five minutes, refresh the page — completed clips will sync automatically, and failed ones will show a retry option. If it still shows as incomplete after a couple of minute, contact support.


Next step

Once your video is generated, head back to your onboarding checklist and continue with the next task.

Still need help? Contact Us Contact Us