How to Make an AI Video (2026 Beginner's Guide)
To make an AI video, pick a text-to-video tool, describe your shot in a clear prompt, choose a model, set the duration and aspect ratio, and generate. On Wandura's text-to-video tool you can do exactly this across many models on one credit balance — so you never sign up for a separate account per model. Here's the full beginner walkthrough, including what it costs and which model to start with.
No editing experience is required. AI video generation turns a written description into a short clip, so your job is to describe the shot well rather than operate a timeline. If you've never made a video before, this is the easiest place to start.
What you need
You need very little to make your first AI video:
- An idea for one shot. A single subject doing one action — "a paper boat floating down a rain-soaked street" — is enough. Keep it to one clear moment.
- A text-to-video tool. Wandura's AI video generator runs many models (Sora 2, Veo 3.1, Kling, Pika, LTX, and more) on one balance, so you can try them without separate subscriptions.
- A small credit balance. Generation is billed in credits (1 credit = $0.01). The cheapest models cost only a few credits per clip, so you can learn for pennies — see pricing.
- No camera, footage, or editing app. The model creates the footage from your words; you only refine the prompt.
How to make an AI video, step by step
- Open a text-to-video tool. On Wandura, go to text-to-video — no per-model account needed.
- Describe your shot in one line. Name the subject, the action, the camera move, and the look (see prompting tips below). Start with one main action.
- Choose a model. Beginners can start on a low-cost model like LTX to learn the workflow, then move up to Sora 2, Kling, or Veo 3.1 for higher fidelity. The same prompt box works across every model.
- Set the aspect ratio. Pick 9:16 for TikTok and Reels, 1:1 for feed posts, or 16:9 for YouTube — match the platform you'll post to.
- Set the duration. Choose a short length first (4–5 seconds). Short clips generate faster and cost less while you iterate.
- Generate and review. The clip is produced asynchronously; when it's ready, download it or tweak the prompt and run again. The exact credit cost is shown on the Generate button before you confirm.
- Iterate, then upgrade the model (optional). Once the framing and motion look right on a cheap model, re-run the winning prompt on a premium model for the final render.
Prompting tips for beginners
Good AI video starts with a specific, visual prompt. A reliable pattern is subject + action + camera + lighting/style: "a golden retriever puppy running across a sunny beach, slow motion, low camera angle, warm afternoon light" beats "a dog on a beach". A few habits that help right away:
- One main action per clip. Stacking several movements ("running, then jumping, then swimming") tends to muddy the result.
- Describe the camera. Words like "slow push-in", "handheld pan", or "static wide shot" give the model direction.
- Name the lighting and mood. "Golden-hour light", "neon night", or "soft studio light" shape the whole look.
- Iterate cheaply. Generate two or three variations on a low-cost model before committing to a premium render.
How much does it cost?
On Wandura, video is credit-based (1 credit = $0.01) and billed per generation — the exact cost is shown on the Generate button before you confirm, so nothing is hidden. Costs range from a few credits for a fast draft model up to a few hundred credits for a premium 1080p clip. Here are some of the cheapest models to start with:
| Model | Type | Short clip | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| LTX-2 Fast | text-to-video | 4 credits (flat, any length) | ~$0.04 |
| Pika 2.2 | text/image-to-video | 42 credits (5s, 720p) | ~$0.42 |
| Hailuo 02 Standard | text-to-video | 57 credits (6s) | ~$0.57 |
| Seedance 2 Mini | text-to-video | 152 credits (5s, 480p) | ~$1.52 |
Prices as of July 2026 — the exact cost is always shown on the Generate button before you confirm; see pricing for current packs and plans.
For comparison, premium models cost more per clip: a 5-second clip runs about 156 credits ($1.56) on Kling 2.6 (1080p) and 315 credits ($3.15) on Sora 2 (720p), while Veo 3.1 starts around 330 credits (~$3.30) for a 4-second 720p clip. Because every model draws from the same balance, you can draft on a cheap model and spend premium credits only on the final shot.
Which model should a beginner start with?
Start with the cheapest model that teaches you the workflow, then upgrade only when quality matters. LTX-2 Fast is the most beginner-friendly on cost — at 4 credits (~$0.04) flat per clip, you can generate dozens of drafts for the price of a coffee while you learn how prompts translate into motion. Once your framing and prompt feel right, re-run the winner on a premium model:
- For cinematic motion and realism, try Sora 2 — see how to use Sora 2.
- To compare the top engines before you commit, read our best AI video generators roundup.
- To choose between the frontier models head-to-head, see Sora 2 vs Veo 3.1 vs Kling.
The advantage of a multi-model AI video generator is that you're not locked in: start cheap, learn fast, and switch to a premium model per shot — all on one balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need video editing experience to make an AI video?
No. AI video generation turns a written description into a finished clip, so there's no timeline, footage, or editing app to learn. Your only job is to describe the shot clearly in a prompt, which makes it one of the easiest ways for a beginner to make video.
What is the cheapest way to make an AI video?
On Wandura, the cheapest model is LTX-2 Fast at a flat 4 credits (~$0.04) per clip regardless of length. It's ideal for learning the workflow and drafting cheaply before you move up to a higher-fidelity model.
How much does it cost to make an AI video?
On Wandura, video is credit-based (1 credit = $0.01) and billed per generation. Costs range from about 4 credits (~$0.04) for a fast draft model up to a few hundred credits for a premium 1080p clip — and the exact cost is shown on the Generate button before you confirm.
What should my first AI video prompt look like?
Use a subject + action + camera + lighting pattern and keep it to one main action — for example, "a paper boat floating down a rain-soaked street, slow push-in, moody overcast light". Specific, visual prompts beat vague ones, and generating a few variations helps you find the best result.
How long can an AI video clip be?
Most models on Wandura generate clips from 4 to 15 seconds. Keep your first clips short (4–5 seconds) to iterate quickly and cheaply, then extend only the shot that works.
What aspect ratio should I choose?
Match the platform you'll post to: 9:16 for TikTok and Reels, 1:1 for feed posts, and 16:9 for YouTube. Set the ratio before you generate so you don't have to re-render.
Which AI video model is best for a beginner?
Start with a low-cost model like LTX-2 Fast to learn how prompts translate into motion, then upgrade to a premium model such as Sora 2, Kling, or Veo 3.1 for the final render. On a multi-model platform they all share one balance, so switching costs you nothing extra.
Do I need a separate account for each AI video model?
No. On a multi-model platform like Wandura, models such as Sora 2, Veo 3.1, Kling, Pika, and LTX all run on one credit balance — you pay per generation and switch models per shot without separate subscriptions.
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