AI character animation from video

Turn a still character photo into a moving video by copying motion from any reference clip. PhotoToDance transfers poses, gestures, and body movement from video to image — perfect for cosplay, VTubers, influencers, and branded character content.

Open Studio See examples

Reference video to character animation

Traditional character animation requires rigging, keyframes, or motion capture hardware. PhotoToDance takes a simpler approach: upload a reference video showing the motion you want, plus a single image of your character. The Wan 2.2 motion-transfer pipeline copies the movement onto your subject and outputs a ready-to-post vertical MP4.

Use cases include cosplay characters performing dance trends, influencer avatars mimicking gesture videos, mascot animations for social campaigns, and any scenario where you need a specific motion performed by a specific character — not a generic AI-generated figure.

What you control vs. what AI generates

  • You control motion — via the reference video (dance, pose sequence, gesture clip)
  • You control appearance — via your character image (photo, illustration, cosplay shot)
  • AI handles transfer — mapping reference motion onto your image frame by frame
  • Output format — 720×1280 vertical MP4 for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts

Related tools

For dance-specific workflows see AI TikTok dance generator. For Instagram-focused output see Reels motion copy.

Common questions

Can I animate an illustrated character?

Yes — PNG or JPG character images work, including cosplay photos, influencer portraits, and stylized character art. Clear body visibility improves motion transfer quality.

How long can the reference video be?

Up to 15 seconds per generation. Shorter clips (5–10 seconds) are faster and cost less. Pricing is $0.08 per second with a $0.50 minimum per completed video.

Is this the same as text-to-video?

No. Text-to-video generates motion from a written prompt. PhotoToDance copies motion from a real reference clip, giving you precise control over choreography and timing.

Where do I generate videos?

Sign in, get approved, top up credits, then use Studio to upload your reference video and character image.