# Animate a photo with AI in a few seconds

> To animate a photo, upload it to Seedance Studio, describe the motion (a smile, blinking, hair in the wind, waves, a slow camera push) and Seedance turns the still image into a 5 to 15 second video. A 5-second clip costs 400 credits with Seedance 2.0 Fast, after a free sign-up.

Upload any still picture and describe how it should move: a smile, hair in the wind, drifting clouds or a slow camera push.

## At a glance

- **Input:** One photo: portrait, landscape, product or artwork
- **Motion:** Described in words: faces, nature, camera
- **Length:** 5 or 10 seconds, up to 15 with Seedance 2.5
- **Price per second:** 100 credits with Seedance 2.5, 100 with 2.0, 80 with 2.0 Fast
- **Free to sign up:** Free account, no credit card; videos use purchased credits

- Portraits and old photos
- Nature and skies
- Camera moves

[Animate a photo](https://getseedance.app/create)

## Photos that come to life

- **Portraits**: Subtle smiles, blinks and head turns that keep the face.
- **Landscapes**: Moving clouds, water, grass and city lights.
- **Artwork**: Paintings and illustrations that start to move in their own style.
- **Camera moves**: A slow push, pan or orbit adds depth to any still.

## How to animate a photo

1. **Upload the photo**: It becomes the first frame of the video.
2. **Describe the motion**: Say what moves and how the camera behaves.
3. **Pick model and length**: Fast for drafts, Seedance 2.5 for sound and 15 seconds.
4. **Download the video**: An MP4 in the aspect ratio of your choice.

## Motion prompts that look natural

Small, specific motion looks more real than big changes. Prompts that work well:

- “Blinks and smiles gently, slight head tilt”
- “Hair and dress move in a light breeze”
- “Steam rises from the coffee cup”
- “Slow push in, shallow depth of field”
- “Waves roll in, clouds drift to the left”

## Animating old family photos

Scan the print or photograph it flat and without glare, then ask for gentle motion such as a smile or a blink. The model invents what the photo does not show, so keep the result as a keepsake and hold on to the original picture.


## Related tools

- [AI image to video](https://getseedance.app/image-to-video): More control over the shot.
- [Short video generator](https://getseedance.app/short-video-generator): Vertical clips for social.
- [Prompt library](https://getseedance.app/prompts): Motion prompts to copy.

## Simple pricing for Seedance videos

- Starter: $19.99 / month, 2,000 credits
- Pro: $49.99 / month, 5,500 credits
- Studio: $99.99 / month, 12,000 credits
- Small: $9.99, 1,000 credits
- Medium: $29.99, 3,200 credits
- Large: $79.99, 9,000 credits

## Animate a photo: FAQ

### Can I animate an old photo?

Yes. Upload a good scan and ask for subtle motion such as a smile or a blink. Results look most natural with sharp, well-lit originals.

### Will the face stay the same?

The photo is the first frame, so the face starts exactly as uploaded. Big movements can change features, so ask for small, gentle motion.

### How long is the video?

5 or 10 seconds with Seedance 2.0 and 2.0 Fast, and up to 15 seconds with sound with Seedance 2.5.

### Is it free to animate a photo?

Signing up is free; animating a photo uses purchased credits, from 400 credits for a 5-second clip with Seedance 2.0 Fast.

## Bring a photo to life

Sign up free and upload a picture.

_Last updated 2026-10-05_