Vidu AI Video Generator: 3 Ways to Use It + Fresh Alternative

What is Vidu AI generator

Vidu AI is a video maker built by Shengshu Tech and Tsinghua University. It turns text, images, or references into short anime-style videos in just seconds. Many users love how fast it works; sometimes under 10 seconds—and how well it handles complex scenes with more than one character. Its interface is easy to use, and it supports multi-subject prompts.

How to create videos with Vidu AI video generator

You can use Vidu in a few ways. The most common are: turning text into a video, turning an image into a video, and using a reference video as a guide. Let's walk through each method below.

Method 1: Using Vidu AI text to video

STEP 1
1. Insert your prompt

Head to the Vidu AI homepage. From the top menu or homepage features, click on "Text-to-Video." This tool lets you turn your ideas into animated clips fast. Proceed to insert your text prompt in the textbox provided.

Example prompt: A dynamic video featuring original anime characters — a confident, blue-haired female warrior with glowing eyes and a cyber katana, standing atop a futuristic rooftop at night, neon lights reflecting in the rain.

STEP 2
1. Choose your preferred setting

Select your style, duration, movement amplitude and aspect ratio. This setting enables the AI to generate output that matches your preferences. Afterward, click the "Create" button.

STEP 3
1. Download your video

After entering your idea, in just a few seconds, Vidu AI turns your words into a custom video. Proceed to click the download icon to save it on your device or share it on your social media platforms. Please note that you can only access the download icon when you click once on the screen.

Method 2: Creating with Vidu AI image to video

STEP 1
1. Upload an image

Head over to the Vidu AI homepage. On the main interface, find the "Image to video" option, it is listed among the core tools. Click it to open the upload section, where you can start turning a static image into motion.

STEP 2
1. Upload your image and describe the scene

Upload a high-quality image that you want to animate. Then, write a short description or prompt that explains how the subject in the image should move or what story the video should tell.

Example prompt: Generate a video of two lovers taking a walk on the beach on a sunny day.

STEP 3
1. Create and Download

Once the image and prompt are set, hit the "Create" button. Wait a few seconds. Vidu will create a short animated video from your image. You can watch the preview and decide if it fits your needs. If not, tweak the prompt or try another image.

Method 3: Advanced feature (Reference-to-Video)

STEP 1
1. Upload your video

On Vidu AI's main dashboard, select the "Reference to video" option. This feature lets you upload a short reference video, which the AI will use to guide motion, style, or layout for the newly generated output.

STEP 2
1. Add prompt

Choose a reference video that reflects the motion or vibe you want. It could be a walking cycle, dance movement, or cinematic pan. After uploading, add a prompt describing your new scene.

For example: A mysterious blue creature with long ears crawls through the forest, surrounded by the quiet ambiance of the night. The camera moves backward, capturing a close-up shot

STEP 3
1. Generate and download

Once your video and text are in place, proceed to the settings options to choose what works for you. Next, click "Create." In a few seconds, Vidu AI will create a new anime-style video based on your input and the movement from the reference. Watch it, download it, or fine-tune it with another prompt.

Deep dive: Is Vidu AI video generator really good

Vidu AI has become a go-to for anime fans who want quick, stylish videos. It's easy to use and delivers results in seconds. But it's not without limits. While it does a few things very well, some downsides can get in the way, especially if you want realistic or longer content. Below, we'll break it down for you.

Vidu AI is great for anime lovers who want speed and style. But if you need more freedom, like broader video styles, natural and lifelike human movement, or HD results, you'll need a new option. That's where Dreamina steps in. It gives you all that and more, with a better free tier and creative tools that go beyond anime. Let's dive into this incredible Vidu alternative.

Explore Dreamina: A seasoned Vidu AI alternative

Dreamina is an advanced AI video generator that effortlessly transforms text or images into dynamic videos within seconds. Unlike Vidu AI, which primarily focuses on anime-style outputs, Dreamina offers a diverse range of visual styles, from cinematic storytelling to light-hearted, comedic themes. It also stands out with multiple handy features, like Frame interpolation for smooth footage or HD Upscale for clear visual performance. For creators who find Vidu limiting, Dreamina provides a more expansive and flexible creative environment.

Steps to create videos with Dreamina

Making a video with Dreamina is easy and beginner-friendly. However, before we dive in, quickly use the link to open a free account with Dreamina for free.

STEP 1
1. Write a prompt & upload your image

After signing up, navigate to the video generator tab. Next, head to the "Text to Video" or “Image to Video,” depending on your method. For text, type in a clear idea of what you want to see. Keep it short and visual.

For example: A fluffy, adorable golden retriever puppy playing in a sunny garden, wagging its tail and chasing butterflies.

PS: Like Vidu, Dreamina also supports image-based generation: Simply click "Image prompt" and upload your own images (you can tap "Use last frame" to import one more image for your end screen, which makes the video into a transition video.) After that, clearly write down what you expect in your video.

STEP 2
1. Generate your video

Choose a model style. Then, adjust the camera movement, motion speed, and aspect ratio (16:9 for YouTube, 9:16 for Shorts). When you're ready, click the "Generate" button.

STEP 3
1. Download

Once your video is ready, click once on the generated video to preview. Then, proceed to download your video by clicking the download icon you see at the top of your video.

More powerful AI tools

1
1. HD Upscale

Suppose your video looks soft or pixelated, especially on bigger screens; it loses detail and doesn't stand out on high-res platforms like YouTube. Use "HD upscale" to improve it. With this tool, the same video gets a visual boost—sharper edges, richer colors, and better clarity overall. It's perfect for turning a draft-quality video into something you can confidently publish. No editing is needed—just one click.

2
1. Frame interpolation

Movements in your video may feel jerky or rushed. Fast actions blur, slow pans stutter, and transitions lack polish. With Dreamina's "Frame interpolation," you can add extra frames between existing videos to create smoother motion. Your characters move more naturally, and scenes flow like a pro edit. This is especially useful for action or cinematic clips where motion quality matters.

3
1. Extend video

If you have a strong start, but the video cuts off too soon, or the pacing feels off, and your creative idea doesn't fully land. Use Dreamina's "Add 3s" feature to add three extra seconds. It gives your scene room to breathe or finish with impact. Whether it's a lingering shot, final gesture, or subtle ending cue, it gives your video a complete feel.

4
1. Generate soundtrack

Does your video play silently? Or you're stuck trying to find royalty-free music that kinda fits. With Dreamina's "Generate Soundtrack" tool, the AI creates background music that fits your video. You can choose moods like dramatic, upbeat, or chill. It's excellent for Shorts, memes, or emotional storytelling. You don't have to leave the app or browse music libraries.

Conclusion

Vidu AI free is clearly pushing boundaries in AI video generation, especially with its fast and focused anime-style content. But for creators who want more realistic visuals, longer videos, cleaner exports, or background sound, Dreamina steps in as the stronger, more flexible choice. Whether you're making Shorts, storytelling clips, or branded content, Dreamina gives you the tools to do more with less effort. Try both, compare the results; and chances are, Dreamina's versatility will win you over. Ready to level up your videos? Get started with Dreamina for free.

FAQs

1
1. Is Vidu AI free to use at all times?

Vidu AI has a free tier, but it comes with limits. You'll see watermarks on your videos; the output is only 720p, and the video length is short. These can be a dealbreaker for serious creators. That’s where Dreamina shines. It gives you clean HD videos, more flexibility, and free credits to get started. You can test everything without restrictions. A better Vidu AI alternative if you want more freedom.

2
1. Can I use Vidu video AI for realistic video?

Not really. Vidu AI generator is best for anime-style videos. When you try to generate realistic human movement, the results often look off or stiff. This is a significant downside if your content needs lifelike quality. Dreamina, on the other hand, works well with both anime and realistic styles. It's built to handle dynamic motion, facial details, and natural scenes, making it a top pick for realistic AI video generation.

3
1. Does Vidu AI generator support customizing the BGM?

Vidu AI generator doesn't offer much when it comes to background music. If you want custom BGM or need a sound that matches your scene, you'll need to add it elsewhere. But with Dreamina, there's a built-in tool to generate a soundtrack. It creates audio based on your video's mood and genre. That saves time and makes editing easier. If audio matters to you, Dreamina is a more intelligent choice.