🎬 Video Prompt Writing Guide

Creating compelling short-form videos with AI tools like KLING or Runway starts with writing great prompts. Unlike still images, video prompts must account for motion, timing, and continuity. This guide walks you through writing effective video prompts tailored to your anthropomorphic character scenes.

🧭 Understand the Format First

Before writing, ask yourself:

  • Is this vertical or horizontal video?
  • How long should the clip be (3s, 5s, 10s)?
  • What’s the main motion or action in this scene?

For example:

“A vertical 5-second clip of a cat barista pouring coffee with flair behind a counter.”

This immediately gives the AI (and you) structure.

🎯 Focus on One Clear Action

Good AI videos don’t try to show everything. They excel when the action is focused.

Bad: “A cat jumps, dances, meows, and runs all in one shot”
Good: “A firefighter cat slowly turns and points the hose at the camera with a smirk.”

Keep it simple and cinematic.

📷 Insert Image 2 here
Three sample frames of a cat turning dramatically with a hose, ending with a confident pose.

⏱️ Describe the Motion Clearly

AI video models interpret motion differently than static image models. Be clear about the motion type and pacing.

Use verbs like:

  • “jumps upward” (not just “jumps”)
  • “slowly turns” vs. “spins quickly”
  • “leaps into frame from the left”

Motion direction matters.

🖼️ Limit Background Complexity

Busy backgrounds confuse the model. Keep descriptions clean:

  • “plain kitchen background”
  • “café interior with no moving elements”
  • “empty street with a fire hydrant on the left”

Unless background movement is part of the story, don’t ask for it.

💡 Use Emotional and Comedic Beats

Short videos thrive on reactions. Try:

  • “the cat looks shocked”
  • “raises one eyebrow”
  • “slips slightly but recovers with a wink”

These beats make your videos sharable and memorable.

🔁 End with a Hook or Pause

Good videos often end with a beat:

  • A held expression
  • A dramatic stare
  • A visual punchline (e.g., fishbone lands on head)

Give the scene a strong finish.

🔗 What’s Next?

Ready to bring it all together in editing?
👉 Next: Premiere Pro Editing Techniques

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