AI Video, Explained

What “Reference-to-Video” Means

Updated 2026-08-27

What “Reference-to-Video” Means

Reference-to-video means the model is given both a still image of the subject and a separate reference clip showing the motion to copy, then it combines them.

Image supplies identity

Your uploaded photo tells the model what the person looks like — face, hair color, clothing, room.

Reference clip supplies motion

A short example video of the haircut action gives the model a template for how hands, scissors, and hair should move, frame by frame.

Why combine them

Describing a precise physical action in words alone is unreliable. Giving the model a motion reference produces a much more consistent, realistic result than a text prompt by itself.

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