AI image to video guide
Make a picture talk with AI
To make a picture talk, upload a clear, front-facing photo, switch on audio, and write the exact words in quotes in your prompt, for example: He looks at the camera and says, “See you on Saturday!” The model creates the voice, the lip movement and the expression together. Seedance 1.5 Pro is the cheapest model here that does this, from 40 credits (about $1.00) plus the audio surcharge; Seedance 2.0 and Veo 3.1 are the step up.
Updated
Talking photo: quick facts
- How it works
- You write the words; the model generates the voice and lip sync
- Models with speech
- Seedance 2.5, 2.0 and 1.5 Pro, Veo 3.1, Kling 4.0, 3.0 and 2.6
- Your own voice
- Upload a voice clip up to 30 seconds with Seedance 2.5
- How much to say
- About one short sentence per 5 seconds
- Best photos
- One face, looking at the camera, mouth clearly visible
- Free video
- The free signup video is silent, so talking clips use credits
Sign up free to generate your first video.
Best models for talking photo
Starting prices are the cheapest setting with audio off. Dollar figures use the $4.99 pack (200 credits); larger packs cost less per credit. The generator shows the exact total before you submit.
| Model | Best for | From | Lengths | Sound |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seedance 2.5 | Lip sync to your own voice clip, up to 30 seconds | 215 credits (about $5.36) | 5s, 10s, 15s, 30s | Optional |
| Seedance 1.5 Pro | The lowest-cost talking clips, up to 12 seconds | 40 credits (about $1.00) | 5s, 10s, 12s | Optional |
| Seedance 2.0 | More natural expressions and up to 15 seconds | 200 credits (about $4.99) | 5s, 10s, 15s | Optional |
| Veo 3.1 | Clear speech and ambient sound, with first and last frame control | 120 credits (about $2.99) | 4s, 6s, 8s | Optional |
How to do it, step by step
Pick a clear photo
One person, face large in the frame, looking toward the camera. Side profiles and covered mouths make lip sync harder.
Switch on audio
Choose a model with sound and turn audio on. The credit total on the button updates before you generate.
Write the exact line in quotes
Say who speaks, how they sound and the words: She smiles and says warmly, “Thank you for coming.” Put sound effects or music after the line.
Keep it short, then adjust
One sentence for a 5-second clip. If the words get cut off, shorten the line or choose a longer clip.
Prompts you can copy
Swap in your own subject and keep the structure: what moves, how the camera moves, and what stays the same.
Birthday message
The woman looks into the camera, smiles and says cheerfully, “Happy birthday, Sam! Have the best day.” Soft room tone, no music.
Names in quotes are spoken as written; spell them the way they sound.
Shop greeting
The baker leans toward the camera and says in a friendly voice, “Fresh bread every morning at seven. Come say hi.” Light kitchen sounds in the background.
Good for a short social post or a website header.
Explainer intro
The man faces the camera and says calmly, “Here are three quick ways to save energy at home.” He nods once at the end. Quiet office ambience.
Use a longer clip if you add a second sentence.
Talking pet
The dog tilts its head toward the camera and says in a deep, funny voice, “Did someone say walk?” Its tail wags. Fixed camera.
Animal lip sync is looser than human lip sync, which usually suits the joke.
Tips for better results
Write the words exactly
The model speaks what is inside the quotes. Spell out numbers and unusual names the way they should sound.
Describe the voice
Add a tone and pace: warm and slow, excited, whispering. Without it, the model picks a voice for you.
One speaker per clip
Two people talking in one clip often swap lines or mouths. Make one clip per speaker and join them in an editor.
Only use faces you may use
Use your own photo or one you have permission for, and don’t make real people appear to say things they never said.
FAQ
How do I make a picture talk using AI?
Upload a photo, choose a model with sound such as Seedance 1.5 Pro, Seedance 2.0 or Veo 3.1, switch on audio and write the spoken line in quotes in the prompt. The model generates the voice and the matching lip movement.
Can I make a picture talk for free?
The free video you get when you sign up is silent, so it can’t speak. Talking clips use credits; Seedance 1.5 Pro is the cheapest model with sound, and one-time packs start at $4.99.
Can I upload my own voice or an audio clip?
Yes, with Seedance 2.5. Choose it, switch on Add your voice and upload an MP3, M4A or WAV clip of up to 30 seconds (2MB). The person in your photo speaks it with matching lips. Other models generate the voice from the words in your prompt.
How long can the photo talk?
Up to 30 seconds with Seedance 2.5, 15 seconds with Seedance 2.0, 12 seconds with Seedance 1.5 Pro and 8 seconds with Veo 3.1. When writing the line yourself, keep to about one sentence per 5 seconds.
Which languages can it speak?
English is the most reliable. Many other languages work, especially on Seedance and Veo, but accents and timing vary, so test with a short line first.
Can I make a cartoon or a pet talk?
Yes. Illustrations, anime characters and pets can talk, though mouth movement on animals is looser than on people.
Related guides
Seedance image to video
Every Seedance version supports sound.
Veo AI video generator
Speech and ambience with Veo 3.1.
Bring old photos to life
Prompts for gentle motion on old photos.
Want every model in one place? Use the AI image to video generator.