How to Create AI Video from Text Prompts
A step-by-step guide to generating professional AI videos from text descriptions using Kensa.
- Time to read
- 2 min read
- Model
- Veo 3.1
- Typical credits
- Typically 13 credits (8 s)
Quick Steps
Write Your Prompt
Describe the video you want in natural language. Be specific about the scene, style, lighting, and camera movement. For example: 'A golden retriever running through a sunlit meadow, cinematic slow motion, warm lighting.'
Choose an AI Model
On the Text to Video page, pick Veo 3.1 (a flat 13 credits per 8-second clip), Grok Image Video (from 5 credits, 6 or 10 seconds) or Seedance 1.5 Pro (from 8 credits at 480p, up to 12 seconds and 1080p). Kling 3 is also listed there but needs a starting image.
Configure Video Settings
Set the duration (each model offers its own options), the aspect ratio (16:9 for landscape, 9:16 for TikTok, Reels and Shorts) and, where the model offers it, the quality. The credit cost updates as you change settings.
Generate and Download
Click Generate and wait for your video; most clips take a few minutes. When it is ready you can preview and download it, and it also appears in My Creations.
How to Create AI Video from Text Prompts
Creating videos from text prompts is the most popular way to use AI video generation. This guide walks you through the entire process.
Prerequisites
- A Kensa account (free signup available)
- Credits in your account (new accounts created with Google sign-in get 15 free credits, valid for 72 hours)
Detailed Steps
Step 1: Write Your Prompt
The prompt is the most important part of the process. A good prompt should include:
- Subject: What is in the scene?
- Action: What is happening?
- Style: What aesthetic are you going for?
- Technical: Camera angle, lighting, quality
Step 2: Choose an AI Model
| Model | Good for | Duration | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veo 3.1 | Fast drafts and prompt tests at one flat price | 8s | 13 per clip |
| Grok Image Video | The cheapest short clips | 6 or 10s | 5-15 |
| Seedance 1.5 Pro | Choosing your own resolution, up to 1080p | 4-12s | from 8 (480p) |
For longer clips with generated sound, use Seedance 2.0 on its own page.
Step 3: Configure Video Settings
Start with these settings:
- Model: Veo 3.1 (every clip is 8 seconds with audio, a flat 13 credits)
- Aspect ratio: 16:9, or 9:16 for vertical social video
Step 4: Generate and Download
After you click Generate, the video is created in the background. You can stay on the page to watch the progress or come back later: finished videos are saved in My Creations.
Pro Tips
- Iterate: Your first attempt may not be perfect. Refine your prompt and try again.
- Use templates: Browse our template gallery for inspiration.
- Test cheaply first: Try a prompt with Veo 3.1 or Grok Image Video before spending more credits on a longer or higher-resolution clip.