Use AI video effects and Cinematic VFX on a photo

Pick an effect such as the new Cinematic VFX, add one photo and get a short video back with no prompt to write. Which photos work best and what it costs.

BeginnerTutorial video 0:242 min read

Effects are ready-made shots: you supply one photo, and the effect supplies the motion, camera and transformation. There is no prompt to write. Each one returns a short video with you or your subject at the center. The newest category, Cinematic VFX, adds blockbuster moments — lightning in your hands, a superhero landing, turning to golden dust.

Lightning Hands, from the Cinematic VFX category, made from the everyday photo on its page.

Step 1: Open Effects and pick a category

Open Effects and scroll to the gallery. Categories such as Cinematic VFX, Trending, Camera moves, Transform and Film looks narrow the list. Each card plays its own sample and says what you need — usually one photo of a person.

The Effects gallery with category chips including Cinematic VFX and cards for Golden Dissolve, Ice Shatter, Suit Up, Lightning Hands and Hero Landing
Every card plays its sample and lists what you need and what you can change.
The Cinematic VFX category selected in the Effects gallery
Cinematic VFX collects the big-screen moments: elemental powers, transformations and hero shots.

Step 2: Choose an effect

Click a card to open its page. You will see the sample before and after, a one-line description and the photo slot. More options shows the model the effect uses and lets you change details or length.

The Lightning Hands effect page with its sample video, the example photo and an empty Drop a photo here slot
The examples under the preview show which photo produced which result.

Step 3: Add your photo and generate

Drop in one photo, or press No photo? Try the sample to see how it works. The Generate button shows the price before you start. Cinematic VFX effects use a premium video model, so they cost more than the everyday effects.

The Lightning Hands page with a photo of a woman in a denim jacket added and ready to generate
Waist-up or full-body photos with some space around the person work best.
Hero Landing, another Cinematic VFX effect.

Which photos work best

  • One clear subject near the middle of the frame, waist-up or full body.
  • Some space around them — wings, fire, portals and the camera need room.
  • Sharp and well lit. Blurry or dark photos come out softer.
  • For duo effects, pick photos of two adults who agreed to be included.

More to try

The Camera moves category builds an effect around one dramatic camera move — for example Pupil Portal, which zooms into an eye and flies into a galaxy.

Pupil Portal, from the Camera moves category.

FAQ

Do I need to write a prompt?

No. Each effect has its prompt built in. If you want to change the motion, use Create video with your own prompt instead.

How much does an effect cost?

The price is shown on the Generate button before you start, and failed generations return their credits. Cinematic VFX effects cost more than the everyday ones because they use a premium model.

Can I use photos of other people?

Only with their permission, and only of adults. Some effects ask you to confirm consent before generating.

Next tutorials

All tutorials

Create video2 min read

Start here: your first AI video on PopNow

New to PopNow? Learn how credits work, what a five-second clip costs on each model, and how to make your first AI video with a cheap preview before the final take.

Try it while it’s fresh

The tool opens with the settings from this tutorial. You’ll see the credit price on the button before anything runs.