Log inTry Runway
AI Video Prompting Guide: 92 Ready-to-Use Prompts
Resources Hub

AI Video Prompting Guide: 92 Ready-to-Use Prompts

A new way of creating and modifying video

November 4, 2025by Julia Martins
Summary
Create AI videos using this simple structure: describe camera movement, set the scene, specify the action, then add details. Lead with shot type ("tracking shot following..."), use positive language exclusively, and limit prompts to single actions under 10 seconds. Keep each prompt to one action spanning 5-10 seconds.

Video Prompting Without the Film Degree

Modern video AI understands plain English better than film jargon. You don’t need to know complex cinematography terms—but you do need to follow a few easy-to-master tips. For instance, describing what you don't want ("no shaking") often produces exactly that. Understanding these quirks is the difference between frustration and creating exactly what you envision.

This guide breaks down video prompting into simple, actionable techniques. We'll show you the four-part formula that works across all major models hosted on Runway, including Gen-4, Veo 3.1, and others—plus why positive phrasing is essential, how to describe camera movement in natural language, and when to add technical details (hint: rarely).

You'll also get 92 ready-to-use video prompts organized by category: from cinematic sequences to product demonstrations, educational content to social media clips. Each prompt follows the proven structure we'll teach you, so you can use them immediately or adapt them to your needs.

Whether you're creating marketing content, telling stories, or just experimenting, this guide gives you everything needed to start generating compelling AI videos today.

No film degree required. Just clear ideas and the right approach.

Video Prompting That Actually Works

Video prompts follow one simple structure that works across every platform:

[Camera Movement] + [Scene] + [Action] + [Details]

Here's what that looks like in practice: "Slow dolly forward through misty forest. Ancient trees tower overhead. Figure in red coat walks away from camera. Sunlight pierces through canopy."

These four components work together to create a clear visual description.

Best practices:

  • Use positive phrasing: Describe what you want to see, not what you want to avoid. Why? When you write "No camera shake," the AI might focus on the word "shake" and give you exactly that. Instead, write "Smooth, stable camera movement" to get the steady shot you want.
  • Keep it under 10 seconds: Most AI video tools generate 5-10 second clips. Plan accordingly.
  • One action per prompt: "Woman walks to door" not "Woman walks to door, opens it, walks through, closes it, walks down hallway."
  • Avoid temporal references: Don't use "then," "next," "after that." Each prompt is independent.
  • Specify the shot type first: Leading with camera info helps the AI frame everything else correctly.
  • Test with simple versions: Start with basic movement, then add complexity once it works.

Video prompting rewards clarity and patience. Your first generation shows you what the AI understood. Your second and third refine the vision. This isn't failure—it's the creative process in action.

How to Describe Camera Movement

Camera movement defines the emotional tone of your video. Here's your complete toolkit:

Static Shots keep the camera in one place, creating stability or tension through stillness. A locked tripod shot feels formal and controlled, while handheld steady adds subtle organic movement that feels more personal. Security camera angles create distance and surveillance vibes, while portrait mode with blurred backgrounds draws intimate focus to your subject.

Linear Movements take your viewer on a journey in one direction. Dolly forward creates approach and intimacy, pulling viewers into the scene, while dolly backward reveals context or creates separation. Tracking shots that move parallel to action create a sense of following along, while crane movements up or down dramatically shift perspective and power dynamics.

Rotational Movements reveal information through camera rotation. Pans sweep horizontally across a scene, perfect for establishing geography or following action. Tilts move vertically, often used to reveal scale or height. Whip pans create energy and transition, while slow reveal pans build suspense by gradually showing what's outside the initial frame.

Complex Movements combine multiple actions for dynamic results. Orbit shots circle your subject, creating a sense of examination or importance. The famous dolly zoom (moving forward while zooming out) creates that unsettling vertigo effect Hitchcock made famous. Tracking spirals and boom-and-track shots add production value through sophisticated movement patterns.

Specialty Shots bring specific aesthetics. FPV racing style creates adrenaline through fast, low, weaving movement. Drone ascending shots reveal scope and grandeur. SnorriCam, where the camera is attached to the actor, makes the background move while the subject stays centered—perfect for disorientation or intensity.

Choose one primary movement per prompt. Multiple camera directions in a single prompt confuse the AI and create chaotic, unusable results.

How to Describe the Scene

Your scene description sets the stage and atmosphere. Think of it as the world your action happens in.

Setting the location: Be specific about place and time. "Abandoned warehouse at dusk" beats "dark building." "Tokyo street during morning rush" beats "busy city." The specifics create mood without you having to explain it.

Environmental details: Weather, lighting, and atmosphere transform basic locations. "Foggy pier with distant foghorn" creates mystery. "Harsh fluorescent lights in empty office" creates isolation. "Golden afternoon light in grandmother's kitchen" creates warmth.

Background action: What's happening beyond your main subject adds life. "Pedestrians hurrying past out of focus," "Birds circling overhead," "Traffic streaming by in the distance." These details make worlds feel lived-in.

How to Articulate Your Action (Movement Style)

How things move matters as much as what moves. Movement style is the difference between dream and documentary, comedy and drama.

Speed variations control time itself. Slow motion at 50% speed adds weight and emphasis to important moments. Super slow motion at 10% creates extreme drama—think bullet time or emotional revelations. Timelapse compresses hours into seconds for showing change over time. Hyperspeed creates frenetic energy perfect for montages, while speed ramping—shifting from normal to slow and back—highlights specific moments within continuous action.

Movement quality defines the physical feel of your video. Smooth gliding creates dreamlike, ethereal sensations. Handheld shake adds documentary realism and urgency. Mechanical precision suggests robots or artificial entities. Stop-motion style brings charming, handcrafted animation feel, while motion blur trails communicate pure speed and energy.

Character performance brings subjects to life through movement. Subtle micro-expressions in the face convey deep emotion through tiny details. Exaggerated gestures work for comedy or theatrical presentations. Natural fidgeting makes characters feel real and relatable. When multiple subjects move in synchronized harmony, it creates powerful visual impact—think dance sequences or military precision.

Combine one speed with one quality for best results: "Slow motion with smooth glide" for dreamy sequences, or "Hyperspeed with motion blur" for action-packed energy.

Audio Prompting for Next-Generation Video

On Runway, you can use models like Veo 3 to generate synchronized audio alongside video, opening new creative possibilities. Here's how to prompt for sound:

For dialogue, be explicit and concise: "Character turns to camera and says: Welcome to the future of creativity. (no subtitles)" The character will speak these exact words with appropriate lip sync.

For ambient sound, describe the sonic environment: "Wind whistling through trees, distant thunder" or "Busy café chatter with espresso machine hissing." These details make scenes feel alive.

For music, indicate style and progression: "Upbeat electronic music building with the action" or "Melancholy piano fading as scene ends."

One crucial tip: if the AI consistently mispronounces important words, spell them phonetically. "Run-way" instead of "Runway" might be necessary to get the right sound.

92 AI Video Prompts to Try

10 Video Prompts to Create Cinematic Sequences

  1. Slow push forward through rain-streaked café window. Warm interior, woman sits at corner table writing in leather journal. She looks up toward camera with slight smile. Soft amber lighting, steam rising from coffee cup.
  2. Tracking shot moving parallel to white paper airplane. Modern office space, fluorescent lighting, desks with workers typing. Airplane glides smoothly through air at desk height. Shallow depth of field, motion blur on background.
  3. Drone ascending from single red poppy. Vast green meadow stretching to horizon, wildflowers scattered throughout. Camera rises straight up revealing scale of field. Golden hour lighting, long shadows.
  4. Handheld steady following small child walking through carnival. Blurred neon lights flanking both sides, game booths visible. Child walks forward weaving slightly through crowd. Cotton candy in hand, dusk lighting.
  5. Static locked shot of empty subway platform. White tile walls, fluorescent lights overhead, yellow safety line. Train arrives and stops, doors open revealing crowded interior. Sound echoes in station.
  6. Whip pan left across busy Tokyo intersection. Shibuya crossing at night, hundreds of pedestrians in crosswalk. Camera whips revealing opposite side of intersection. Neon signs, wet pavement reflecting lights.
  7. Slow dolly forward through foggy forest. Ancient redwood trees on both sides, moss-covered trunks. Figure in red raincoat walks away from camera. Morning light shafts piercing through fog.
  8. Low angle locked shot looking up urban alley. Brick walls rising on both sides, metal fire escape zigzagging up. Black cat walks along second-floor ledge. Overcast sky visible above, distant traffic sounds.
  9. Handheld steady climbing narrow stone staircase. Worn wooden steps, wrought iron railing, stone walls. Camera ascends following climber's perspective. Stained glass window glowing at top.
  10. FPV racing style through warehouse. Low fast flight between industrial support columns. Camera weaves left around steel beam. Pigeons scatter, broken windows ahead letting light in.

13 Product Demonstrations Video Prompts

  1. Slow rotation on turntable. Perfume bottle centered on white platform, soft spotlight from above. Bottle rotates clockwise revealing elegant curves and label. Soft shadows, luxury lighting.
  2. Macro push in on watch face. Swiss timepiece showing intricate mechanical gears through crystal. Camera moves closer revealing precision engineering. Gears turning smoothly, reflected light on metal.
  3. Slow motion pour from above. Dark coffee streaming into white ceramic cup. Steam rises in delicate wisps catching morning light. Kitchen window backlighting, golden hour glow.
  4. High speed shot of running shoe landing. Athletic shoe hitting wet pavement surface. Water explodes upward in crown formation. Droplets suspended in air, rainbow reflections.
  5. Tracking shot following car on coastal road. Sleek vehicle moving along oceanside highway. Camera tracks parallel showing side profile. Sunset reflecting off paint, waves crashing below.
  6. Static shot of headphones on wooden table. Premium headphones centered in minimalist setting. Soft light from window shifts across surface. Warm wood grain, peaceful atmosphere.
  7. Slow motion fabric flowing. Elegant dress fabric billowing in controlled wind. Material catches light revealing texture and movement. White background, professional studio lighting.
  8. Macro shot of chocolate melting. Premium dark chocolate square on white plate. Heat from below causing slow melting. Rich texture visible, glossy surface forming.
  9. Tracking shot following bicycle on path. Mountain bike moving along forest trail. Camera tracks beside showing rider and bike details. Dappled sunlight, leaves on ground.
  10. Slow dolly in on wine being poured. Red wine flowing into crystal glass. Camera pushes forward as glass fills. Candlelight, elegant table setting background.
  11. Low angle shot of sneaker on concrete. Limited edition sneaker placed on urban sidewalk. Person's foot lifts heel slightly showing sole design. Graffiti wall background, afternoon shadows.
  12. Tracking shot following suitcase being pulled. Premium luggage rolling smoothly through airport terminal. Camera tracks beside showing wheels and handle. Polished floor, blurred travelers background.
  13. Static shot of candle being lit. Luxury candle in glass container, match approaching wick. Flame catches and grows steady. Dark moody background, warm glow spreading.

20 Video Prompts for Social Media & Viral Moments

Viral Transformation-Style Video Prompts

  1. Static shot of person in 1920s outfit. Flapper dress, finger wave hair, neutral background. Outfit morphs to 1950s poodle skirt and cardigan. Same pose, seamless era transition. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  2. Static shot of person in 1970s disco outfit. Bell bottoms, platform shoes, funky pattern. Outfit transitions to 1990s grunge flannel and jeans. Decade jump, style evolution. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  3. Static shot of person in 1960s mod outfit. Go-go boots, geometric dress, period styling. Outfit transforms to 1980s power suit with bold shoulders. Era transition, fashion evolution. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  4. Static shot of face with 1920s makeup. Thin eyebrows, dark lips, finger wave hair. Makeup morphs to 1930s Hollywood glamour style. Same face angle, seamless decade transition. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  5. Close-up on face with 1980s makeup. Blue eyeshadow, pink blush, frosted lips. Makeup morphs to 1990s brown lip and thin brows. Grunge transition, matte finish. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  6. Static shot of face with 1990s minimalist makeup. Brown lipstick, thin eyebrows, matte skin. Makeup shifts to 2000s glossy and frosted look. Y2K aesthetic, shimmer appearing. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  7. Static shot of hairstyle morphing through decades. 1950s victory rolls pinned perfectly. Hair transforms to 1960s beehive updo. Volume building, height increasing. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  8. Static shot of hairstyle changing through time. Long 1970s center part feathered hair. Hair transforms to 1980s permed volume. Tight curls forming, dramatic change. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  9. Close-up on hairstyle evolution. 1960s bouffant teased high with volume. Hair transforms to 1970s long straight hippie style. Volume releasing, length appearing. 9:16 aspect ratio.

ASMR Viral Video Prompts

  1. Extreme macro push into velvet fabric. Rich purple velvet texture filling frame. Camera pushes closer revealing individual fibers. ASMR quality, satisfying detail, soft lighting. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  2. Extreme macro of honey dripping. Golden honey pouring onto surface in slow motion. Camera close showing viscosity and light refraction. ASMR satisfying, amber tones, texture focus. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  3. Extreme macro of soap bubble surface. Iridescent bubble showing rainbow reflections close-up. Swirling colors visible in soap film. ASMR quality, mesmerizing detail, science beauty. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  4. Extreme macro of paint mixing on palette. Two colors swirling together on white surface. Camera close showing pigment interaction and marbling. ASMR painting, color therapy, texture. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  5. Extreme macro push into coffee crema. Espresso shot surface with foam bubbles close-up. Camera reveals bubble structure and coffee oils. ASMR coffee content, rich browns, texture detail. 9:16 aspect ratio.

Style & Space Transformation Prompts

  1. Transform this [reference image] of my living room. Change it to look like a modern, minimalist living room with modern furniture, white walls, and clean aesthetic. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  2. Change my kitchen [reference image] to cottagecore style with plants and warm wood. Same layout, complete aesthetic shift. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  3. Decorate my bedroom [reference image] in a bohemian aesthetic. Add tapestries, plants, warm textures, cozy vibe. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  4. Create a video of me [reference image] wearing a streetwear outfit. Oversized hoodie, sneakers, urban casual style. Outfit morphs to preppy blazer and loafers. Same standing position, aesthetic flip. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  5. Create a transformation video of me [reference image] where my clothes morph from a summer casual outfit to winter cozy layers and boots. 9:16 aspect ratio.
  6. Show me what my bathroom [reference image] might look like as a luxury spa with natural stone. Keep the same footprint, upscale transformation. 9:16 aspect ratio.

11 Ways to Prompt for AI Character Performance

  1. Close-up on pianist's hands at keys. Grand piano in empty concert hall, single spotlight overhead. Hands strike final chord with force. Fingers extended, sheet music visible on stand.
  2. Static shot of street artist spray painting. Urban brick wall, artist in hoodie facing wall. Artist sprays wide arc of blue paint across surface. Paint mist catching afternoon light.
  1. Medium shot of boxer hitting heavy bag. Gym interior, leather bag hanging from chain. Boxer throws single powerful right hook. Bag swings from impact, sweat visible.
  2. Overhead shot of baker piping frosting. Commercial kitchen counter, white cake on turntable. Baker squeezes piping bag creating single rosette. Steady hand movement, morning light.
  3. Static shot of window cleaner squeegeeing glass. Skyscraper exterior, platform at mid-height against building. Cleaner pulls squeegee down in single stroke. City reflection visible in glass.
  4. Dolly forward on security guard shining flashlight. Dark museum gallery, paintings on walls. Guard aims flashlight beam at specific painting. Beam illuminates artwork, guard's silhouette visible.
  5. Static shot of elderly couple's hands meeting. Park bench, two people seated side by side. Hands reach across bench and clasp together. Dappled afternoon sunlight, wedding rings visible.
  6. Close-up of chef tossing pan. Restaurant kitchen, stainless steel stove. Chef flicks wrist flipping vegetables upward. Flame visible below, vegetables airborne.
  7. Close-up of barista pouring milk foam. Coffee shop counter, white ceramic cup below. Barista pours creating heart shape in latte. Steady pour, focused concentration.
  8. Tracking shot of skateboarder jumping curb. Urban street, concrete curb edge. Skateboarder ollies board over obstacle. Wheels leaving ground, focused expression.
  9. Dolly backward from florist cutting stem. Flower shop, colorful blooms on counter. Florist snips rose stem with shears. Clean cut, morning light through window.

7 Video Prompts for Transitions & Effects

  1. Static shot of spinning coin in air. Wooden table surface below, coin rotating mid-flip. Coin transforms into spinning car wheel. Match cut on rotation, seamless transition.
  2. Dolly forward through doorway. Person walks through door from 1920s room. Emerges into 1950s room on other side. Period-appropriate decor both sides, costume changes.
  3. Static shot of shattered glass on ground. Pieces scattered on dark surface. Glass fragments lift and reassemble into window. Reverse motion, pieces flying together.
  4. Extreme close-up pushing into eye iris. Blue eye filling frame, pupil centered. Camera zooms into black pupil revealing stars. Cosmic space visible inside eye.
  5. Static shot of photograph on table. Black and white photo of couple dancing. Photo transforms to color and begins moving. Still image becoming live footage.
  6. Tracking shot following shadow on ground. Person's shadow cast on sidewalk walking forward. Shadow detaches and moves in opposite direction. Two shadows diverging, afternoon sun.
  7. Static shot of person blowing dandelion. Hand holding white seedhead against blue sky. Seeds float away transforming into flying birds. Organic transformation, sunlit background.

8 Prompt Ideas for AI Sports Videos

  1. Slow motion shot of tennis ball on racket strings. Player mid-serve, racket face meeting ball. Strings compress and ball deforms from impact. Extreme detail visible, outdoor court lighting.
  2. POV shot running marathon route. Runner's perspective, road stretching ahead, arms pumping. Other runners visible on sides moving past. Heavy breathing rhythm, finish line approaching distance.
  3. Close-up of boxer hitting speed bag. Red speed bag, leather gloves striking rhythmically. Bag rebounds in consistent pattern from punches. Gym background blurred, sweat visible.
  4. Underwater tracking shot following swimmer. Pool lane, swimmer executing freestyle stroke. Camera moves alongside showing technique and form. Bubbles trailing, lane line visible, blue water.
  5. Slow motion of baseball bat hitting ball. Batter mid-swing, bat meeting pitched ball. Ball compresses against bat at contact point. Stadium lights, focused expression.
  6. Close-up of rock climber's hand gripping hold. Indoor climbing wall, chalk-dusted hand reaching. Fingers close around colored hold firmly. Muscles tensed, determination visible.
  7. Tracking shot of sprinter leaving blocks. Track starting line, runner exploding from starting position. Camera tracks alongside showing explosive acceleration. Lane lines, competition atmosphere.
  8. POV shot from surfboard on wave. Ocean wave face, board nose cutting across water. Spray flying past sides of frame. Blue water wall, surfer's feet visible.

14 Prompts to Create Nature & Time-lapse AI Videos

  1. Time-lapse of flower blooming. Closed rose bud on green stem. Petals unfurl outward revealing inner layers. Soft natural lighting, dark background.
  2. Static shot of tide pool filling. Rocky pool at ocean's edge, water level low. Wave washes in filling depression with seawater. Anemones visible, morning light.
  3. Static locked shot of aurora borealis. Dark night sky above snowy landscape. Northern lights wave and undulate overhead. Green and purple bands visible, stars in background.
  4. Macro shot of butterfly on flower. Monarch butterfly landed on purple wildflower. Wings slowly open and close. Soft breeze, garden background blurred.
  5. Time-lapse of tree through seasons. Single oak tree in open field, leaves budding green. Leaves grow full and lush filling branches. Full spring compressed, consistent framing.
  6. Slow dolly forward through kelp forest. Underwater scene, tall kelp swaying in current. Camera glides between stalks toward surface light. Fish darting through, particles in water.
  7. Static shot of mushroom growing. Forest floor covered in moss and leaves. Mushroom pushes up and expands cap. Dappled forest light, humid atmosphere.
  8. Drone ascending over waterfall. Base of tall waterfall, mist rising from pool. Camera rises straight up alongside falling water. Rainbow visible in spray, lush greenery.
  9. Static shot of spider spinning web. Spider centered in partially completed web. Subject adds silk strands methodically. Early morning dew, backlit by sunrise.
  1. Time-lapse of fog rolling over hills. Clear valley view with green hillsides. Fog flows over ridgeline like liquid. Morning light, pastoral landscape.
  2. Macro shot of water droplet forming. Leaf tip with water condensing. Droplet grows larger until it falls. Shallow depth of field, soft background.
  3. Tracking shot following river current. Clear stream flowing over rocks. Camera moves with water showing smooth flow. Submerged stones, forest banks.
  4. Static shot of venus flytrap closing. Open trap with trigger hairs visible. Insect lands and trap snaps shut. Macro detail, green plant against dark background.
  5. Slow tilt up massive tree trunk. Camera starts at base of ancient sequoia. Tilts upward following trunk to canopy. Bark texture visible, forest light filtering down.

9 Horror & Suspense Prompts

  1. Static shot from security camera angle. Empty office hallway, fluorescent lights overhead. Single light flickers and goes dark. Black and white footage, timestamp visible corner.
  2. Slow dolly forward down basement stairs. Wooden steps descending into darkness, handrail visible. Single bare bulb swings casting moving shadows. Damp walls, darkness below.
  3. Static shot of bathroom mirror. Foggy mirror after shower, steam on glass. Handprint slowly appears on surface from inside. Condensation pattern forming, no one visible.
  4. Static shot of child's bedroom at night. Toys on floor, small bed against wall. Closet door slowly creaks open revealing darkness. Nightlight casting shadows, complete silence.
  5. Static shot of empty hospital corridor. Long white hallway, doors on both sides. Wheelchair at far end begins rolling forward on its own. Squeaking wheel sound.
  6. Static shot of bathtub filling. White porcelain tub, faucet running clear water. Water turns dark red while flowing from faucet. No visible source, ominous atmosphere.
  7. Static shot of static TV screen. Old television set in dark room. Face appears briefly in static noise. Distorted features, flickering screen glow.
  8. Static shot of playground swing at night. Empty swing set, one swing moving. Swing goes higher with each arc forward. Chain creaking, fog rolling in.
  9. Slow dolly in on cracked door. Bedroom door slightly ajar, darkness beyond. Door opens wider inch by inch. Hallway light casting shadow, hinges silent.

Start Creating Videos Today

You now have the complete toolkit: the four-part video prompt formula, natural language techniques that actually work, and 92 ready-to-use prompts across every video category.

Here's your action plan:

  1. Start with one of our prompts. Pick something simple—maybe a product demonstration or nature timelapse. Generate it exactly as written to see how the AI responds.
  2. Then modify one element. Change the camera movement from "static" to "slowly pushing forward." Or adjust the action from "walks" to "runs." Small changes teach you how the AI interprets movement.
  3. Remember positive phrasing. This is the most common mistake. "Steady shot" not "no shaking." "Smooth movement" not "avoid jerkiness." Train yourself to describe what you want to see.
  4. Expect iteration. Professional creators generate 5-10 variations before landing on the perfect shot. That's the process, not a failure. Each generation teaches you something new about communicating with AI.

Video prompting isn't about memorizing camera terms or writing perfect technical specifications. It's about describing what you see in your mind using clear, simple language.

AI Image Prompting Guide
Make anything.
You now have the tools and know how to use them.
Get started now.
Try Runway free