getimg.aigetimg.ai
Sign in

Guide to Video Reference Images

Learn how to use reference images in video generation to show the AI which people, objects, or places to include during your clip.

What Are Video References

Reference images help the AI understand what should appear during your video, not just at the start or end.

They can guide things like:

  • Showing a person or character you want to appear mid-scene
  • Including a specific object or product, like a car, camera, or outfit
  • Pointing to a place or background you want to use later in the clip.

You can attach up to 10 reference images at once. The AI studies them while generating, using their details to match people, objects, and environments from your prompt.

ai references video
generating videos with references

Reference Image 1

Reference Image 2

people from image 1 and 2 meet and shake hands in a green room with flowers

How to Add Video References

You add references by attaching images, then assigning their role.

Step 1. Select Reference Images

Adding references works just like setting First or Last Frames. You can do this in several ways:

  1. Click the file with a plus icon (📄➕) in the prompt box.
  2. Pick images from your Generated, Uploaded, or upload new ones.
  3. In the small dropdown below each selected image, choose Reference.

You can also:

  • Drag and drop an image from your gallery into the prompt box, then select Reference from its thumbnail dropdown.
  • Hover over an image, click ⋯, and choose Use image, then set it as a Reference above the prompt box.

To remove a reference, hover over its thumbnail and click the X in the top-right corner.

Note:

You can’t combine references with First or Last Frame in the same generation: pick one method per video.

Step 2. Write a Prompt

Once you’ve added reference images, you can mention them directly in your text prompt.

For example:

  • The person from image 1 walks into the room holding the object from image 2.
  • Then, the car from image 3 starts driving past the building from image 4.
  • The logo from image 1 appears on the billboard in the background.

The AI links each numbered image to the corresponding element in your prompt.

Step 3. Generate

Click the arrow next to the prompt box. Wait a moment for the video to generate: it will include the elements from your selected reference images.

Now it's time for you to try it. Start small: add a reference or two and see how much more control you get over your videos!

Was this guide helpful?