AI Video Prompts: A Guide to Better Token Engineering
Published on Tháng 1 25, 2026 by Admin
Understanding Video Tokens: The Core of AI Video
First, let’s explore what video tokens are. Think of them as the fundamental building blocks of AI-generated video. An AI model doesn’t see a video like we do. Instead, it breaks the video down into small chunks of space and time. These chunks are called spatiotemporal tokens.Each token contains information about a small patch of the video over a few frames. For example, a token might represent a character’s eye blinking or a leaf falling. The AI then learns the relationships between these tokens to create fluid motion and coherent scenes. Therefore, your prompt directly tells the AI how to arrange and transform these tokens.
Why Your Prompt Matters for Tokens
A well-crafted prompt is essential. It acts as a detailed blueprint for the AI model. A vague prompt leads to messy or unpredictable token arrangement. On the other hand, a precise prompt gives the AI clear instructions.This precision affects several key areas:
- Motion Quality: Clear action words create smoother movement.
- Scene Coherence: Consistent descriptions ensure objects don’t randomly change.
- Character Consistency: Detailed character prompts maintain their appearance.
- Resource Cost: Efficient prompts can lead to more cost-effective video generation by using tokens more wisely.
Core Techniques for Video Prompt Engineering
Now, let’s dive into practical techniques. These methods will help you gain granular control over your AI video output. By focusing on specific parts of your prompt, you can influence everything from character actions to camera movements.
Start with a Strong Subject and Scene
Your prompt should always begin with a clear subject and its environment. This sets the stage for the AI. It establishes the primary tokens that will dominate the scene. Vague subjects, for instance, create confusing results.
A cat sitting on a windowsill, cinematic lighting, rainy day.
This example is effective because it immediately defines the main character (cat), the setting (windowsill), and the mood (cinematic, rainy). The AI now has a strong base of tokens to work with.
Use Powerful Verbs for Clear Action
Action is what separates video from a static image. Therefore, you must use strong, descriptive verbs. Avoid passive or weak verbs. Instead of “a person is walking,” try “a person strolls,” “a person sprints,” or “a person marches.”Each verb implies a different kind of motion. This detail translates directly to how the AI animates the tokens associated with your subject. In addition, sequencing these verbs can create a simple narrative. For example, “a knight draws his sword, then lunges forward.”
Control Pacing with Adverbs and Clauses
Beyond the action itself, you need to control the pacing. Adverbs are perfect for this. Words like “slowly,” “quickly,” “gracefully,” or “suddenly” modify your verbs and provide crucial temporal information.Consider these two prompts:
- A ballerina spins.
- A ballerina spins slowly and gracefully.
The second prompt will produce a dramatically different result. It gives the AI specific instructions on the speed and style of the token transformation over time. You are essentially choreographing the video with your words.
Advanced Prompting for Cinematic Control
Once you master the basics, you can move on to more advanced methods. These techniques involve using language that mimics filmmaking. This gives you an even higher level of creative direction over the final video.
Incorporate Camera Movement and Shot Types
You can direct the virtual camera in your prompt. This is a powerful way to add dynamism and a professional feel to your creations. Use standard cinematography terms.Here are some examples:
- Wide shot of a vast desert landscape.
- Close-up shot of a woman’s eye.
- Dolly zoom on a man standing at the end of a hallway.
- Crane shot revealing a medieval castle.
These commands tell the AI not only what to generate but also how to frame it. As a result, the composition of your video becomes more intentional and impactful.
Mastering Temporal Consistency
A major challenge in AI video is temporal consistency. This means ensuring characters and objects look the same from one moment to the next. A detailed initial description is your best tool.Before describing the action, describe the subject in great detail. For instance, “A man with short brown hair, a red jacket, and blue jeans…” This anchors the character’s appearance. The AI will refer back to these initial tokens, which helps maintain consistency throughout the clip. Effective use of the model’s memory, or its context window, is key for optimizing context windows for visual storytelling.
Using Negative Prompts to Refine Output
Sometimes, what you *don’t* want is just as important as what you do want. Negative prompts are used to exclude specific elements or artifacts. This is crucial for cleaning up your video.Common uses for negative prompts include:
- Removing flickering or strobing effects.
- Preventing distorted hands or faces.
- Excluding unwanted colors or objects.
- Reducing chaotic, nonsensical movement.
For example, you might add `–no blurry, distorted, watermark` to your prompt. This guides the AI away from generating tokens associated with poor quality.
Conclusion: Prompting as a Creative Skill
Optimizing prompt engineering for video tokens is a creative skill in itself. It blends technical understanding with artistic vision. By being specific, using strong verbs, and thinking like a filmmaker, you can guide the AI with incredible precision.Remember that every word matters. Each term in your prompt influences how the model selects, arranges, and animates video tokens. As a result, you move from being a passive user to an active director. So, experiment with these techniques, refine your language, and unlock the full potential of generative video AI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long should my video prompt be?
There is no perfect length. However, it’s best to be concise yet descriptive. Start with the most critical elements like the subject, scene, and primary action. Add details for style and camera moves afterward. Extremely long prompts can sometimes confuse the AI.
Why does my character’s face change mid-video?
This is a common issue of temporal inconsistency. To fix this, provide a very detailed description of your character at the beginning of the prompt. The more specific you are about hair, clothing, and facial features, the better the AI can maintain their appearance.
Can I specify the duration of the video in the prompt?
Most current models do not directly support prompt commands like “create a 10-second video.” The duration is usually a fixed setting in the tool’s interface. However, describing a longer sequence of actions can sometimes encourage a more developed scene within the given time limit.
What is the difference between a video prompt and an image prompt?
The main difference is the inclusion of time and motion. Video prompts must describe actions, changes, and movements. Image prompts, on the other hand, focus only on a single, static moment. Therefore, video prompts rely heavily on verbs, adverbs, and sequencing.
