How Seedance Text to Video Works
Text-to-video generation turns a written prompt into a short AI video. Seedance uses the details in your prompt to determine the subject, scene, motion, camera work, lighting, and visual style.
A good prompt works like a compact production brief. It should tell the model what to show, how the action unfolds, and how the shot should feel.
- Write a clear description of the scene
- Add subject and action details
- Describe camera movement and visual style
- Generate, review, and refine the prompt
Writing a Text Prompt
Start with one main idea. Then expand it with the most important visual details. A useful structure is: subject, setting, action, camera, lighting, and style.
- Subject: the musician
- Setting: small apartment, rain-streaked window
- Action: looks up and plays the guitar
- Camera: slow dolly-in
- Style: cinematic realistic
Basic Prompt Structure
A musician sits by a rain-streaked window in a small apartment. She looks up and begins playing a soft melody on an acoustic guitar. Slow dolly-in, warm practical lighting, cinematic realistic style.
Describing Subjects and Scenes
Make the subject specific enough to avoid ambiguity. Describe age, appearance, clothing, expression, and relationship to the environment when those details matter.
- Name the main person, animal, or object
- Add visual details that support the story
- Describe the location with lighting and texture
- Avoid introducing unrelated subjects that dilute the scene
Adding Camera Movement
Camera language tells Seedance how the viewer should move through the scene. Use precise terms such as push-in, pull-back, pan, tilt, tracking, orbit, or aerial.
- Use one clear camera direction at a time
- Describe the starting and ending framing
- Add speed and smoothness when relevant
- Match camera movement to the mood of the scene
Camera Movement Prompt
A drone slowly rises above a misty forest valley at sunrise. The camera reveals a river winding through the trees, then pushes forward over the canopy.
Controlling Motion
Action should be specific and sequential. Instead of writing that a character moves, describe how they move, why they move, and what changes in the frame.
- Use active verbs: runs, turns, reaches, steps, glances
- Describe timing with words such as slowly, suddenly, or gently
- Keep subject motion and camera motion compatible
- Show one clear action per shot
Creating Cinematic Shots
Cinematic text-to-video prompts combine story, framing, lighting, and tone. Add lens or film language when it helps define the intended look.
Cinematic Shot Prompt
Low-angle shot of a lone traveler crossing a foggy stone bridge at dusk. A lantern swings in the wind. The camera tracks alongside, then rises to reveal the ancient city beyond the river.
Common Text-to-Video Prompt Mistakes
Vague or overloaded prompts are the most common issues. A prompt can be detailed without trying to include every possible idea in one shot.
- Too many subjects or competing actions
- Camera directions that contradict the action
- Style terms that do not match the scene
- Missing setting or lighting details
- No clear main moment or focus
- Changing too many details between attempts
Text-to-Video Examples
Use these examples as starting points. Replace the subject, setting, and camera direction with details from your own project.
Product Reveal
Macro product shot of a minimalist ceramic mug on a stone table. Steam rises gently from the surface. The camera slowly orbits to reveal the textured glaze under warm morning light.
Character Moment
A detective pauses beside a neon-lit window in a rainy city. She turns toward the camera with a focused expression. Slow push-in, cinematic color grade, shallow depth of field.
Nature Scene
Aerial shot of a turquoise coastline at golden hour. Waves roll onto white sand while a small boat cuts through the water. The camera moves forward and tilts down to follow the boat.
Social Clip
Vertical video of a skateboarder rolling through a sunlit urban plaza. Quick handheld tracking shot, smooth slow motion, vibrant realistic style.
Text-to-Video FAQ
How long should a Seedance text prompt be?
There is no fixed length. Include the subject, setting, action, camera direction, lighting, and style, but keep the prompt focused on one clear scene. Avoid adding unrelated details that may conflict.
Can I create multiple shots in one prompt?
Yes. You can describe a short sequence by marking shot changes and keeping the subject and setting consistent. Use clear transitions such as cut to, then, or the camera moves from.
What camera terms work well?
Push-in, pull-back, pan, tilt, tracking shot, dolly, orbit, handheld, low-angle, high-angle, and aerial are common terms that can help direct camera movement.
How do I fix an inconsistent character?
Describe the character with the same visual details in each prompt and use a reference image when available. Avoid changing wardrobe, lighting, or facial details between attempts.
Should I use a style reference or only text?
Text-only generation is useful for exploring new ideas. Add a reference image when you need to preserve a specific person, product, artwork, or visual style.