Image-to-Video Identity: 7 Tips to Keep Your Subject Consistent
Animating a still on image-to-video models is easy. Keeping the subject recognizable for 8 seconds is the hard part. These 7 tips work across Seedance 2.0, Kling 3.0, Wan 2.7 and Runway.
1. Use a clean, well-lit input
1K+ resolution, neutral background, soft front light. Glare and strong shadows confuse the model.
[INSERT_IMAGE: good vs bad input photo example]
2. Keep the action small
“Turns head and smiles” > “runs through the city.” Big motion = identity drift.
3. Lock the framing in your prompt
State the framing: medium close-up, eye-level, soft window light. Don’t let the model re-frame.
4. Avoid camera + subject motion stacked
Pick one. Either the subject moves or the camera does.
5. Short clips first
Render 4 s, evaluate identity, then extend to 6–8 s only if it holds.
6. Use the right model per subject
- Faces / characters: Seedance 2.0.
- Products / packaging: Wan 2.7.
- Slow cinematic portraits: Kling 3.0.
7. Re-roll the seed, not the prompt
If identity drifts, change the seed before rewriting the prompt — usually one re-roll is enough.
FAQ
Should I upscale the input?
Yes if it’s under 1K. Use any standard upscaler.
What about pets?
Same rules — small action, soft light, medium framing.