Motion tracking is the process of analyzing video footage to identify and follow the movement of a specific point, object, or area across frames, then using that movement data to attach other visual elements so they move in sync with the tracked subject. It is a foundational technique in visual effects compositing that allows added elements to feel integrated into the original footage rather than floating independently.

There are several forms of motion tracking used in production. Point tracking follows a specific feature or marker through a sequence of frames, generating a path of motion data. Planar tracking follows flat surfaces through perspective changes, enabling screen replacements on phones, monitors, and billboards. 3D camera tracking analyzes footage to reconstruct the camera's movement in three-dimensional space, allowing CGI elements to be placed as if they exist in the original environment. Face and body tracking are specialized forms that follow the movement of human subjects for effects applications, digital makeup, or performance capture. The tracking data generated by any of these methods can then drive the position, scale, and rotation of composited elements.

In workflows that combine AI-generated imagery with live-action footage or other video elements, motion tracking becomes relevant when generated assets need to be integrated convincingly into existing shots. A generated product, character element, or visual effect can be tracked to live-action footage so that it follows the camera movement and subject motion naturally, creating a more seamless composite than manual placement would allow.