Start Frame

What is Start Frame?

A Start Frame is a specific image you give an AI video tool to use as the very first frame of the generated video, giving you control over exactly how the clip begins.

At a glance

Also known as
First frameAnchor imageInput image (image-to-video)
Used for
Controlling the opening visual of an AI-generated video clipMaintaining character or environment consistencyAnchoring AI animation to a specific designed starting composition
Common tools
MorphicRunwayKlingPikaLuma dream machine
Related terms
End frameImage-to-videoKeyframeCharacter consistencyCamera control

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How it compares

How it compares

Start FrameText-to-Video

Text-to-video generation interprets a text description to produce a video, giving the model wide latitude over visual decisions including the opening composition. A start frame constrains the model to begin from a specific visual state, significantly reducing variation in character appearance, framing, and environmental detail at the cost of slightly less motion creativity.

Think of it like…

Using a start frame in AI video generation is like handing an animator a specific drawing and saying 'begin here' — the animation can go wherever the prompt and model take it from that point, but the first frame is exactly what you intended.

Pro tip

For character-driven sequences, generate and approve a high-quality character image first, then use it as the start frame for all video clips featuring that character: this produces far more consistent results than relying on text descriptions of the character across multiple generations.

Types and variations

  • Start frames can be supplied from several sources: a previously generated AI image, a photograph, a hand-drawn or painted illustration, a frame extracted from existing video footage, or a rendered 3D still.
  • The type of source image affects the visual quality and consistency of the generated output: photorealistic start frames tend to produce photorealistic video, while illustrated or stylised start frames guide the model toward matching that aesthetic.
  • Some platforms allow start frames to be combined with style references or ControlNet-style guides for additional control over the generated motion.

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Common use cases

  • Start frames are used to maintain character appearance across multiple generated clips in a narrative sequence, to begin a shot with a precisely composed still frame before the camera or subject moves, and to animate specific existing images ( photographs, illustrations, or concept art ) into video content.
  • In commercial production, start frames from approved concept art ensure generated content matches signed-off design direction without relying on text description alone.

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FAQs

What is a start frame in AI video generation?
A start frame is an image you provide to the AI video model that becomes the exact first frame of the generated video clip, giving you control over the visual starting point rather than leaving it to the model's interpretation.
How does a start frame improve consistency in AI video projects?
By anchoring the opening visual of a clip to a specific image, the start frame ensures that character appearances, environmental details, and framing match your design intent precisely, rather than varying between generations based on text description interpretation.
Can I use a photograph as a start frame?
Yes. Photographs, AI-generated images, illustrations, and concept art can all be used as start frames. The visual style of the start frame generally influences the overall aesthetic of the generated video.
What is the difference between a start frame and an end frame?
A start frame defines the first frame of the generated clip; an end frame defines the last. When both are provided, the model generates motion that transitions between the two defined visual states, giving maximum control over the beginning and end of the output.
Does every AI video platform support start frames?
Most major platforms support image-to-video generation that effectively uses a start frame. The specific implementation and degree of control varies between platforms: some allow both start and end frames, others only start frames, and the reliability with which the output honours the input image differs between models.
What resolution should a start frame image be?
Follow the recommended input resolution for your specific platform: generally a minimum of 512 pixels on the shorter side, with higher resolution images tending to produce better-quality output. Ensure the aspect ratio of your start frame matches the intended output aspect ratio.
Can a start frame be a frame extracted from an earlier AI video generation?
Yes, and this is a useful technique for chaining shots together with visual continuity: extracting the final frame of one generated clip and using it as the start frame for the next creates a visually consistent handoff between clips.
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