What You Will Build
Multi-Image Reference
Use up to four images to guide the video output
Subject Composition
Combine subjects from different images into one scene
Visual Consistency
Maintain character or scene appearance across generations
Creative Direction
Steer the video style and content with visual references
Before You Begin
Make sure you have:- A Pictory API key
- Node.js or Python installed on your machine
- The required packages installed
- One to four publicly accessible image URLs to use as references (up to 3 on Veo, one on Omni Flash)
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Set Up Your Request
Prepare your API credentials, the reference image URLs, and a prompt that describes the desired video. The prompt should explain how the subjects or elements from the reference images should appear in the video.The
referenceImageUrls array accepts up to 4 image URLs on pixverse6 and pixverse5.6, up to 3 on veo3.1 and veo3.1_fast, and 1 on omni-flash. All URLs must point to publicly accessible images. This parameter cannot be used together with firstFrameImageUrl or extendVideoUrl. On veo3.1 and veo3.1_fast, a request with reference images must use an 8s duration.Step 2: Submit the Video Generation Request
Send the request to the AI Studio video generation endpoint.Step 3: Poll for the Result
Check the job status at regular intervals until the video is ready.Understanding the Parameters
Use Cases for Reference Images
Tips for Reference Image Videos
- Describe the relationship between images. In your prompt, explain how the elements from each reference should interact. For example, “The person from the first image walks into the landscape from the second image.”
- Use high-quality references. Clear, well-lit images produce better results. Avoid blurry or heavily compressed images.
- Keep subjects distinct. When combining multiple images, ensure each reference contributes a clearly identifiable element such as a character, background, or object.
- Name each reference. On
pixverse6andpixverse5.6, refer to the images as@subject1,@subject2, and so on, in array order, so the model binds each mention to the right image. Any reference you do not mention is appended to the prompt automatically. - Use 8s on Veo.
veo3.1andveo3.1_fastonly generate 8-second videos from reference images; other durations are rejected before any credits are reserved.
Next Steps
- Generate Video from Text Prompt to create videos without reference images
- Generate Video from First Frame to animate from a specific starting frame
- Extend Video with AI to continue an existing video
- Generate Video API Reference for the complete parameter documentation
