How to Animate a Photo with AI

A step-by-step guide to turning any photo into a short animated video — no editing skills required.

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What You Need

All you need is a photo and a browser.

Any photo from your phone or computer works. No apps to install, no editing skills needed.

How to Animate a Photo in 5 Steps

Go to picto.video and tap "Get Started"
Upload your photo — any picture with a face
Choose an animation style or type what you want to happen
Tap "Generate" and wait a couple of minutes
Download or share your animated video

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See the Results

AI image animation from your photos

"gentle smile"

"slight head turn"

Tips for Best Results

Clear, Well-Lit Photos

Good lighting and a clear face produce the best animations.

Front-Facing Portraits

It works best when the full face is visible.

Any Era Works

Old photos, new photos, scans, prints — all work. Even pet photos.

Skip Heavy Filters

Natural photos produce more realistic animations than heavily filtered ones.

Any Photo Works

Old, new, blurry, sharp — it all works. Just make sure you can see the face.

Try Different Descriptions

Try different styles: "gentle smile", "slight head turn", "eyes opening". Each gives different results.

What Animation Styles Are Available?

Picto.Video has ready-made styles, or you can type your own. Popular styles include:

Smile

A gentle, natural smile

Wave

A friendly wave gesture

Head Turn

A subtle turn of the head

Your Own Words

Describe any motion you want

See All Styles

What Users Say

"So easy! I uploaded a photo and had an animated video in under a minute."
— James

"I animated an old photo of my grandmother. The results were surprisingly natural."
— Maria

"My kids love making their school photos move. It's become a family activity."
— Rachel

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

Pay per video, starting at $1. No subscriptions or recurring charges.

Do I need to create an account?

Yes — a one-click Google sign-in keeps your credits and videos private. No passwords to remember, no confirmation emails.

How long is the animated video?

Each animation is about 5 seconds long. The video is clear and sharp.

What photo formats are supported?

Most photo types work — JPG and PNG. Any phone photo works perfectly.

Can I animate group photos?

Yes! Group photos work. Just type what you want to happen, like "everyone smiles and waves" — Picto.Video does the rest.