Generative AI video is blowing up right now, and Hailuo AI is one of the breakout platforms getting all the buzz (Tom’s Guide, 2025). Built by Chinese startup MiniMax, Hailuo AI lets anyone create short, realistic video clips from a simple text or image prompt (KrASIA, 2024). It went viral after launching with a free plan and a super easy-to-use interface—no video editing skills needed (Pixelcut, 2024). This guide breaks down what Hailuo AI actually is, why it’s trending in 2025, and exactly how to use it to generate your first AI video.
What Makes Hailuo AI Different?
Hailuo AI is all about turning your ideas into quick video content, whether you’re using text, an image, or both (Pixelcut, 2024). Each clip lasts about 5–6 seconds and comes out at 1280×720 resolution, 25fps (Tom’s Guide, 2025). You just type a scene or upload a picture, and Hailuo’s AI generates a unique video—no experience or high-end hardware needed.
A huge part of its growth is that early users could jump in without even making an account (GenerativeAI.pub, 2024). That “just try it” vibe led to a ton of viral posts on Reddit, X, and TikTok. The process is fast, with videos ready in under 30 seconds, and Hailuo keeps rolling out updates, like “Director Mode,” which lets you control camera angles (Tom’s Guide, 2025). Compared to big-name rivals, Hailuo AI stands out for being affordable, accessible, and always adding new features (Pixelcut, 2024).
Key Features You’ll Actually Use
Text-to-Video: Just type a short scene and watch the AI bring it to life (Pixelcut, 2024). It’s great for testing ideas, social posts, or just for fun.
Image-to-Video: Upload any image—artwork, logo, product photo—and animate it without knowing a single thing about video editing (KrASIA, 2024).
Director Mode: Want to add a pan, tilt, or a dynamic camera move? This mode gives you extra control and makes your videos look way more cinematic (Tom’s Guide, 2025).
Prompt Assistant: Hailuo has a built-in AI assistant (“DeepSeek”) that helps you refine your prompts to get the best video results (Pixelcut, 2024).
Fast Renders: Videos are generated in under a minute, so you can iterate and experiment without waiting (Tom’s Guide, 2025).
Language Options: The platform works in English, Chinese, and more, so you’re not stuck with just one language (Pixelcut, 2024).
How to Start Using Hailuo AI
Step 1: Register for Free
Go to hailuoai.video or get the mobile app. You can sign up fast with just an email, and you’ll get around 1,000 free credits (Pixelcut, 2024). That’s enough for 20–30 videos before you even think about paying.
Step 2: Find the “Create Video” Section
The interface is clean. Click “Create Video” on the side menu. Choose your mode: “Text to Video” or “Image to Video” (KrASIA, 2024). If you’re ready to play with advanced features, try “Subject Reference” or “Director Mode.”
Step 3: Enter Your Prompt and Settings
Type your scene (ex: “A 3D panda dancing at sunrise on a snowy mountain”), upload an image if you want, and choose your video model. For first-timers, stick to defaults. If you want more control, try the “T2V-01-Director” model to pick a camera move (Tom’s Guide, 2025).
Step 4: Generate and Review
Click “Generate.” Wait up to a minute for your video to process. Preview the result—if it’s off, tweak your prompt or settings and try again. No credits are used if it fails, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Step 5: Download and Share
Once you’re happy, download the video. Free videos have a watermark, but you can remove it with a paid plan. Post your results with #HailuoAI if you want to join the community (Tom’s Guide, 2025).
Tips for Better Results
- Keep prompts simple at first. Clear, direct scenes usually work best.
- Use the community gallery for ideas. The site features prompts that generate great results (GenerativeAI.pub, 2024).
- Director Mode is powerful, but start with presets. Custom moves are cool, but can confuse the AI—stick with the basics until you get a feel for it (Tom’s Guide, 2025).
- Try prompts in different languages. Hailuo handles both English and Chinese really well (Pixelcut, 2024).
- Remember the limits. It’ll block explicit, violent, or political prompts—especially since it’s a Chinese company (KrASIA, 2024). Also, don’t use real people’s photos unless you have permission.
Pricing & What’s Next
Hailuo AI offers several paid plans and a free tier. Here’s the latest pricing (as of July 2025):
| Plan | Price (monthly) | Credits/Month | 1080p Video | Watermark Removal | Max Video Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | $9.99 | 1,000 | Yes | Yes | 10 seconds |
| Pro | $34.99 | 4,500 | Yes | Yes | 10 seconds |
| Master | $79.99 | 10,000 | Yes | Yes | 10 seconds |
| Max | $199.99 | 20,000 | Yes | Yes | 10 seconds |
| Free | $0 | Limited | Yes (720p) | No | Shorter |
- Quarterly and Yearly plans are also available at discounted rates.
- All paid plans support 1080p generation, watermark removal, up to 10-second videos, and allow you to queue multiple tasks.
- Free users get limited credits, videos include a watermark, and lower resolution.
Paid plans are billed monthly by default (HailuoAI, 2025).
For exact credit usage, features, and latest discounts, always check hailuoai.video as pricing may change.
Hailuo originally let everyone use it for free with no login, but shifted to a credit system as the user base exploded (GenerativeAI.pub, 2024). The good news: the free tier is still generous, and paid plans are affordable for most creators. The team at MiniMax is pushing regular updates, so expect better video quality, longer clips, and new creative tools coming soon (KrASIA, 2024).
Should You Try Hailuo AI?
If you want a fast, cheap, and beginner-friendly way to experiment with AI video, Hailuo AI is 100% worth checking out. It’s not perfect—the videos are short and watermarked unless you pay—but it makes video creation crazy easy for anyone, not just pros. For creators, marketers, or anyone just curious about AI’s creative side, Hailuo AI is one of the best ways to jump in and start making cool stuff in minutes.
