How to Write Perfect AI Video Prompts: Complete Guide 2025

Introduction: The Art of AI Video Prompts

Writing effective prompts for AI video generation is both an art and a science. The quality of your prompt directly impacts the quality of your generated video. Whether you're using Google Veo3 through Craft Video or other text-to-video platforms, mastering prompt engineering is essential.

This comprehensive guide teaches you proven techniques for writing perfect AI video prompts.

Understanding AI Video Generation

AI video generators like Google Veo3 interpret text descriptions to create visual content. The more precise and descriptive your prompt, the better the AI understands your vision.

How AI Interprets Prompts

AI video models analyze your prompt for:

1. Subject: What is the main focus?
2. Action: What is happening?
3. Setting: Where does it take place?
4. Style: What is the visual aesthetic?
5. Technical details: Camera angles, lighting, motion

The Perfect Prompt Structure

Basic Formula

[Subject] + [Action] + [Setting] + [Style] + [Technical Details]

Example Transformation

Bad Prompt:

"Dog playing"

Good Prompt:

"Golden retriever puppy playing with a red ball in a sunny park, cinematic lighting, slow motion, shallow depth of field"

The improved prompt provides clear direction for the AI, resulting in significantly better output.

Essential Prompt Components

1. Subject Description

Be specific about your main subject:

Weak: "A person" Strong: "A middle-aged woman with curly brown hair wearing a blue dress"

Weak: "A car" Strong: "A vintage 1967 red Mustang convertible"

2. Action and Movement

Describe what's happening:

Weak: "Moving" Strong: "Walking slowly towards the camera"

Weak: "Flying" Strong: "Gliding gracefully through the air, wings spread wide"

3. Setting and Environment

Establish the location:

Weak: "Outside" Strong: "In a lush green forest with sunlight filtering through the trees"

Weak: "In a room" Strong: "In a modern minimalist living room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a city skyline"

4. Visual Style

Define the aesthetic:

• Cinematic
• Documentary style
• Animated
• Realistic
• Artistic
• Vintage
• Modern
• Abstract

5. Technical Specifications

Add camera and lighting details:

Camera:

• Close-up shot
• Wide angle
• Aerial view
• POV (point of view)
• Tracking shot
• Static camera

Lighting:

• Golden hour lighting
• Dramatic shadows
• Soft diffused light
• Neon lighting
• Natural daylight

Motion:

• Slow motion
• Time-lapse
• Smooth pan
• Zoom in/out
• Steady tracking

Proven Prompt Templates

Template 1: Nature Scenes

[Specific animal/plant] in [detailed environment], 
[weather/time of day], [camera angle], [motion speed], 
[lighting style]

Example: "Monarch butterfly landing on a purple wildflower in a meadow, early morning mist, macro close-up shot, slow motion, soft natural lighting"

Template 2: Urban Scenes

[Specific location/landmark] at [time of day], 
[weather conditions], [camera movement], [visual style], 
[mood/atmosphere]

Example: "Busy Tokyo street at night, light rain, slow tracking shot through neon-lit crowds, cinematic style, vibrant and energetic atmosphere"

Template 3: Product Showcase

[Detailed product description] on [surface/background], 
[lighting setup], [camera movement], [professional style]

Example: "Sleek silver smartphone rotating on a white marble surface, studio lighting with soft reflections, smooth 360-degree rotation, commercial photography style"

Template 4: Abstract/Artistic

[Visual concept] with [color palette], [motion type], 
[artistic style], [mood]

Example: "Flowing liquid gold patterns with deep purple accents, smooth fluid motion, abstract expressionist style, mesmerizing and hypnotic"

Advanced Prompt Techniques

1. Layering Details

Start with the core concept, then add layers:

Layer 1 (Basic): "Sunset over ocean"

Layer 2 (+ Action): "Sunset over ocean with waves crashing"

Layer 3 (+ Style): "Cinematic sunset over ocean with waves crashing, golden hour"

Layer 4 (+ Technical): "Cinematic sunset over ocean with waves crashing, golden hour, wide angle shot, slow motion"

2. Using Reference Styles

Reference known visual styles:

• "In the style of Wes Anderson films"
• "Documentary-style like Planet Earth"
• "Music video aesthetic"
• "Commercial advertising style"
• "Instagram-worthy"

3. Emotion and Mood

Add emotional context:

• "Peaceful and serene"
• "Energetic and dynamic"
• "Mysterious and suspenseful"
• "Joyful and uplifting"
• "Dramatic and intense"

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Too Vague

Bad: "Something cool happening" Why: AI has no clear direction

❌ Too Complex

Bad: "A dog and a cat playing while a bird flies overhead and a car drives by as the sun sets and children laugh in the background" Why: Too many competing elements confuse the AI

❌ Contradictory Instructions

Bad: "Bright sunny day with dramatic storm clouds" Why: Conflicting visual elements

❌ Missing Key Details

Bad: "Person walking" Why: Lacks setting, style, and technical specifications

Prompt Examples by Use Case

Social Media Content

"Vertical video of coffee being poured into a white ceramic mug, 
close-up shot, warm morning lighting, Instagram aesthetic, cozy vibe"

Marketing/Advertising

"Professional businessman walking confidently through modern office, 
tracking shot, bright corporate lighting, motivational atmosphere, 
commercial style"

Creative/Artistic

"Abstract paint colors swirling and mixing in water, macro photography, 
slow motion, vibrant rainbow colors, artistic and mesmerizing"

Educational Content

"Animated diagram showing water cycle with clouds, rain, and evaporation, 
clear educational style, simple graphics, documentary presentation"

Platform-Specific Tips

Google Veo3 (via Craft Video)

Google Veo3 excels at:

• Physics accuracy
• Natural motion
• Complex scenes
• Realistic lighting

Best practices:

• Use specific technical terms
• Include lighting descriptions
• Specify camera angles
• Add motion details

Testing and Iteration

Iterative Improvement Process

1. Start Simple: Basic prompt with core concept
2. Generate: Create first version
3. Analyze: What worked? What didn't?
4. Refine: Add or adjust details
5. Regenerate: Test improved prompt
6. Repeat: Continue refining until satisfied

A/B Testing Prompts

Test variations:

Version A: "Dog running in park" Version B: "Golden retriever running joyfully through green park, sunny day, cinematic"

Compare results to learn what works best.

Prompt Cheat Sheet

Quick Reference

Must-Have Elements: ✓ Specific subject ✓ Clear action ✓ Defined setting ✓ Visual style ✓ Technical details

Modifiers:

• Camera angles
• Lighting type
• Motion speed
• Color palette
• Mood/atmosphere
• Time of day
• Weather conditions

Style Keywords:

• Cinematic
• Realistic
• Artistic
• Commercial
• Documentary
• Vintage
• Modern
• Abstract

Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect

Writing effective AI video prompts is a skill that improves with practice. Start with the templates and techniques in this guide, experiment with variations, and learn from your results.

Google Veo3 through Craft Video offers the most forgiving and capable platform for prompt experimentation, with industry-leading output quality.

Start Creating Perfect AI Videos

Ready to put these techniques into practice? Visit Craft Video and start generating stunning AI videos with your optimized prompts.

Sources and References

• Google Veo3 Technical Documentation
• Prompt Engineering Best Practices
• Craft Video Platform

Related Articles:

• What is Craft Video?
• Google Veo3 vs Other AI Video Tools
• The Future of AI-Generated Content