logoSora2 AI

Lyric to Song

Universal AI Video Prompt Guide

This guide will teach you how to craft precise prompts to consistently generate professional AI videos with synchronized audio across any AI video generator. Follow our step-by-step framework to unlock the full potential of your AI video creation tool.

Try It Now

Pro Tip

Each prompt stands alone. The AI has no memory between generations, so include everything needed — clear, detailed, and self-contained.

Part 1: Groundwork – All-Inclusive Scene & Character Blueprinting

1. Craft Comprehensive Character Profiles

For each character, create a concise description paragraph:

  • - Look: age range, distinct facial features, hairstyle/color, skin texture, posture
  • - Attire: detailed clothing, fabric types, accessories
  • - Vocal Tone: voice characteristics for audio direction

"A man in his early 40s with a square jaw, piercing blue eyes, and short salt-and-pepper hair. He has a sturdy posture, wearing a navy cotton blazer over a white linen shirt, dark wool trousers, and a silver watch. His voice is firm and resonant, with a subtle warmth."

2. Build Detailed Scene Outlines

For each scene, create a concise environmental description:

  • - Vibe: overall mood of the scene
  • - Lighting: light source and effect
  • - Env Details: textures, smells, key elements

"A cozy bookstore bathed in warm, amber overhead lighting. The air smells of aged paper and coffee. Wooden shelves line the walls, packed with books, and a plush armchair sits near a window. Soft jazz plays in the background, creating a calm, intellectual vibe."

Part 2: Core Method – "Self-Contained Immersive Moment" Prompt Formula

Subject (Full Description, Every Time)

Define the main character with a complete profile.

Example:

Focus on the early 40s man [paste his full character profile here].

Setting (Complete Scene Details, No Shortcuts)

Outline the environment fully, no shortcuts.

Example:

Inside the cozy bookstore [paste its full scene description here]. Outside, a quiet street with a few pedestrians and a flowering tree by the window.

Action (Vivid, 10–20 Second Sequence)

Detail clear, dynamic actions.

Example:

He browses a shelf, pulls out a hardcover, flips through pages. He pauses, nods, then heads to the checkout, placing the book on the counter and paying with a card.

Style/Composition (Explicit Aesthetic Direction)

Specify shot type, lighting, and mood.

Example:

Close-up shot, sharp focus. Warm amber lighting from overhead lamps. Style: intellectual and calm, with soft shadows. Mood: contemplative.

Camera Movement (Clear Instruction, Even for Static Shots)

State motion explicitly.

Examples:

  • Slow pan across the shelves, then focus on him reading.
  • Static shot: him browsing + bookstore details in full view.

Soundscape (Scene-Specific Audio, No Assumptions)

Describe direct scene sounds.

Example:

The rustle of book pages, the soft chime of the checkout bell, faint chatter from a corner, and the distant hum of a streetcar outside.

Complete Example Prompt

Scene: Retro Record Store

"The interior of the store is a haven for music lovers. The air is filled with the faint smell of old vinyl and wood polish. Towering wooden shelves, lined with rows of colorful record sleeves, stretch from floor to ceiling. A vintage jukebox in the corner emits a warm, orange glow, and the scratchy sound of a jazz record plays softly, bouncing off the walls adorned with faded concert posters."

Complete Action Sequence

"Jax, a teen with messy brown hair and a denim jacket covered in band patches, flips through a stack of records. He pauses, pulling out a bright red album cover, and holds it up to examine closely. His eyes widen with excitement as he turns to show it to a friend, who’s browsing nearby. Then, he carefully places the record back and continues his search, fingers brushing against the edges of other sleeves."

Tips & Best Practices for Universal AI Video Prompt Writing

Practice and Iterate

The best way to master AI video prompting is through consistent practice. Experiment with different detail levels, styles, and structures to find what works best for your chosen AI tool and creative vision.

Consistency is Key

Since most AI tools don’t retain past prompts, create a personal "master note" document. Store detailed character profiles, scene templates, and style preferences there, then copy-paste them into new prompts to ensure uniformity—avoiding accidental changes or inconsistencies.

Be Specific, Never Vague

Ditch vague terms like "cool," "retro," or "modern." Instead, define details precisely—e.g., "1950s diner with red vinyl booths, Formica tables, and a jukebox playing Elvis" (not just "retro diner").

Time Management for Video Duration

Most AI video tools generate clips between 10–20 seconds. Plan actions and interactions that logically fit within this timeframe—avoid overcrowding with too many events or overly slow, drawn-out motions.

Layer in Sensory Details

Always include descriptions of sounds, smells, textures, and even temperature. These elements (e.g., "the creak of wooden floorboards, the smell of freshly baked bread, the rough texture of a leather jacket") make scenes feel immersive and vivid, guiding the AI to create richer, more realistic outputs.

Ready to Create Your AI Video?

Put these prompting techniques into practice and create your first AI-generated video now.