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How to use a video reference for AI video generation

Upload reference footage, describe the new scene, choose supported settings, and generate a clip with Reference to Video in Flow AI Video.

Flow AI Video TeamFlow AI Video Team

To use a video reference for AI video generation, open Reference to Video, upload a video file or select saved footage, and describe the new scene you want. Choose supported settings, review credits, and generate. The submitted task opens in Create with the video attached as a video reference.

What is a video reference?

A reference clip helps communicate motion, camera direction, or a scene idea. The generated result can change timing, composition, and details; it is not a frame-for-frame copy. If you need to control a still opening or closing image, use Image to Video AI instead.

How do I add the footage?

  1. Open the reference-video upload control on the landing page.
  2. Upload footage you have permission to use, or select a video from your saved media.
  3. Confirm that the attachment is the intended clip. Do not put a video poster in a start-frame slot as a substitute for the actual video.
  4. Write what to retain and what to change, then choose the available model and output settings.

A website or YouTube link in the prompt does not upload the clip. This workflow accepts video files; it does not offer a YouTube URL import control.

What should I write in the prompt?

Use the uploaded clip as a reference for the walking direction and steady side-tracking camera. Create a new courtyard scene in soft daylight. Keep one person as the focus and avoid additional background movement.

This names the useful parts of the reference and the intended change. Asking to “copy everything” makes the result harder to evaluate and does not guarantee exact preservation.

Where do I review the result?

After checking the estimate, click Generate. If credits are insufficient, the dialog lets you keep editing or open pricing; the request does not start. A successful submission opens Create, retaining the prompt and video reference. Inspect the complete result before downloading it.

Does “reference a video” mean an APA citation?

In this product, it means using footage as an input for AI generation. It does not create academic citations or bibliographies. Queries about citing a YouTube video in APA describe a different task.

Generate with a video reference.