What is Hailuo AI?
Launched in March 2024 by MiniMax (founded 2021), Hailuo AI is a multimodal generative platform with features for text, image, music, and video generation .
The video suite—branded Video‑01 models—debuted in September 2024 .
🎥 Video Models & Use Cases
MiniMax offers four specialized Hailuo models:
Model Use Case
**T2V‑01 (Text‑to‑Video)** Generate short, cinematic clips (typically ~6 seconds) from text prompts .
I2V‑01 (Image‑to‑Video) Animate a static image into a smooth motion clip .
S2V‑01 (Subject‑to‑Video) Insert a person/subject from a reference image and keep consistent across frames .
Director variants (T2V‑01‑Director & I2V‑01‑Director) Introduced January 28, 2025, these allow granular control over camera movements (tracking, tilt, etc.) and reduce unwanted motion .
The sweet spot: short-form, action‑oriented clips with cinematic flair—pretty fast to render and easy to use .
⚙️ Technology & Performance
Based on a diffusion‑transformer backbone, Hailuo is optimized for fast, fluid motion, not ultra-realistic long scenes .
MiniMax’s flagship stack includes multimodal LLMs, the Video‑01 models, and complementary voice‑generation models (Speech‑02 launched April 2025) .
Generates 6‑second clips in under 30 seconds
🎁 Features & Plans
Free tier: ~1,000 credits (~20–30 clips); clips include watermarks; signup optional on web .
Paid tiers (via Pollo AI/AutoGPT reviews):
Standard (~$15/month): watermark removal, full-HD, faster speeds .
Unlimited (~$94.90/month): longer clips, full HD, unlimited credits .
Mobile apps available on Android and iOS (4.8★ on iPad) .
Additional capabilities: grips for lip-sync with voiceovers, auto-trimming, transitions, sound effects (recently added audio models) .
✅ Pros & Considerations
✅ Strengths
Free features are generous and functional compared to leading tools .
Director mode offers robust camera-control for cinematic effects .
Quick generation: 6-second clips in under 30 seconds .
⚠️ Limitations
Limited to short-duration clips (around 6 seconds for free users; longer ones require premium plans) .
Free videos include watermarks, limiting commercial use .
Maintaining photorealistic details can be inconsistent; more suited for stylistic or animated visuals .
🖥️ How to Get Started
1. Use the web interface (no signup required for web demo; mobile apps available).
2. Select your model: T2V / I2V / S2V or Director variations.
3. Enter a text prompt or upload an image/reference person.
4. Use Director mode to specify camera moves (e.g., “tracking shot”, “tilt down”).
5. Generate, preview, download (MP4), add sound or voice-over as desired.
6. Credit cost: ~30 credits per video (1000‑credit starter pack) .
💬 Community & Reviews
Users on X (Twitter) and Reddit highlight creative uses of the Director mode:
> “Hailuo AI Director model is pure cinema.”
Play Store reviews describe it as “worth it” with “excellent quality,” though request lip-sync improvements .
🔚 Bottom Line
Hailuo AI by MiniMax is a versatile, user-friendly tool for creating short cinematic clips from text or images. With its free plan, Director-mode camera controls, and fast rendering, it’s ideal for social media creators, educators, or marketers looking for quick, stylized video content. The main constraints involve clip length and watermark limitations unless upgraded to a paid tier.
Let me know if you’d like a tutorial on prompts, help comparing it to tools like Runway or Pika Labs, or deciding which subscription fits your needs!
