MiniMax H3 Reference to Video
Bring character or product references to guide a new scene. Describe the action, setting and sound, then compare the result with your references.
Use reference images to guide a character or product in a new scene. Unlike image-to-video, the reference image does not have to become the opening frame.
Prepare clear references of one subject and describe its role, the action, the setting and the camera. Check each output for identity and continuity; references improve guidance but do not guarantee exact consistency. Account access and input limits appear in the studio.
What Reference to Video Is Good For
Recurring Characters
Guide the same character across new scenes, then review each result for continuity.
Product Ads
Put the same bottle, shoe or gadget on a beach, a desk or a city street.
Mascots
Bring a brand mascot or illustrated character into live-action-style scenes.
Outfits
Show one outfit in several locations without a photo shoot.
How It Works
Add reference images
Clear pictures of the subject, ideally on a plain background and from more than one angle.
Describe the new scene
Where the subject is, what it does, the camera move and the sounds.
Generate and compare
Run a few variations and keep the take where the subject looks most like your references.
Reference to Video vs Image to Video
| Image to video | Reference to video | |
|---|---|---|
| First frame | Your uploaded photo | A new scene H3 creates |
| Scene | Stays the one in your photo | Anything you describe |
| Best for | Bringing one picture to life | Same character in many scenes |
| Plan | Free + PRO | PRO |
Getting Consistent Results
- Use clean references. Plain backgrounds help H3 separate the subject from its surroundings.
- Name the subject the same way every time, for example "the red-haired girl in the yellow raincoat".
- Keep the style steady. Mixing "anime" in one clip and "photoreal" in the next breaks consistency.
- Generate two or three takes and keep the best one. Small variations are normal.
Ready to Try It?
Open the generator, check your account allowance and choose your settings. Generation times vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Tools & Guides
Last updated October 12, 2026