How to write natural motion prompts

Let the image describe the scene

An input photo already establishes the subject, colors and composition. Start the prompt with the movement you need instead of describing a completely new scene. Asking a mountain landscape to become a busy city introduces unnecessary conflict.

Choose one motion

Try: “Locked camera. Thin clouds drift slowly from left to right. Keep the mountain ridgeline unchanged.” This separates subject movement from camera movement and gives you a clear result to evaluate.

Change one variable

If the motion is too large, reduce the requested speed or complexity. Keep the input image and other parameters unchanged for the next attempt. Save each prompt alongside its settings to learn which adjustment helped.

Inspect the whole frame

Check edges, text, hands and background objects as well as the main subject. A clip can look good at first glance but contain a visible discontinuity near its end. Download and review before publishing.

Try a complete example

Compare the original image, prompt and actual output in our landscape guide, product guide, rain example or snow example. These examples use Seedance 1.0 Pro at 720p for five seconds. The free trial uses 480p, so do not assume identical detail or motion.

For a controlled comparison, keep the input and prompt unchanged, choose an allowed setting on the model page, and record the quoted credits. Evaluate how many usable results you get across attempts rather than judging a model by one selected demonstration.