MiniMax H3 Reference-to-Video

Control Video with Image, Video & Audio References

MiniMax H3 reference-to-video combines a text prompt with image, video, and audio references. Images can define identity or appearance, video can guide motion and camera behavior, and audio can guide voice, rhythm, or sound in a new audiovisual video.

Input
Text + references
Images
Identity / appearance
Video
Motion / camera
Audio
Voice / rhythm / sound
How reference inputs work

Give every reference one clear job. Multiple image, video, and audio references can contribute different information to the final generation; the prompt should state which identity, appearance, movement, camera behavior, timing, voice, or sound to take from each source.

Last verified: August 9, 202610 Free Credits Daily 路 Up to 30 Free Credits
Primary reference image0/1
Secondary reference image (optional)0/1
Reference images
0/9 total

First 5 images are included; each additional image uses 3 credits.

Reference videos
0/3

MP4 / MOV / MKV, up to 3 files, 50MB each

Reference audio
0/3

MP3 / WAV / AAC / FLAC, up to 3 files, 15MB each

0/2500
768pRecommended

Recommended for testing prompts and first drafts.

2K output is available on the 2K tier only.

5s
Est. cost: ~30 creditsBalance: — credits

Checking your account…

OutputVideo
History
MiniMax H3 AI video: Cyber-Grunge Fashion FilmMiniMax H3 Reference to Video sample

Pick a result, make it yours

Create a Video Like This

Choose an example and your prompt, model, and settings load instantly.

Vintage Binocular Brand Film AI video previewProduct Ads

Vintage Binocular Brand Film

Product Ads
Model
MiniMax H3
Duration
5 seconds
Resolution
768p
Aspect ratio
16:9

“Use Images 1–4 as sequential keyframes, seen through a vintage binocular viewfinder searching for the MINIMAX installation. Open out of focus with subtle handheld shake, then push in quickly and rack focus onto Image 1. Between keyframes, use fast binocular-scan transitions with whip movement, motion blur, optical smearing, and brief exposure flicker. Cut at peak blur, then settle and snap back into focus. Keep the twin circular lens mask absolutely fixed throughout: identical position, scale, feathered black vignette, and edge softness, with no warping or drift. Only the image inside the mask may move. In Image 2, let the fabric move gently in the wind while the MINIMAX lettering follows the folds and remains legible. In Image 3, the subject should feel like a stylish passerby caught by chance, walking, turning, and swinging their arms naturally. In Image 4, the subject adjusts their glasses or lifts their chin slightly with a cool, effortless fashion-campaign attitude. Red typography should resolve with the focus: begin slightly blurred and at low opacity, then fade into clarity over 0.3–0.5 seconds. A subtle vertical slide or slight tracking expansion is allowed. Fade it out before the next transition or let motion blur carry it away. No spins, bounces, or large fly-ins/outs. Visual language: a voyeuristic, Wes Anderson-inspired 35 mm film look with fine grain, soft highlight halation, restrained color, and red typographic accents. Minimal, premium, lightly playful. Do not add people, vehicles, buildings, or logos. Preserve the core composition and the MINIMAX installation exactly. PRODUCTION CONTROL MODE: Reference to Video. Assign Images 1–4 only as sequential visual anchors. TIMELINE: 0–3s search and rack focus; 3–10s two fast scan transitions; 10–15s settle on the final mark. CONTINUITY LOCKS: the twin circular mask, vignette softness and installation lettering never change geometry. CAMERA: handheld micro-shake inside the mask only; cut at peak motion blur. AUDIO: wind, cloth movement and two short optical whooshes; restrained low pulse, no dominant score. END FRAME: hold the final mark sharp for one second. AVOID: mask drift, melted text, cross-dissolves and extra subjects.”

View full prompt

Use Images 1–4 as sequential keyframes, seen through a vintage binocular viewfinder searching for the MINIMAX installation. Open out of focus with subtle handheld shake, then push in quickly and rack focus onto Image 1. Between keyframes, use fast binocular-scan transitions with whip movement, motion blur, optical smearing, and brief exposure flicker. Cut at peak blur, then settle and snap back into focus. Keep the twin circular lens mask absolutely fixed throughout: identical position, scale, feathered black vignette, and edge softness, with no warping or drift. Only the image inside the mask may move. In Image 2, let the fabric move gently in the wind while the MINIMAX lettering follows the folds and remains legible. In Image 3, the subject should feel like a stylish passerby caught by chance, walking, turning, and swinging their arms naturally. In Image 4, the subject adjusts their glasses or lifts their chin slightly with a cool, effortless fashion-campaign attitude. Red typography should resolve with the focus: begin slightly blurred and at low opacity, then fade into clarity over 0.3–0.5 seconds. A subtle vertical slide or slight tracking expansion is allowed. Fade it out before the next transition or let motion blur carry it away. No spins, bounces, or large fly-ins/outs. Visual language: a voyeuristic, Wes Anderson-inspired 35 mm film look with fine grain, soft highlight halation, restrained color, and red typographic accents. Minimal, premium, lightly playful. Do not add people, vehicles, buildings, or logos. Preserve the core composition and the MINIMAX installation exactly. PRODUCTION CONTROL MODE: Reference to Video. Assign Images 1–4 only as sequential visual anchors. TIMELINE: 0–3s search and rack focus; 3–10s two fast scan transitions; 10–15s settle on the final mark. CONTINUITY LOCKS: the twin circular mask, vignette softness and installation lettering never change geometry. CAMERA: handheld micro-shake inside the mask only; cut at peak motion blur. AUDIO: wind, cloth movement and two short optical whooshes; restrained low pulse, no dominant score. END FRAME: hold the final mark sharp for one second. AVOID: mask drift, melted text, cross-dissolves and extra subjects.

Epic Space Opera Teaser AI video previewCinematic

Epic Space Opera Teaser

Cinematic
Model
MiniMax H3
Duration
5 seconds
Resolution
768p
Aspect ratio
16:9

“Epic theatrical space-opera teaser Keep the pace fast and the scale enormous without letting the edit drag. Use sharp hard cuts, a shaking command deck, white-hot flashes, split-second black frames, and a violent jump-to-warp impact. Title cards should use wide-tracked cinematic typography—not pure white—with restrained material texture, subtle illumination, and a faint edge glow. Animate the titles by emerging from deep-space shadow, catching a sweep of starlight, opening their letter spacing, leaving a slight afterimage, and flashing briefly against black. PRODUCTION CONTROL MODE: First & Last Frame. SHOT BUDGET: maximum four shots. TIMELINE: 0–3s command-deck disturbance; 3–7s gateway reveal; 7–11s jump-to-warp impact; 11–15s title on black. CAMERA: one primary movement per shot. TEXT LOCK: exact title copy, centered, wide-tracked, fully readable for at least 24 frames. AUDIO: sub-bass rise, one metallic impact at the warp cut, then a short vacuum drop. AVOID: extra title cards, soft dissolves, pure-white typography and constant camera shake.”

View full prompt

Epic theatrical space-opera teaser Keep the pace fast and the scale enormous without letting the edit drag. Use sharp hard cuts, a shaking command deck, white-hot flashes, split-second black frames, and a violent jump-to-warp impact. Title cards should use wide-tracked cinematic typography—not pure white—with restrained material texture, subtle illumination, and a faint edge glow. Animate the titles by emerging from deep-space shadow, catching a sweep of starlight, opening their letter spacing, leaving a slight afterimage, and flashing briefly against black. PRODUCTION CONTROL MODE: First & Last Frame. SHOT BUDGET: maximum four shots. TIMELINE: 0–3s command-deck disturbance; 3–7s gateway reveal; 7–11s jump-to-warp impact; 11–15s title on black. CAMERA: one primary movement per shot. TEXT LOCK: exact title copy, centered, wide-tracked, fully readable for at least 24 frames. AUDIO: sub-bass rise, one metallic impact at the warp cut, then a short vacuum drop. AVOID: extra title cards, soft dissolves, pure-white typography and constant camera shake.

Desert Fashion Campaign AI video previewFashion

Desert Fashion Campaign

Fashion
Model
MiniMax H3
Duration
5 seconds
Resolution
768p
Aspect ratio
16:9

“Create a premium 16:9 landscape fashion film. Use Image 1 for the overall mood, location, and film texture; Image 2 for the talent; Image 3 for the bag; and Image 4 for the closing brand mark. This is a fashion campaign for the clothing and bag. The tone is elevated, cool, and restrained, but the edit should still feel lively and fashion-forward—not like a conventional narrative film or an e-commerce ad. Keep the story simple: beside a vintage car on a desert highway, a woman walks to the rear of the car, opens the trunk, takes out a black bag, shares a quiet beat with the man standing nearby, then leaves carrying the bag. Integrate the clothing and bag naturally into the performance so they feel like part of the characters’ identity. PRODUCTION CONTROL MODE: Reference to Video. Image 1 controls desert location and film texture; Image 2 the woman; Image 3 the black bag; Image 4 the closing mark. ACTION ORDER: approach trunk → open trunk → lift bag by its handle → brief eye contact → walk away. CAMERA: three restrained editorial setups, never more than one move per setup. PRODUCT LOCK: preserve bag silhouette, material, hardware and color. AUDIO: desert wind, trunk latch, footsteps on gravel; minimal music. END FRAME: clean brand mark after the walk-away. AVOID: extra products, wardrobe swaps and e-commerce turntable shots.”

View full prompt

Create a premium 16:9 landscape fashion film. Use Image 1 for the overall mood, location, and film texture; Image 2 for the talent; Image 3 for the bag; and Image 4 for the closing brand mark. This is a fashion campaign for the clothing and bag. The tone is elevated, cool, and restrained, but the edit should still feel lively and fashion-forward—not like a conventional narrative film or an e-commerce ad. Keep the story simple: beside a vintage car on a desert highway, a woman walks to the rear of the car, opens the trunk, takes out a black bag, shares a quiet beat with the man standing nearby, then leaves carrying the bag. Integrate the clothing and bag naturally into the performance so they feel like part of the characters’ identity. PRODUCTION CONTROL MODE: Reference to Video. Image 1 controls desert location and film texture; Image 2 the woman; Image 3 the black bag; Image 4 the closing mark. ACTION ORDER: approach trunk → open trunk → lift bag by its handle → brief eye contact → walk away. CAMERA: three restrained editorial setups, never more than one move per setup. PRODUCT LOCK: preserve bag silhouette, material, hardware and color. AUDIO: desert wind, trunk latch, footsteps on gravel; minimal music. END FRAME: clean brand mark after the walk-away. AVOID: extra products, wardrobe swaps and e-commerce turntable shots.

Cyber-Grunge Fashion Film AI video previewCinematic

Cyber-Grunge Fashion Film

Cinematic
Model
MiniMax H3
Duration
5 seconds
Resolution
768p
Aspect ratio
16:9

“Use Image 1 as the reference for texture and mood, and Image 2 for the subject’s appearance. Generate a 15-second, 16:9 fashion short. Preserve the subject’s identity: long platinum-blonde hair, narrow black vintage sunglasses, a glossy black patent-leather trench coat, a cool, self-assured expression, and orange firelight reflected across the coat. Style: fast-cut fashion film on analog stock, set against a nighttime blaze with black smoke and orange-red flames. Layer in VHS glitches, CCTV signal interruptions, 1990s film grain, scanlines, chromatic aberration, light leaks, flash-to-white transitions, and subtle frame jitter. PRODUCTION CONTROL MODE: Reference to Video. Image 1 controls texture and fire-lit mood; Image 2 controls identity, hair, sunglasses and coat. TIMELINE: 0–4s close-up identity lock; 4–10s two fashion poses with hard cuts; 10–15s walking hero shot. EFFECT RULE: glitches may affect signal and background, not facial geometry or garment construction. CAMERA: handheld 35mm language with two deliberate flash cuts. AUDIO: fire crackle, low industrial beat and one tape-stop accent. AVOID: face replacement, coat color changes, continuous glitch overlays and unreadable silhouettes.”

View full prompt

Use Image 1 as the reference for texture and mood, and Image 2 for the subject’s appearance. Generate a 15-second, 16:9 fashion short. Preserve the subject’s identity: long platinum-blonde hair, narrow black vintage sunglasses, a glossy black patent-leather trench coat, a cool, self-assured expression, and orange firelight reflected across the coat. Style: fast-cut fashion film on analog stock, set against a nighttime blaze with black smoke and orange-red flames. Layer in VHS glitches, CCTV signal interruptions, 1990s film grain, scanlines, chromatic aberration, light leaks, flash-to-white transitions, and subtle frame jitter. PRODUCTION CONTROL MODE: Reference to Video. Image 1 controls texture and fire-lit mood; Image 2 controls identity, hair, sunglasses and coat. TIMELINE: 0–4s close-up identity lock; 4–10s two fashion poses with hard cuts; 10–15s walking hero shot. EFFECT RULE: glitches may affect signal and background, not facial geometry or garment construction. CAMERA: handheld 35mm language with two deliberate flash cuts. AUDIO: fire crackle, low industrial beat and one tape-stop accent. AVOID: face replacement, coat color changes, continuous glitch overlays and unreadable silhouettes.

Retro Anime Crime Title Sequence AI video previewCinematic

Retro Anime Crime Title Sequence

Cinematic
Model
MiniMax H3
Duration
5 seconds
Resolution
768p
Aspect ratio
16:9

“Create a 15-second, 16:9 opening-title sequence for a stylish crime mystery. Draw from retro Japanese animation titles, hard-edged silhouettes, comic-book collage, asymmetric split screens, bold geometric color fields, English credit typography, sparse katakana accents, and a noir-jazz sensibility. Aim for 60% suspense and 40% jazz: mysterious, cool, agile, and urban—never horror, heavy drama, or a cheerful jazz music video. Build the sequence as motion-graphics collage: linework appears over black, split-screen boundaries snap into place, then color blocks and frames assemble piece by piece. Character silhouettes, prop close-ups, and English credits slide, pop, and reveal through masks on the beat. Keep it designed and graphic, not like conventional narrative animation. Credits must be clean and legible. Animate thin frames drawing on, names sliding in, letters appearing one at a time, or color blocks revealing type, then hold briefly. Do not introduce Chinese text, garbled characters, or misspellings. Each role and each name appears once only; do not assign multiple roles to the same name. Vary the transitions: circular vinyl-record wipes, vertical car-door cuts, long character shadows wiping frame, red-line slices, oversized letter masks, split-screen reconfigurations, hard color-block cuts, and tiled frames snapping into place. Keep every transition crisp, rhythmic, suspenseful, and collage-driven. No soft dissolves or fluid morphs. BGM: an original 15-second title cue, 60% suspense and 40% jazz. Use a low drone, tense string pizzicato, cool synth pulses, low kick, sparse brushwork, fragments of walking bass, short baritone-sax phrases, and clipped brass accents. Build suspense with low frequencies and hi-hat in the first 2 seconds; bring in the low beat at 3 seconds, jazz-bass movement at 6 seconds, and a short sax/brass riff at 10 seconds. Freeze the final 2 seconds on a tense chord and drum hit. Keep it mysterious and criminally cool, never upbeat, and do not imitate an existing melody. PRODUCTION CONTROL MODE: Reference to Video. Images 1–5 define graphic language, character silhouettes, palette and credit layout; do not combine identities across references. SHOT PLAN: black-and-white linework → geometric split-screen assembly → prop close-ups → final ensemble title. TYPOGRAPHY LOCK: exact English credit strings supplied in the prompt, one credit per card, minimum one-second hold. MOTION: masks, slides and snap cuts on beat; no fluid morphing. AUDIO: brushed drums, upright bass and clipped brass accents. AVOID: narrative lip sync, 3D rendering, horror imagery and decorative fake text.”

View full prompt

Create a 15-second, 16:9 opening-title sequence for a stylish crime mystery. Draw from retro Japanese animation titles, hard-edged silhouettes, comic-book collage, asymmetric split screens, bold geometric color fields, English credit typography, sparse katakana accents, and a noir-jazz sensibility. Aim for 60% suspense and 40% jazz: mysterious, cool, agile, and urban—never horror, heavy drama, or a cheerful jazz music video. Build the sequence as motion-graphics collage: linework appears over black, split-screen boundaries snap into place, then color blocks and frames assemble piece by piece. Character silhouettes, prop close-ups, and English credits slide, pop, and reveal through masks on the beat. Keep it designed and graphic, not like conventional narrative animation. Credits must be clean and legible. Animate thin frames drawing on, names sliding in, letters appearing one at a time, or color blocks revealing type, then hold briefly. Do not introduce Chinese text, garbled characters, or misspellings. Each role and each name appears once only; do not assign multiple roles to the same name. Vary the transitions: circular vinyl-record wipes, vertical car-door cuts, long character shadows wiping frame, red-line slices, oversized letter masks, split-screen reconfigurations, hard color-block cuts, and tiled frames snapping into place. Keep every transition crisp, rhythmic, suspenseful, and collage-driven. No soft dissolves or fluid morphs. BGM: an original 15-second title cue, 60% suspense and 40% jazz. Use a low drone, tense string pizzicato, cool synth pulses, low kick, sparse brushwork, fragments of walking bass, short baritone-sax phrases, and clipped brass accents. Build suspense with low frequencies and hi-hat in the first 2 seconds; bring in the low beat at 3 seconds, jazz-bass movement at 6 seconds, and a short sax/brass riff at 10 seconds. Freeze the final 2 seconds on a tense chord and drum hit. Keep it mysterious and criminally cool, never upbeat, and do not imitate an existing melody. PRODUCTION CONTROL MODE: Reference to Video. Images 1–5 define graphic language, character silhouettes, palette and credit layout; do not combine identities across references. SHOT PLAN: black-and-white linework → geometric split-screen assembly → prop close-ups → final ensemble title. TYPOGRAPHY LOCK: exact English credit strings supplied in the prompt, one credit per card, minimum one-second hold. MOTION: masks, slides and snap cuts on beat; no fluid morphing. AUDIO: brushed drums, upright bass and clipped brass accents. AVOID: narrative lip sync, 3D rendering, horror imagery and decorative fake text.

Hand-Drawn Kitchen Creature AI video previewCinematic

Hand-Drawn Kitchen Creature

Cinematic
Model
MiniMax H3
Duration
5 seconds
Resolution
768p
Aspect ratio
16:9

“15 seconds, 16:9 landscape. Blend live-action footage of a small kitchen at dusk with hand-drawn luminous animation. The last sunset light lingers at the window. The lived-in kitchen contains an old wooden table, a half-washed mug, a lightly fogged glass bottle, and a hanging dish towel. Shoot as if someone is filming one-handed on a phone: subtle hand tremor, hesitant close-focus pulls, backlit exposure breathing, and slightly coarse noise in the shadows. It should feel like an astonishing event captured in a rush at home, not a carefully dressed commercial. Do not show giant eyes, split mouths, fangs, threatening behavior, lunges, sudden black frames, or jump scares. Use only room tone, cloth friction, a soft mug clink, faucet drips, the camera operator’s footsteps and quiet breathing, plus gentle electronic tones and tiny vocalizations from the drawn creatures. PRODUCTION CONTROL MODE: Text to Video. TIMELINE: 0–4s hesitant kitchen discovery; 4–9s luminous creature crosses the table; 9–13s it reacts to a mug clink; 13–15s operator steadies the phone. CAMERA: one-handed phone, delayed autofocus and exposure breathing. SOUND: room tone, faucet drip, cloth friction, mug clink, footsteps and breathing; only tiny electronic creature tones, no score. CONTINUITY: kitchen layout and sunset direction remain stable. AVOID: giant eyes, fangs, lunges, jump cuts to black and studio lighting.”

View full prompt

15 seconds, 16:9 landscape. Blend live-action footage of a small kitchen at dusk with hand-drawn luminous animation. The last sunset light lingers at the window. The lived-in kitchen contains an old wooden table, a half-washed mug, a lightly fogged glass bottle, and a hanging dish towel. Shoot as if someone is filming one-handed on a phone: subtle hand tremor, hesitant close-focus pulls, backlit exposure breathing, and slightly coarse noise in the shadows. It should feel like an astonishing event captured in a rush at home, not a carefully dressed commercial. Do not show giant eyes, split mouths, fangs, threatening behavior, lunges, sudden black frames, or jump scares. Use only room tone, cloth friction, a soft mug clink, faucet drips, the camera operator’s footsteps and quiet breathing, plus gentle electronic tones and tiny vocalizations from the drawn creatures. PRODUCTION CONTROL MODE: Text to Video. TIMELINE: 0–4s hesitant kitchen discovery; 4–9s luminous creature crosses the table; 9–13s it reacts to a mug clink; 13–15s operator steadies the phone. CAMERA: one-handed phone, delayed autofocus and exposure breathing. SOUND: room tone, faucet drip, cloth friction, mug clink, footsteps and breathing; only tiny electronic creature tones, no score. CONTINUITY: kitchen layout and sunset direction remain stable. AVOID: giant eyes, fangs, lunges, jump cuts to black and studio lighting.

What Is MiniMax H3 Reference-to-Video?

MiniMax H3 Reference-to-Video generates a new video from a text prompt plus any combination of reference images, reference videos, and reference audio. Each reference can provide a different part of the target result, such as character identity, clothing, style, body motion, camera movement, voice, or scene context.

The most important part is not how many references you upload. It is whether each reference has a clear role.

More references do not automatically create more control. Clearer reference roles create more control.

For a broader overview of MiniMax H3, including text, image, video, audio, generation, and editing capabilities, see the MiniMax H3 guide.

What Is a MiniMax H3 Reference Video?

A MiniMax H3 reference video is a source clip used to guide part of a newly generated video. It can provide body movement, acting performance, camera movement, cuts, rhythm, or other temporal information.

A reference video does not automatically mean that H3 is editing the original clip. If the source video only provides motion, camera behavior, or timing, it is being used as reference guidance rather than as footage that must be directly edited.

MiniMax H3 Reference-to-Video vs Video-to-Video

Reference-to-Video versus Video-to-Video
WorkflowUse It WhenCore Input
Reference-to-VideoMultiple images, videos, and audio files each provide different information for a new generationMixed multimodal references
Video-to-VideoOne existing source video is the center of the task and you want to transform, edit, or transfer from itExisting source video
Image-to-VideoA supplied image should become the opening or ending frameFirst / last frame image

Use MiniMax H3 Video-to-Video when one source clip is the main thing you want to transform, edit, or transfer from. Use Reference-to-Video when multiple reference assets need to work together, such as an image for identity, a video for motion, and audio for voice.

If a supplied image must become the actual opening or ending frame rather than acting only as a reference, use MiniMax H3 Image-to-Video.

Video-to-VideoImage-to-Video

MiniMax H3 Reference Input Limits

MiniMax H3 reference input limits
Reference TypeCurrent Limit
Reference imagesUp to 9
Reference videosUp to 3
Reference audio clipsUp to 3
Reference video duration2-5 seconds each
Total reference-video durationUp to 15 seconds
Reference audio duration2-5 seconds each
Total standalone audio durationUp to 15 seconds
Reference video formatsMP4, MOV
Reference image formatsJPG, JPEG, PNG, WEBP, HEIC, HEIF
Output resolution768P or 2K
Generated duration4-15 seconds

These are maximum input limits, not a recommendation to use every available slot.

Reference audio needs visual context. Standalone audio references should be paired with at least one visual reference such as an image or video.

pikah3.org Reference Assignment Map

pikah3.org practical framework

Before generating, give each reference one clear job. Avoid asking several assets to control the same property unless they are intentionally reinforcing one another.

Reference assignment map
Reference AssetBest Job
Character portraitFace and identity
Full-body character imageIdentity, body appearance, clothing
Outfit imageClothing and accessories
Product imageShape, materials, colors, branding
Scene imageEnvironment, layout, composition
Style imageVisual style or art direction
Motion videoBody movement
Performance videoActing, gesture, expression timing
Camera videoTracking, orbit, push-in, cuts, shot rhythm
Storyboard imageComposition and shot planning
Voice audioVoice timbre and delivery
Music referenceRhythm or music style
Sound referenceSound texture or audible continuity
One reference, one primary job.

Multiple roles are possible, but role clarity should come before reference quantity.

A Reference File Is Not the Same as a Subject

A reference file is the source asset. A Subject is the reusable visual content extracted from one or more references. One image can define multiple subjects, and one subject can combine information from several assets.

Picture 1: A woman wearing a black jacket beside a motorcycle.

Subject 1: The woman's facial identity.

Subject 2: The black jacket and silver accessories.

Subject 3: The motorcycle.

Subject 1: The woman's appearance comes from Picture 1, while her walking motion comes from Video 1.

Picture 1 does not automatically equal Subject 1.

How H3 Reference Labels Work

H3 reference labels
LabelWhat It Represents
Subject NReusable visible content such as a person, object, scene, clothing, style, action, or pose
Picture NA specific reference image used as a frame, keyframe, storyboard, or composition anchor
Video NA reference video used for editing, continuation, motion, camera, cuts, rhythm, or temporal structure
Audio NAudio that is copied or referenced for voice, music, rhythm, dialogue, or sound

A Video label represents the whole-video relationship. If a character from that video is reused as visible content, that character should still be treated as a Subject rather than assuming Video 1 is the character itself.

How Many References Should You Actually Use?

pikah3.org practical guidance

H3 supports many references, but most production tasks do not need the maximum number. Start with the smallest reference set that fully defines the result.

Simple Character Scene

1 identity image + optional 1 motion video

Character + Outfit

1 identity image + 1 clothing image + optional motion video

Character + Motion + Voice

1 identity image + 1 motion video + 1 audio reference

Product Commercial

1 product image + optional scene/style image + 1 camera or motion video + optional audio

For a complex multi-reference scene, only add another reference when it contributes information that the current reference set does not already provide.

Use the smallest reference set that completely specifies the task.

What Happens When H3 References Conflict?

Reference conflicts happen when multiple assets give H3 incompatible instructions about the same part of the target video.

Reference conflict examples
Conflict TypeExample
Identity conflictTwo images define different faces for the same character
Clothing conflictOne image shows a black coat while another defines a white dress
Motion conflictTwo videos provide incompatible body movements
Camera conflictPrompt asks for a static camera while Video 1 provides aggressive handheld movement
Scene conflictSeveral references define incompatible environments
Voice conflictMultiple audio references try to define the same speaker differently
More references can create less control when their roles conflict.

pikah3.org Reference Conflict Check

  1. Which asset defines identity?
  2. Which asset defines appearance or clothing?
  3. Which asset defines movement?
  4. Which asset defines camera behavior?
  5. Which audio defines each speaker or sound role?

If two references answer the same question differently, resolve the conflict in the prompt before generating.

How to Write a MiniMax H3 Reference-to-Video Prompt

Start by defining what each reference represents. Then describe how those roles should appear in the target video.

Reference - Role - Relationship - Target Shot

4 Copyable MiniMax H3 Reference Video Prompts

Simple Character + Motion Prompt

Starter

Picture 1 defines the main character's facial identity, hairstyle, and clothing. Video 1 provides the walking motion and slow tracking-camera behavior. Generate a new cinematic night-street scene that preserves the character from Picture 1 while following the movement and camera rhythm from Video 1. The character walks through a rain-soaked neon street while the camera tracks backward at the same pace. Preserve the character's identity throughout the shot.

Character + Outfit + Motion Prompt

Starter

Picture 1 defines the character's facial identity and hairstyle. Picture 2 defines the black leather jacket, silver necklace, and clothing details. Video 1 provides the body movement and camera timing. Generate a new video that combines the identity from Picture 1, the outfit from Picture 2, and the movement from Video 1. Preserve all three roles consistently while changing the environment to a rainy train platform at night.

Character + Motion + Voice Prompt

Starter

Picture 1 defines the main character's identity and appearance. Video 1 provides the walking motion, gesture timing, and camera movement. Audio 1 provides the target voice timbre and measured delivery. Generate a new cinematic street scene that preserves the character identity from Picture 1, follows the movement and camera behavior from Video 1, and uses Audio 1 only as the voice reference for the character's new dialogue.

Product + Camera Reference Prompt

Starter

Picture 1 defines the product's exact shape, materials, color, and branding. Video 1 provides the slow camera arc and push-in timing. Generate a new studio product video that preserves the product design from Picture 1 while following the camera movement from Video 1. Keep the background clean and dark, with controlled highlights moving naturally across the product surface.

Advanced H3 Full-Reference Prompt Structure

For advanced reference workflows, H3's full-reference structure separates the prompt into six sections.

Advanced H3 full-reference prompt structure
SectionPurpose
subject_definitionsDefine subjects and reference roles
summarySummarize the task and main relationships
retention_analysisExplain what is preserved, transferred, copied, or referenced
detailed_descriptionDescribe the target video shot by shot
overall_soundscapeDescribe ambience and physical sound
non_diegetic_musicDescribe audience-only background music

Most users do not need to manually write the full structure for every generation. The practical goal is to make the same relationships clear: what each reference represents and how it should affect the target video.

Learn the complete subject, picture, video, audio, retention, camera, and sound prompt structure in the MiniMax H3 Prompt Guide. Developers can also use the MiniMax H3 API for the same reference-to-video request structure.

How Strongly Should a Reference Be Preserved?

Reference retention levels
IntentPractical Meaning
Fully preserveKeep the referenced property as closely as possible
Partially preserveKeep the reference but allow controlled changes
Transfer attributeMove a referenced characteristic to another subject
Weak referenceUse only broad similarity such as style, atmosphere, or composition

Do not ask every reference to be fully preserved. Some references only need to guide style, movement, camera, or mood.

Should You Use an Image, Video, or Audio Reference?

Image versus video versus audio references
NeedBetter Starting Reference
Face identityImage
Outfit detailImage
Product shapeImage
Scene appearanceImage
Body motionVideo
Acting performanceVideo
Camera movementVideo
Cuts or shot rhythmVideo
Voice timbreAudio
Dialogue deliveryAudio
Music rhythm or sound textureAudio

MiniMax H3 Reference-to-Video Output

Reference-to-Video output capabilities
FeatureVisible Page Claim
Native audiovisual generationH3 can generate video with native stereo audio
ResolutionUse 768P for iteration or 2K for final high-detail output
DurationGenerate short clips from 4 to 15 seconds
Reference imagesUse images for identity, appearance, product, scene, and style control
Reference videoUse video for motion, performance, camera, cuts, and timing
Reference audioUse audio for voice, rhythm, music style, and sound continuity

Common MiniMax H3 Reference Video Mistakes

  1. Uploading many references without assigning roles.
  2. Expecting every uploaded asset to be fully preserved.
  3. Using a reference video when you actually need to edit the original clip.
  4. Letting two references define the same character differently.
  5. Asking audio alone to create the full Reference-to-Video scene.
  6. Combining complex motion, complex camera, and several identity constraints in a very short clip.

MiniMax H3 Reference Video Troubleshooting

MiniMax H3 reference video troubleshooting
ProblemTry This
Identity driftsAssign one image as the identity source and reduce conflicting appearance instructions
Motion is ignoredState exactly what Video 1 contributes, such as walking motion or camera push-in
Camera feels wrongSeparate subject motion from camera behavior in the prompt
Voice is inconsistentUse one audio reference per speaker or voice role
Too many details changeReduce the number of simultaneous reference requirements

What Can You Make with MiniMax H3 Reference Video?

Consistent Character Video

Use an image for identity while a motion video defines how the character moves.

Motion Transfer

Use a reference video to transfer body movement, performance, or camera behavior into a new character or scene.

Product Commercial

Combine a product image with a camera-reference video to create controlled commercial movement while preserving product appearance.

Character + Voice

Combine a character image with motion and voice references so appearance, performance, and audio each come from a clearly assigned source.

MiniMax H3 Reference Video FAQ

What is MiniMax H3 Reference-to-Video?

MiniMax H3 Reference-to-Video generates a new video from a text prompt plus reference images, videos, and audio. Each reference can provide a different part of the result, such as character identity, style, motion, camera movement, or voice.

What is a MiniMax H3 reference video?

A reference video is a source clip used to guide motion, acting, camera movement, cuts, rhythm, timing, or other temporal properties in a newly generated H3 video.

How many reference images can MiniMax H3 use?

Current MiniMax H3 Reference-to-Video supports up to 9 reference images.

How many reference videos can H3 use?

H3 supports up to 3 reference videos. Each reference video can be 2-5 seconds long, and their total reference-video duration can be up to 15 seconds.

How many audio references can H3 use?

H3 supports up to 3 standalone reference audio clips. Each clip can be 2-5 seconds long, with up to 15 seconds of total standalone reference-audio duration.

Is a reference image the same as a Subject?

No. The reference image is the source asset. A Subject is the reusable visible content defined from one or more references. One reference image can define multiple subjects, and one subject can combine information from several assets.

Should I use Reference-to-Video or Video-to-Video?

Use Reference-to-Video when multiple image, video, and audio references each provide different information for a new generation. Use Video-to-Video when one existing source video is the center of the task and you primarily want to transform, edit, or transfer from that clip.

Can I use a video only for motion?

Yes. A reference video can provide movement, performance, camera behavior, cuts, rhythm, or timing without requiring the original footage itself to be directly edited.

Can I use one image for identity and another for clothing?

Yes. Giving different references separate jobs can make the intended relationship clearer.

Can MiniMax H3 use image, video, and audio together?

Yes. H3 Reference-to-Video supports mixed multimodal references, allowing images, videos, and audio to contribute different information to the same target generation.

Does MiniMax H3 Reference-to-Video generate audio?

Yes. MiniMax H3 is an audiovisual generation model with native stereo audio.

Can H3 Reference-to-Video generate 2K?

Yes. Current H3 Reference-to-Video supports 768P and 2K output.

How should I prompt MiniMax H3 Reference-to-Video?

Define what each reference represents, assign each reference a clear job, and then describe how those roles should appear together in the target video.

Create with MiniMax H3 References

Start with the smallest set of references that fully defines your target video. Assign each image, video, and audio file a clear role, then tell H3 how those roles should work together in the final shot.

10 free credits per daily check-in 路 Up to 30 total

Data References