Animating old photos - the short version
You upload an old photo and the AI turns it into a short video of about three seconds: a smile, a glance, a small movement of the head. No account, no software, and the result is usually ready in 30 to 60 seconds.
- 1Pick the photoA scan or a phone shot of the print. The face should be clearly visible.
- 2Pay once$1.99 per video. No subscription and nothing that renews.
- 3Download the videoMP4 without a watermark, ready to share in a message.
Which old photos work well
| Source photo | Result |
|---|---|
| Portrait, face large in the frame | Very good - expression looks natural |
| Two people, both faces visible | Good - both move slightly |
| Group shot with many small faces | Weak - crop first |
| Black and white print from the 1940s to 1970s | Good - colourized first |
| Badly faded or stained print | Mixed - damage can get animated too |
| Profile or face turned away | Weak - the model needs eyes and mouth |
The single most useful tip: crop
If your grandmother is a small part of a group photo, crop her out before uploading. A face filling a third of the frame produces a far more convincing video than the same face at stamp size.
How to digitise an old print properly
A scanner beats a phone
If you have a scanner or an all-in-one printer, 300 to 600 dpi is plenty. A flat surface and even light matter more than any filter.
If you use a phone
Shoot straight down, near a window, flash off. A flash leaves a glossy patch across the face and it carries into the video. Watch for the shadow of your own hand.
Take it out of the frame
Reflections in glass are sometimes read as part of the face. Remove the print from the frame for a moment.
What to realistically expect
The goal is not a film. It is the moment a familiar face breathes again for a second. The motion is deliberately restrained: a slight smile, a blink, a tilt of the head. Exaggerated movement looks fake on old source material.
For photos of relatives who have passed away we keep a separate, gentler guide - it is less about technique and more about handling it well.
Frequently asked questions
Upload a photo
One-time $1.99 per video. No signup, no subscription.
Upload a photo