How to Generate AI Videos from Text in 2026

Text to video has finally crossed the line from demo to production. The tools are still imperfect, but you can get real, usable clips if you approach them the right way. This guide covers the major platforms in 2026 and a workflow that delivers results without burning hours.

The Best Text to Video Tools Right Now

Here is the honest take on the five platforms that matter.

Veo 3

Google’s Veo 3 is the quality king for cinematic shots, lighting, and motion consistency. It is also the hardest to access and the most expensive at scale.

Use it for: high stakes shots, hero scenes, brand campaigns.

Runway

Runway is the most practical tool for creators. The UI is mature, editing tools are usable, and it handles short clips well.

Use it for: social content, quick experiments, iterative edits.

Pika

Pika is playful and fast. It is great for stylized results and quick animated ideas, but it is less reliable for photoreal scenes.

Use it for: playful promos, stylized content, memes that look good.

Kling

Kling produces solid motion and scene coherence. It is a strong option if you need clean movement and can tolerate longer render times.

Use it for: product shots, simple motion sequences, clear camera moves.

Sora

Sora remains the most talked about model with impressive realism, but access is limited and the pacing can be slow. It is best treated as a high end option, not a daily driver.

Use it for: complex scenes and high realism when you can get access.

If you want a deeper comparison, see best AI video generators in 2026 and our text to video guide.

Step by Step: A Workflow That Actually Works

Step 1: Write a one sentence story

Do not start with a complex prompt. Write a single sentence that captures the scene.

Example: “A chef flips a pancake in a sunlit kitchen as steam rises and a cat watches.”

Step 2: Add camera and motion

Text to video needs movement. Add a clear camera instruction and one motion element.

Example: “Slow push in, the chef flips the pancake, steam drifts upward.”

Step 3: Add style and timing

Pick a visual style and clip length. 4 to 6 seconds is the sweet spot for most tools.

Example: “Warm cinematic lighting, shallow depth of field, 5 second clip.”

Step 4: Generate 3 to 5 variations

Do not expect the first output to be usable. Generate a handful, pick the best, then refine.

Step 5: Upscale and edit

Runway and Pika have simple edit controls. For serious work, export the clip and edit in your normal tool. Keep edits simple, these clips are short.

Step 6: Build a sequence

Stitch 3 to 5 short clips into a sequence. This looks more polished than a single long generation and gives you more control.

Myjourney as the All In One Option

Most people use one tool for images and another for video. It is a hassle. Myjourney is built to keep both in one place so you can do concept art, storyboards, and final clips without switching products.

Start with reference images, then turn them into motion. It is a faster loop and it keeps your brand consistent.

• Explore examples on /explore
• See pricing for both image and video on /pricing
• Related reading: Veo 3 vs Sora

Prompt Template You Can Steal

Use this template when you are stuck:

"A [subject] in a [location], [time of day], [camera move], [motion], [style], [duration]."

Example: “A cyclist rides through a rainy neon city at night, handheld tracking shot, water splashes, moody cyberpunk, 5 seconds.”

Final Advice

Text to video is about iteration, not magic. Keep clips short, give the model real motion cues, and generate multiple versions. That is how you get usable results today.

If you want a single place to do both images and video, try Myjourney and build your workflow around it. It is the fastest way to keep creative momentum in 2026.