Why the choice of video model matters so much
In 2026, anyone can generate a video from a sentence or an image. The real question is no longer whether AI can make video, but which model to use for which need. The same prompt gives very different results through Kling, Runway, MiniMax Hailuo, Wan, Seedance or Veo: realistic faces, smooth motion, framing, generation speed and cost per second can vary threefold.
This comparison is based on our own tests and on how creators actually use iafetch. It helps you pick the right engine before spending credits, and know when to switch models.
The summary in one table
| Model | Strengths | Lengths on iafetch | iafetch credits (short / 10 s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kling 2.5 Turbo | Realistic people, natural motion | 5 or 10 s | 10 / 16 |
| MiniMax Hailuo 2.3 | Great value, polished look | 6 or 10 s | 6 / 10 |
| Wan 2.2 Fast | Fastest and cheapest, ideal for testing | 5 or 10 s | 5 / 8 |
| Seedance 2.0 Fast | Creative, stylised renders | 5 or 10 s | 8 / 14 |
| Veo 3.1 Fast | Google quality, complex scenes | 5 or 10 s | 12 / 20 |
| Runway Gen-4 | Camera control, cinematic look | not offered on iafetch | separate Runway subscription |
Runway is still a market reference, which is why it appears in this comparison, but it is not built into iafetch: the five other models are, all with a single credit balance.
Kling 2.5 Turbo: the king of realism
Built by Kuaishou, Kling is the model to pick when a video has to look like real footage. It is especially good with people: facial expressions, hand gestures, walking and interactions with objects stay believable from one frame to the next.
- Strengths: temporal consistency, physical motion, expressive faces
- Limits: pricier than Hailuo or Wan, less comfortable with very graphic styles
- Best for: lifestyle ads, product demos, testimonials, everyday scenes
MiniMax Hailuo 2.3: the best value
Hailuo, MiniMax's video model, delivers a surprisingly clean result for its cost. Colours are flattering, simple camera moves (tracking, slow zoom) are well executed and generation is fast. It is often the best starting point for a campaign: you explore several ideas without eating into your budget.
- Strengths: price, speed, aesthetic rendering
- Limits: scenes with many people are less precise than with Kling
- Best for: Reels and TikTok, mood visuals, animating a product shot
Wan 2.2 Fast: test quickly and often
Wan is the cheapest model in the line-up. It does not match Kling on fine realism, but it is perfect to validate framing, a sequence or a script idea before running the final version on a higher-end model.
- Strengths: minimal cost, fast generation
- Limits: less rich details and textures
- Best for: animated storyboards, prompt tests, short-lived content
Seedance 2.0 Fast: the creative touch
Seedance stands out on stylised renders: animation, illustrations that come to life, dreamlike effects. When realism is not the goal, it often gives more surprising and memorable results than photo-oriented models.
- Strengths: creativity, graphic styles, original transitions
- Limits: less predictable on realistic scenes
- Best for: music clips, artistic content, quirky ads
Veo 3.1 Fast: Google's power
Veo is Google's video model. It understands long, detailed prompts very well, handles complex scenes (several actions, difficult lighting) and produces very sharp images. It is also the most expensive in the line-up: keep it for the shots that really matter.
- Strengths: prompt understanding, complex scenes, sharpness
- Limits: highest cost per second
- Best for: hero shots of an ad, narrative scenes, premium content
Runway Gen-4: the creatives' reference
Runway has long been the tool of editors and directors. Its main asset is control: precise camera moves, a character that stays consistent across shots, built-in editing tools. In return, it needs a dedicated subscription and a longer learning curve. If you mostly produce short content for social media, the models built into iafetch cover most needs for a lower cost.
Which model for which project?
| Your need | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A person talking or acting | Kling 2.5 Turbo | The most believable faces and gestures |
| A polished Reel or TikTok | Hailuo 2.3 | Beautiful image, low cost |
| Testing 5 script ideas | Wan 2.2 Fast | 5 credits per try |
| An artistic or animated look | Seedance 2.0 Fast | Strong graphic styles |
| The main shot of an ad | Veo 3.1 Fast | Sharpness and complex scenes |
How much does an AI video cost on iafetch?
A short video costs from 5 credits (Wan) to 12 credits (Veo), a 10-second video from 8 to 20 credits. With the Creator plan (€19 a month for 100 credits), you can for example produce around fifteen short Hailuo clips, or about twenty Wan tests. Credits never expire: whatever you do not use in a month stays on your balance. Video generation is available to subscribers.
How to write a good video prompt
- Subject: who or what, with two or three visual details (age, outfit, material)
- Action: one main movement per clip, described simply
- Camera: wide shot, close-up, slow push-in, handheld
- Light and mood: golden hour, neon, soft studio light
- Format: 9:16 for TikTok and Reels, 16:9 for YouTube, 1:1 for a feed
Example: "A barista serves a latte in a bright café, close-up on her hands, slow push-in, natural morning light, warm atmosphere". To animate an existing photo, start from your image: the model keeps the setting and adds motion.
Our recommendation
Start with Wan or Hailuo to find the right idea, then move to Kling for scenes with people or to Veo for your most important shots. Having every model in one place lets you compare without stacking subscriptions.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best AI video generator in 2026?
There is no single one: Kling is the most realistic for people, Hailuo offers the best value and Veo handles complex scenes best. The best choice depends on the shot you want.
Can I animate a photo instead of starting from text?
Yes. Add a starting image in the video generator: the model keeps the composition and brings the scene to life. It is the most reliable way to animate a product or a brand visual.
Can the videos be used commercially?
Yes, the videos you generate belong to you and can be used in your ads and for your clients, within the models' terms of use.
Read next: generate an AI video for free · the TikTok and Reels guide · iafetch vs Runway · pricing