From Still to Thrill: My Journey with AI Image Animation Tools

AI has changed how I interact with imagery. I have always been a 2D girl, but AI has given me a dynamic tool to create 3D visuals.

I have loved deep-diving into the world of AI image animation over the past year and letting it rock my world.

AI image animation is ultra-powerful and exciting. It vitalizes images, creating striking animated material that can literally pop from the screen.

What’s not to love? I am blown away by how AI can give life to my static graphics, photos, or drawings in just a matter of seconds.

It has opened up an incredible world of artistic potential, rapidly bringing my creative ideas to life, sometimes inspiring me with its creative input.

One thing is for certain: anyone who tries AI image animation apps will love the creative journey that 3D conversions will take them on.

However, having so many AI platforms makes it tricky to find an AI animator that best suits your needs. Trust me, they are not all made equally.

The great news is you don’t need animation editing experience to use them. I had none when I started.

If you want to find the perfect fit for your creative requirements and skill level, read on.

What are the Best AI Image Animators in 2024?

LeiaPix AI

LeiaPix AI is a great pick for anyone who wants to add 3D depth to static images. It creates immersive 3D visuals, specializing in depth animation.

Plus, it is super easy to use. All you have to do is log in and upload your 2D image, and LeiaPix will convert it to 3D in seconds.

LeiaPix AI works by separating the background from the foreground. It creates a motion effect by changing the dimensions and placement of these two components.

To test it out, I uploaded the above photo of a cat, and within seconds, LeiaPix converted my static image into a motion picture.

Depending on which 3D motion you select, it will appear like a camera is zooming in or rotating around the subject (in this case, the cat).

This app accurately calculates depth and dimension so that each 3D image is consistent and realistic.

I love that LeiaPix’s motion effect is so realistic that I could have been convinced a video camera had snuck in and filmed my cat.

Another thing I like about this software is that it allows you to customize the depth and motion, tweaking to your exact preference.

You can change the speed of the animation, adjust the focal point, or tweak the edge selection.

When your animation is finished, you can share it straight from LeiaPix to social media. Otherwise, download and save it as an MP4 file or GIF.

However, the downside is that, unlike other AI image apps, you can’t enter text prompts to add motions, such as laughing or jumping.

Today, LeiaPix AI boasts 2.5 million users, and it’s no surprise that it’s good at what it does—creating stunning, lifelike 3D animations that virtually pop out of the screen.

This makes it a perfect fit for anyone wanting to create captivating online marketing material.

Runway

Runway is an impressive AI app that can produce an imaginative short animation using your image as a prompt.

To try out Runway, log in to its website and upload your image. Leave the text prompt empty for the best results, then click the Generate button.

I uploaded an image of a man on a bike overlooking a cliff. After clicking the Generate button, I waited while Runway’s AI analyzed my image.

Runway AI creates a video using my image as the first frame of the video.

Moments later, a short video is produced of the man raising the bike up into a wheelie – a striking pose. The video is slightly staggered and wrapped but still makes an interesting visual.

If you’re unhappy with the results, click Generate again and see what Runway’s AI comes up with next.

One drawback to Runway is that its standard and free plans give limited control and no option to give your input into Runway’s creative decisions.

Premium users can reap the rewards of using some of the most sophisticated tools in the AI market, including the ability to isolate objects to move in different directions to other components in the image.

Runway states on its website that it’s a tool for the human imagination, helping to advance creativity with Artificial Intelligence.

And it’s true that if there is something that can be imagined, Runway’s AI can materialize it.

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Pika

I found Pika excellent for adding specific actions, such as yawning or running, to static images.

Pika is one of the top AI tools, and its powerful algorithms produce high-quality, realistic results.

I tested Pika with two images: a cat stretching on a bench top and a truck driving on snow. My text prompts were “cat yawing” for the cat and “car moving” for the truck.

To use the platform, log in, upload an image, and then direct Pika in the right direction by entering a text prompt for the movement you wish to add.

Pika’s result of my yawning cat was nothing short of incredible; it seamlessly superimposed a realistic yawning cat’s head onto my photo.

The animation of the truck driving over snow was simple in comparison but also effective. The tires turned, and the snowy landscape appeared to move behind the truck.

Pika also offers the option to add sound effects and overlay styles onto your animation, such as cartoons, anime, hyperrealistic, and more.

All up, I think Pika is a fantastic AI app and the top pick for anyone wanting to add an exact action to enhance their photos.

CapCut

CapCut is a powerful editing app and one of the more versatile AI creative platforms, allowing for complex or simple animations.

To use CapCut, log in, click Create New, then select Video. When the interface opens, upload your image.

Using video filters and effects, you can use CapCut to turn your stationary image into a captivating motion picture.

I experimented with a photo of a guy riding a bike, adding different effects and filters, such as ripple and zoom.

Using CapCut’s mobile app, you can add a 3D zoom or 3D zoom pro to add a cool 3D animation zoom effect to photos.

CapCut has advanced animation options, which I didn’t find ultra-intuitive. Considering it’s powered by AI it sill takes a certain amount of dedication and skill to master, especially if you haven’t used animation before.

However, when you grasp the creative reins of this AI design platform, it’s more than worth it. You will have all the tools to create full-length animated cartoons.

It has many advanced features that allow users to customize animations using layering, templates, and special effects.

Using its advanced AI algorithms, you can fine-tune your animations to match your artistic vision.

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Animated Drawings

Animated Drawings was designed by Meta to animate children’s drawings, but it can be used for any character, including photographs of characters.

To trial Animated Drawings, I uploaded an illustration of a female clerk.

Once uploaded, Animated Drawings scanned the image to discern where the character’s outline was.

When the outline was selected, I reviewed and corrected it using an eraser to subtract from the selection. The app also offers a brush to add to the selection.

Once the drawing was ready, I set the 2D image into motion by selecting a movement from the Add Animation panel.

I tried a few of the movements and couldn’t help but giggle as my character danced, then ran and later walked across the screen.

You don’t have to limit your creative venture to drawings. Animated Drawings will also convert photos into 3D animations. Just ensure the character is set on a light background and every limb is separate.

This app is fantastic for creating fun character animations but is limited in creative options.

Genmo

Genmo is fantastic for anyone new to AI animation. It has a simple interface and offers ample presets for motion effects, and settings to experiment with.

It’s straightforward to use; all you need to do to create an animation is upload an image and give Genmo creative directions via text prompts.

I uploaded a photo of a cat in a basket. Genmo chat tells me what it thinks the image is – a cat in a hammock on a window sill.

It’s super cool that Genmo communicates with you, letting you know how it perceives your image.

This means if Genmo makes a mistake, you can correct it. I prompt Genmo to create a yawning cat.

The result is a slight motion added to the cat but no obvious yawn. One drawback is that the 3D meshes don’t always create accurate renditions of the prompt.

I experimented with Genmo’s presets and trialed its camera motion, creating some interesting results.

Genmo’s looping works well if you need the animation to run continuously.

Genmo also has a thriving community of creators who can inspire you plus give feedback on your creations.

If you need a simple animation and don’t want to bust the bank, choose the free or basic plan to test your AI creative skills.

These won’t offer the ultimate specs or allow you to fine-tune animations, but they will help you set your images into motion.

If you want to dabble and experiment with animations, Genmo works well.

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Benefits of AI Animation: Who Needs AI Animation?

There are countless reasons to get familiar with these incredible AI tools and unleash your creative zest on the world.

You can embark on a rewarding creative journey as an advanced animator or as a beginner. You can use AI Image Animations for fun or for business.

So, who can take advantage of AI animations?

Animations for Business Owners

Business owners can benefit immensely from using AI Image Animators to enhance their advertising.

Not only can they create eye-catching marketing to hook the attention of new buyers, but they can also use animations for product demonstrations.

Movement can be used to guide customers through complex processes that might otherwise deter them from buying.

In a saturated visual world, animated logos have become a popular way for businesses to impress potential customers.

Unique animations can be created to demonstrate the advantages of using a product, which will help drive an uptake in sales.

Another advantage is that, unlike a video, an animation can easily be updated to align with new branding or company messages.

This makes it a more economical and long-lasting marketing investment for businesses.

Busy business owners shouldn’t waste time using semi-professional apps. Their preferred Image Animator puts the creative task entirely into the hands of AI.

Animations for Educators

Animations are a powerful tool teachers can use to simplify the online learning experience.

Educators can use animations to create quick explainers that are visually appealing and easy to understand.

Students don’t have to be laden with endless text. Instead, interactive elements can be used to diversify the learning process to keep students engaged and interested.

Animations make a more impactful and memorable visual than a boring static presentation that can easily be forgotten.

It’s a no-brainer: boring lessons make bored students and bored students don’t strive nor thrive.

Animation to Explain Products

Just as educators can use animations to simplify learning, companies can also use animations for product demonstrations.

Keeping online customers engaged while communicating instructions can be challenging.

We all know that attention span is at an all-time low, and dense, dull text is off-putting for potential customers.

Instead of the audience reading through complex instructions, a simple animated product demo communicates quickly how to use a product.

Animation for Social Media Marketing

Animations are immensely valuable for anyone who uses social media for marketing.

If you’re like me, you will have noticed it can be challenging to grab viewers’ attention in the crowded digital market.

People who post social media material regularly have found that 3D material gains them more impressions than 2D.

I highly recommend using AI Image Animators to create standout content for social media.

Animations for Bloggers

Animations make exciting blog media for professional bloggers who rely on visuals to hook and engage their audience.

Bloggers can easily put their ideas into motion using AI Image Animators, magnifying their potential to reach people and gain followers.

Eye-catching material such as animations will captivate their audience and help them gain new followers.

Animations have a mesmerizing impact, giving a blogger’s platform a new diversified dimension.

Animate your Family Memories

Old family photos are fantastically fun to animate. If you haven’t tried it yet, I totally advise giving it a go.

You can create memorable images that your family will treasure or comical Christmas cards.

Animate cherished moments or revitalize deceased relatives’ photos to tell stories about their lives. This will keep memories alive for future generations.

If you need a spark to light your creative fire, AI Image Animators have the potential to start a wild blaze.

AI image animation apps simplify the creative process, allowing you to speedily put your inspiration into reality. What’s not to love about them?

FAQ

What is the best AI for image making?

There is a rapidly growing plethora of AI image-making tools, each with different capabilities. This is both fantastic and daunting; which one is the best?

The best AI image-making tool will depend on your needs. If you need a cost-efficient AI image maker, you can try a free one, such as MidJourney.

If speed is at the top of your list, then try Microsoft Designer’s Image Creator.

For accurate depictions, try Open-AI’s DALL-E 3. For an easy-to-use AI image maker, try Imagen 3 in Gemini.

Is there an AI that animates images?

There is not just one AI that animates images, but many. Each AI has its very own limitations and advantages.

You can pick an AI image animator that suits your design needs.

Is AI going to replace animators?

AI is changing the animation world dramatically.  AI is a powerful tool and capable of quickly completing tasks such as motion tracking, background generation and more.

Some creators are worried about how AI will impact creativity or business, while others are excited at how they will benefit.

However, due to AI limitations, it seems unlikely that it will ever completely replace human animators.