Here's a frustrating problem: You generate a beautiful AI video, but the next one looks completely different.
Different colors. Different style. Different mood.
Reference images solve this.
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KINO App Screenshot: Reference images panel showing the 5 upload slots - 1 Starting Image, 2 Style References, 2 Subject References
Understanding KINO's Reference System
KINO lets you upload up to 5 reference images:
- 1 Starting Image — The first frame of your video
- 2 Style References — Guide the aesthetic
- 2 Subject References — Ensure consistent objects/characters
Let's break down each type.
Starting Images: Your First Frame
When you upload a starting image, KINO treats it as frame one and animates from there.
Perfect for:
- • Animating product photos
- • Bringing artwork to life
- • Maintaining exact visual consistency
- • Logo animations
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KINO App Screenshot: Starting image upload with a product photo, showing the 'Animate from this frame' toggle enabled
Pro Tips:
- • Use high-resolution images
- • Match aspect ratio to your video settings
- • Ensure good lighting in the source
- • Simple backgrounds work best
Style References: Your Mood Board
Style references tell KINO how your video should look and feel.
Upload images that represent:
- Color palettes you want
- Lighting styles you love
- Artistic approaches to emulate
- Mood and atmosphere
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KINO App Screenshot: Style reference slots with uploaded mood board images showing Film Noir aesthetic
Example combinations:
Film Noir Look
Upload: Classic noir movie stills
Result: High contrast, dramatic shadows, moody atmosphere
Wes Anderson Style
Upload: Frames from his films
Result: Symmetrical compositions, pastel colors, quirky aesthetic
Product Commercial
Upload: Apple ad screenshots
Result: Clean, minimal, premium feel
Subject References: Consistency Control
Subject references ensure specific things appear consistently in your video.
Use them for:
- • Brand logos
- • Product appearances
- • Character consistency
- • Specific objects
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KINO App Screenshot: Subject reference slots with product photos uploaded, showing how the product appears consistently in generated video frames
Example: Creating a series of videos featuring your product
- 1Upload product photos as subject references
- 2Generate multiple videos
- 3Product appears consistently across all
Combining References for Maximum Control
The real power comes from combining all three:
Scenario: Animated product ad for a sneaker brand
- Starting Image: Hero shot of the sneaker
- Style Reference 1: Nike commercial frame (clean, dramatic)
- Style Reference 2: Color palette image (brand colors)
- Subject Reference: Brand logo
Prompt:
"The sneaker rotates slowly, dramatic studio lighting, clean white background, product photography style, premium feel"
Result: On-brand, consistent, professional video.
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KINO App Screenshot: Full reference panel with all 5 slots filled - starting image, 2 style refs, 2 subject refs - with generated video preview
Building a Reference Library
Create folders of reference images for:
- Brand identity (logos, colors, fonts)
- Style moods (cinematic, playful, minimal, etc.)
- Successful generations (use your best outputs as references)
This becomes your visual toolkit for consistent content creation.
Start Using Reference Images
