An AZ8 editorial comparison
Which AI video model should you pick? 10 models, one yardstick
Every model differs in how long a single clip can run, which resolutions you can pick, and how it handles audio. We lined up the settings you can actually choose on AZ8 and mapped out which model fits which job.
Last updated AZ8 Editorial Team
So which AI video model should I use?
For a longer story in a single clip, look at Seedance 2.5 or Kling 4.0. For characters speaking Japanese dialogue, Seedance 2.5 or MiniMax H3. For 4K output, Seedance 2.0. To try out short shots quickly, a model with shorter clips such as Veo 3.1 Lite or Gemini Omni Flash is the better fit.
- Three models generate up to 30 seconds in one go: Seedance 2.5, Kling 4.0, and Wan 3.0
- On AZ8, Seedance 2.0 offers 4K and MiniMax H3 offers 2K
- Seedance 2.5 accepts the most references: 30 images, 10 videos, and 10 audio clips
10 AI video models on AZ8, compared
Every value is a range you can actually select in the AZ8 generator. Limits the developers offer on their own services may differ.
| Feature | Seedance 2.5 | Seedance 2.0 | Kling 4.0 | Wan 3.0 | MiniMax H3 | Gemini Omni Flash | Veo 3.1 Lite | Vidu Q3 Pro | PixVerse V6 | Hailuo 2.3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | ByteDance | ByteDance | Kuaishou | Alibaba | MiniMax | ShengShu | PixVerse | MiniMax | ||
| Max length | 30s | 15s | 30s | 30s | 15s | 10s | 8s | 16s | 15s | 10s |
| Max resolution | 1080p | 4K | Not selectable | 1080p | 2K | Not selectable | 720p | 1080p | 1080p | 720p |
| Audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | — |
| 21:9 | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | Yes | — | — | — | Yes | — |
| Last frame control | Paired with first frame | Paired with first frame | Paired with first frame | Paired with first frame | On its own | — | — | Paired with first frame | Paired with first frame | — |
| Max reference images | 30 | 9 | No stated limit | 10 | 9 | 8 | — | 7 | 10 | — |
| Max reference videos | 10 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 3 | — | — | — | 2 | — |
| Max reference audio | 10 | 3 | — | 5 | 3 | — | — | — | — | — |
| Extend and edit | Yes | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Open weights | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed |
Values reflect AZ8's generation settings as of October 30, 2026. "Not selectable" means the model outputs at the developer's default resolution.
Best picks by use case
Seedance 2.5
A full story with scene changes, in one clip
Up to 30 seconds per generation. You can extend a finished video or fix just one part of it, which makes it a strong fit for short films and music video footage.
See Seedance 2.5 detailsSeedance 2.0
Ads and music videos finished in 4K
This is the model that offers 4K on AZ8. Image, video, and audio references let you direct the performance and the camera movement.
See Seedance 2.0 detailsMiniMax H3
Characters speaking Japanese
The developer states that dialogue stays stable in 11 languages, including Japanese. It goes up to 2K and also supports generating from a last frame only.
See MiniMax H3 detailsWan 3.0
Long takes with precise length control
Pick any length from 2 to 30 seconds. It accepts up to 10 images, 5 videos, and 5 audio clips as references.
See Wan 3.0 detailsSora 2 has shut down. Where to go next
OpenAI notified developers on March 24, 2026, and shut down the Sora 2 video generation API on September 24, 2026. OpenAI's deprecations list does not name a replacement model.
If you used Sora 2 to make short text-to-video clips with sound, Veo 3.1 Lite (4 to 8 seconds, 720p, with audio) and Gemini Omni Flash (3 to 10 seconds) on AZ8 cover similar ground. If you need a longer single clip, choose Seedance 2.5 or Kling 4.0, which go up to 30 seconds.
Three criteria for comparing models
First, length. With a model that makes shorter clips per generation, a longer piece has to be split into several shots and joined together.
Second, resolution. 720p is often enough for social media, while ads or screenings call for a model that offers 1080p or higher.
Third, audio and references. Whether you want dialogue and sound effects generated with the video, or want to lock a character or product with a reference image, changes which model you should choose.
AI video model comparison FAQ
Is there a free AI video generator?
Creating an AZ8 account is free, but every model spends credits to generate. The amount depends on the model, length, and resolution, so we recommend starting with a short clip.
Which model is best at Japanese dialogue?
MiniMax H3 is the model whose developer explicitly states support for Japanese dialogue. Our Japanese dialogue guide compares what happened when each model spoke the same Japanese prompt.
Which model makes the longest videos?
On AZ8, Seedance 2.5, Kling 4.0, and Wan 3.0 each generate up to 30 seconds at once. Seedance 2.5 can also extend videos.
How are Veo 3.1 and Gemini Omni different?
Both are Google video models. In the Gemini API, the Veo 3.1 preview ended on October 22, 2026, and Google points users to Gemini Omni instead. AZ8 offers both Veo 3.1 Lite and Gemini Omni Flash.
Can I still use Sora 2?
OpenAI shut down the Sora 2 video generation API on September 24, 2026. AZ8 does not offer Sora 2.
Can I use the videos commercially?
Under the AZ8 Terms of Service, you may use the videos you generate commercially as long as you comply with the law, respect third-party rights, and follow any model-specific conditions shown before generation.
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