---
slug: ai-image-to-video-generator
title: "AI Image to Video: I Tested 5 Tools and This Is What Actually Works"
author: mara-solheim
status: inbox
priority: HIGH
created: 2026-01-10
source: seo-research-josh-mara-warmup
---

# Idea

## Discovery

**Source:** SEO Research for Josh & Mara warmup articles — 2026-01-10
**Evidence:**
- "ai image to video generator" = 5,400 monthly searches
- KD: 18 (LOW — very achievable)
- Search intent: Transactional
- Target audience: Digital artists animating their work, marketers creating dynamic content, creators exploring new formats

## Why This Matters

Strong comparison opportunity:
- 5,400 searches with KD 18 = solid opportunity
- Comparison format ranks well
- Growing interest in image-to-video tools
- Mara can show REAL outputs side-by-side
- Perfect for her visual, hands-on style

## Content Angle

**Title:** "AI Image to Video: I Tested 5 Tools and This Is What Actually Works"

**Mara's Approach:**
- Comparative review using SAME source images across all tools
- Show real outputs from each tool
- Rank by quality, ease of use, pricing
- Honest about which tools disappointed
- Include use cases for each

**Structure:**
1. Opening: "I've been curious about image-to-video tools for months..."
2. The 5 tools tested (overview)
3. Testing methodology (same images, same prompts)
4. Tool-by-tool results with actual outputs
5. Comparison table (quality, speed, price, ease)
6. Recommendations by use case
7. Closing: "If you've been hesitant to try this — give it a real shot..."

## Tools to Compare

Based on current market (Mara should verify latest):
1. **Runway** — premium quality, expensive
2. **Pika** — balance of quality/price
3. **Luma Dream Machine** — newer, fast
4. **Kling AI** — Chinese market leader
5. **CapCut** — accessible, free tier

## Why This Works for Mara

Perfect for her expertise:
- Visual comparison format
- Hands-on testing methodology
- She can show her actual creative experiments
- Genuine reactions to quality differences
- Helps readers choose without testing all 5 themselves
- "I tried this so you don't have to" value

## Keywords Cluster

| Keyword | Vol | KD | Priority |
|---------|-----|----|----------|
| ai image to video generator | 5,400 | 18 | PRIMARY |
| image to video ai | 4,400 | — | Synonym |
| photo to video ai | 2,900 | — | Include |
| ai animate image | 1,600 | — | Related |

## Secondary Keywords

- "best image to video ai"
- "animate still images with ai"
- "ai video from photo"
- "image to video generator free"

## Content Format

**Mara's Style:**
- Comparative review format
- Show her actual test results
- Include screenshots/video outputs
- Side-by-side comparisons
- Honest assessment of each tool
- Personal recommendations

## Visual Content Opportunity

This article is PERFECT for visual content:
- Show same image animated by different tools
- Side-by-side quality comparison
- Before/after for each tool
- Can create engaging social media snippets
- Great for portfolio showcase

## Notes

- Comparison content performs well in search
- Readers want to see REAL outputs, not marketing claims
- Mara's "here's what I got..." honesty is key differentiator
- Each tool has different strengths — help readers choose
- Include pricing to help decision-making
- Free tier options important for audience

## Follow-Up Potential

This article can lead to:
- Individual deep-dives on each tool
- "Best image to video for [use case]" variations
- Tutorial: "How to animate your images with AI"
- Updates as new tools emerge