How to keep characters consistent in AI videos
By the ShortsMachine team · Updated
The most common complaint about AI video is that the hero has a different face, jacket or hair colour in every shot. Models generate each clip independently and have no memory of the previous one. Consistency has to be designed in.
Why characters drift
Every generation samples a new interpretation of your words. "A woman in a coat" can be any woman in any coat. The less specific the description, the more each scene invents.
Techniques that work
- Write a character sheet: age, build, hair, eyes, clothing with colours, one distinctive accessory.
- Repeat the same description, word for word, in every scene — ShortsMachine does this with its visual style line.
- Start clips from key images instead of text, so every clip begins on a matching frame.
- Limit the cast to two or three characters and a small number of locations.
- Keep clips short; drift grows the longer a clip runs.
- Choose distinctive but simple designs: a red scarf is easier to keep than an intricate pattern.
Consistency across a series
Save your character sheet and style line and paste them into every episode prompt. Keep the same art style and voice. Viewers forgive small variations when the overall look, voice and format stay the same.
A character sheet template
- Name and role: “Mara, a lighthouse keeper in her 40s”.
- Face and hair: “weathered face, auburn hair tied back”.
- Clothing with colours: “navy wool coat, grey scarf, brown boots”.
- One signature item: “brass lantern”.
- Setting and light: “rocky island, stormy blue palette, warm lantern glow”.
How ShortsMachine applies it
When you generate a video, the script writer creates this kind of description as a visual style line and adds it to every scene’s image and video prompt. Each clip then starts from a key image drawn with that description. Including your own character sheet in the prompt gives you even more control.
Frequently asked questions
Which models keep characters most consistent?
Any model that starts from a key image keeps the first frame consistent. Shorter clips drift less; for long scenes, Kling 3.0 and Seedance 2.0 hold appearance well.
Put this guide into practice
Type an idea and ShortsMachine writes the script, generates every scene, adds a voiceover and captions, and stitches it into one video — up to 5 minutes long.
Start your 3-day free trial