Reference Media Uploads
How to upload reference media in Qolaba's Video Generation workspace — initial images, last frame images, and reference files
Reference media gives the model a visual or creative anchor for generation. Instead of generating entirely from a text prompt, you can provide a starting frame, an ending frame, or a broader creative reference — giving the model concrete visual direction to work from.
Types of Reference Media
Initial Image
Sets the first frame of the video
All models
Last Frame Image
Sets the final frame — model generates motion between both frames
Veo 3.1, Veo 3.1 Fast, Seedance, Seedance 2.5, Hailuo, Kling 3, Kling V3, Luma
Reference Files
Provides image, video, or audio as a broader creative reference
Seedance, Seedance 2.5 (image, video, audio); Happy Horse (image only)
Initial Image
The initial image sets the first frame of your generated video. The model animates from this image forward based on your prompt and keyword inputs.
This is the most commonly used reference input and is supported by all models. Use it when:
You want to animate an existing photo, illustration, or render
You have a specific visual starting point that must appear in the video
You are generating product or character videos that need to start from a known visual
How to upload:
Click the Initial Image upload area in the Input Controls panel
Select your image file from your system
The image thumbnail appears as confirmation — your prompt and keywords now guide how it animates
Tips for effective initial images:
Use clean, well-lit images with a clear subject
Avoid heavy text overlays or complex backgrounds if the subject motion is the focus
Higher resolution source images generally produce sharper video output
Ensure the aspect ratio of your image matches your selected output dimension for best framing
Last Frame Image
The last frame image sets the final frame of your video. When both an initial and last frame are provided, the model generates the motion and transition between the two images.
This is useful for:
Creating smooth transitions between two product shots
Generating a visual journey from one state to another
Producing before/after video content
Building narrative sequences with defined start and end points
How to upload:
Upload your Initial Image first
Click the Last Frame Image upload area that appears
Select your ending frame image
Last frame support is model dependent. If the model you have selected does not support last frame input, this upload option will not appear. See Model Selection & Configuration → for a full breakdown.
Tips for effective frame pairs:
Both images should share a consistent visual style, lighting, and color tone for smoother transitions
The more visually similar the two frames, the more controlled and predictable the transition
Large visual differences between frames produce more creative but less predictable motion
Reference Files
Reference files give the model broader creative guidance beyond defining specific frames. Depending on the model, you can upload images, videos, or audio as reference material.
This feature is currently supported by:
Seedance and Seedance 2.5 — supports image, video, and audio reference files
Happy Horse — supports image reference files only
Image Reference
Provides a visual style, composition, or aesthetic reference for the generation without fixing a specific frame. The model draws stylistic inspiration from the reference image.
Video Reference
Provides a motion reference — the model uses the uploaded video's movement, pacing, and flow as guidance for how the generated video should move.
Audio Reference
Provides an audio reference that influences the mood, pacing, and rhythm of the generated video. Useful for aligning visual motion with a specific sound or music track.
How to upload reference files (Seedance models):
Select Seedance or Seedance 2.5 as your model
Click the Reference Files upload area
Select your file — image, video, or audio
Add your prompt and proceed with generation
Reference file support is exclusive to Seedance 2.0 and Seedance 2.0 Fast. Selecting a different model will not show this upload option.
Supported Formats & Limits
Images
JPG, PNG, WEBP
Max 20 MB
Video
MP4, MOV
Max 100 MB
Audio
MP3, WAV
Max 50 MB
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