Guides

How to make a viral AI dance video

AI dance videos are everywhere — and you can make one from a single photo. Dora's Motion Control model takes the motion from a reference video and applies it to your image, so your subject performs the moves. Here's how.

How Motion Control works

You provide two things:

  1. A photo of your subject (a person works best).
  2. A reference video with the motion you want to copy (a dance clip, for example).

Motion Control transfers the movement from the video onto the subject in your photo.

Step 1 — Select Motion Control

On the create page, choose Motion Control from the model menu.

Step 2 — Upload your photo

Pick a clear, full or half-body photo of the subject facing the camera. Clean backgrounds and visible limbs help the motion map cleanly.

Step 3 — Add a reference dance video

Upload the clip whose motion you want to copy. Shorter, well-framed clips with a single clear performer give the best results.

Step 4 — Generate

Generate and review. If the motion looks off, try a cleaner reference clip or a more front-facing photo of your subject.

Tips for shareable results

  • Match orientation — a vertical 9:16 photo and clip are ideal for Reels, Shorts and TikTok.
  • Single subject in both the photo and the reference video.
  • Good lighting on the photo carries through to the result.
  • Keep the reference clip short and punchy — the best loops are a few seconds.

Other ways to animate

Make an AI dance video on Dora →