AI video-to-video lets you create a completely new video using an existing one as the source. Instead of starting from scratch, you can reuse your footage to add elements, remove distractions, change visual styles, or rework scenes while keeping the original motion and structure. It is one of the fastest ways to refresh old content, adapt videos for new platforms, or experiment with creative ideas using AI.
Below is a clear, practical breakdown of how video-to-video AI works and how you can use it to generate new videos from old ones.
Support for true video-to-video generation is still limited, with only a small number of models available today. Among them, Wan 2.6 is one of the most advanced, and you can try this latest video generation model on GlobalGPT.
How AI Video-to-Video Technology Works
AI video-to-video works by analyzing each frame of your video and understanding what is inside it. This includes people, objects, backgrounds, lighting, and motion. Once the AI understands the scene, it can modify specific parts without breaking the overall flow.
Unlike traditional video editing, you do not need to manually create masks, track objects frame by frame, or fine-tune complex timelines. You simply upload a short clip, select what you want to change, and describe the result in plain language.
Common things AI video-to-video can do include:
- Adding new objects or visual elements into a scene
- Removing unwanted items while filling the background naturally
- Replacing one object or subject with another
- Restyling the entire video with a different visual look
This is why video-to-video AI is widely used for content repurposing, social media edits, and fast creative testing.
How to Generate a New Video From Old Footage Step by Step
If you already have an old video and want to turn it into something new, video-to-video AI models like Wan 2.6 make the process straightforward. You upload an existing clip, describe what you want to change, and let the model generate a refreshed version based on your instructions.
Here is a simple step-by-step example using Wan 2.6.
Step 1: Access Wan 2.6 and Log In
Start by visiting the Wan 2.6 page.
Log in to your account so you can access the video-to-video generation features.
Step 2: Upload Your Existing Video
Upload the old video you want to transform. Short, clear clips usually work best, especially if you want precise control over the final result.
Step 3: Write Your Video Prompt
Describe how you want the new video to look. You can explain changes in style, mood, objects, or visual effects. The clearer your prompt, the closer the output will match your intent.
Step 4: Choose Video Duration, Size, and Resolution
Set the output parameters, including:
- Video length
- Aspect ratio or size
- Output resolution
These options help you optimize the video for different platforms or use cases.
You can also enable the Multishots option, which lets you choose whether the generated video is composed of multiple shots or a single continuous shot.
Step 5: Click Generate and Review the Result
Once everything is set, click Generate. Wan 2.6 will process your input and create a new video based on your original footage and prompt. After generation, you can preview and download the result.
This workflow makes it easy to reuse old videos for new content without re-editing from scratch or re-shooting footage.
AI Video-to-Video Editing: Create New Clips by Modifying Elements
One of the most practical uses of AI video-to-video is element-level editing. This means you can change specific parts of a video while keeping everything else the same.
With AI-powered video element editing, you can usually choose between three core actions:
Add New Elements to an Existing Video
You can insert objects, props, or visual details that were not present in the original footage. The AI matches lighting, perspective, and motion so the added element feels like part of the scene.
This is useful for:
- Enhancing storytelling
- Adding visual emphasis
- Creating variations of the same clip
Replace Elements to Refresh Old Footage
Replacing elements allows you to swap one object or subject for another. The AI keeps the original movement and timing, so the new element blends naturally into the video.
This approach works well when:
- Updating outdated visuals
- Creating localized or themed versions
- Testing different creative ideas quickly
Remove Unwanted Objects Cleanly
AI can also delete distracting elements from your video and reconstruct the background behind them. This helps clean up footage without re-shooting or heavy manual editing.
Typical use cases include:
- Removing background clutter
- Fixing accidental objects in the frame
- Simplifying visuals for a cleaner look
In most tools, the workflow is simple: upload a short clip, select the area to edit, write a short prompt describing the result, and let the AI generate the new video.
Create a New Video From Old Footage Using AI Style Transfer
Another popular video-to-video method is style transfer. Instead of editing specific objects, style transfer changes the overall visual appearance of the video.
AI style transfer re-renders your footage in a different artistic or cinematic style while keeping the original motion and composition. The result feels like a new video, even though the structure stays the same.
Common style options include:
- Animated or illustrated looks
- Clay or handcrafted styles
- Pixel or retro visuals
- High-contrast or cinematic color themes
How AI Style Transfer Works in Video-to-Video
You upload your video, select a style, and optionally adjust settings such as duration or subject focus. Advanced options often let you:
- Apply the style only to the main subject
- Replace or simplify the background
- Add a custom text prompt for finer control
Once generated, the transformed video can be downloaded and reused across platforms.
Style transfer is especially useful for creators who want visual variety without producing new footage.
Other AI Methods to Create Videos Without Re-Editing From Scratch
In addition to video-to-video generation, AI offers several related ways to create video content efficiently.
Text to Video
Text-to-video turns written descriptions into video clips. You describe the scene, actions, and mood, and the AI generates visuals that match your prompt. By using advanced models like Sora 2, you can generate videos up to 25 seconds long.
Image to Video
Image-to-video adds motion, transitions, and effects to still images. This is useful for social posts, presentations, or simple storytelling. Google’s Veo 3.1 is one of the standout models in this space.
Audio to Video
Audio-to-video creates visuals from voice recordings or music. It is often used for podcasts, voiceovers, or narrated content.
Many platforms, including bika.ai, combine these methods in one place, making it easier to experiment with different formats without switching tools.
Conclusion
AI video-to-video makes it easy to create new videos from old ones by editing elements, applying new styles, or completely reimagining existing footage. Instead of complex editing workflows, you rely on AI to understand your video and apply changes naturally.
Whether you want to refresh outdated clips, create multiple versions for different audiences, or explore new creative styles, video-to-video AI helps you move faster while keeping your content fresh. With tools like bika.ai bringing multiple AI video generation methods together, creating high-quality video is no longer a time-consuming process.
