How Hailuo MiniMax reads a prompt
Hailuo, the video platform from MiniMax, is known for expressive characters, strong emotion and cinematic motion from fairly short prompts. Focus on what the character does and feels, where they are and how the camera captures them. Facial expressions, body language and small gestures are where Hailuo stands out, so describe them specifically rather than relying on generic action words.
MiniMax's director-style models accept camera instructions written in square brackets, such as [Push in] or [Pan left], which give more precise control over camera movement than prose alone. Hailuo also supports image-to-video, subject reference for consistent characters and a prompt optimizer that can expand short prompts. Model names, durations and resolutions change between releases, so check the current Hailuo or MiniMax documentation for exact commands and limits.
The prompt formula
[character] + [action and expression] + [setting] + [camera command] + [lighting/mood]
Example
A young woman reads a letter by a rainy window, her eyes filling with tears before she breaks into a relieved smile, dim apartment with warm lamp light [Push in] intimate, emotional mood
Hailuo MiniMax parameters and controls
| Control | Syntax | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Camera commands | [Push in], [Pull out], [Pan left], [Pan right], [Tilt up], [Tilt down], [Truck left], [Truck right], [Zoom in], [Tracking shot], [Static shot] | Bracketed camera instructions supported by MiniMax director models at the time of writing. Check the docs for the full current list.e.g. The cat leaps onto the table [Tracking shot] |
| Image to video | Upload a first frame | Animates your image. Prompt the action, expression and camera.e.g. The knight lowers his sword and exhales in relief [Pull out] |
| Subject reference | Upload a character reference | Keeps a character's appearance consistent across clips on models that support it.e.g. Same hero in a new scene |
| Prompt optimizer | Optimizer toggle | Lets Hailuo expand a short prompt. Turn it off when you need exact wording and camera control.e.g. Off when using bracket commands precisely |
| Duration and resolution | Settings selectors | Sets clip length and output resolution. Options depend on the model version and plan.e.g. Shorter clips at higher resolution for finals |
Do this
- Describe emotion and expression changes: hesitation, relief, a slow smile.
- Use one bracketed camera command per shot for precise, smooth movement.
- Keep prompts concise; Hailuo does well with short, focused descriptions.
- Start from an image or subject reference for recurring characters.
- Turn off the prompt optimizer when your wording must be followed exactly.
- Add one or two atmosphere details like rain, smoke or flickering light for cinematic depth.
Avoid this
- Writing camera directions vaguely in prose when bracket commands are available on director models.
- Stacking many camera commands in a short clip, causing jittery motion.
- Describing what a character looks like but not what they do or feel.
- Assuming every Hailuo model supports the same commands and features.
Hailuo MiniMax prompt examples
Emotional close-up
An elderly man opens a dusty music box and hears it play, his face softening into a gentle smile as memories return, warm attic light through a small window [Push in]
Action beat
A skateboarder kicks off a concrete ledge and lands a trick in an empty plaza, arms out for balance, late afternoon sun and long shadows [Tracking shot]
Atmospheric reveal
A lone samurai stands in a bamboo forest as wind bends the stalks around him, he slowly draws his sword, mist drifting between the trees [Pull out]
Playful animal
A ginger kitten notices a butterfly, crouches, wiggles and pounces playfully, sunny garden with daisies, soft natural light [Static shot]
Hailuo MiniMax prompt FAQ
What camera commands does Hailuo support?
MiniMax director models accept bracketed commands such as [Push in], [Pull out], [Pan left], [Pan right], [Tilt up], [Tilt down], [Truck left], [Truck right], [Zoom in], [Tracking shot] and [Static shot] at the time of writing. Not every model supports them, and the list can change, so check the official MiniMax documentation for your model.
How long should a Hailuo prompt be?
Short to medium. One or two sentences describing the character's action and emotion, the setting and the camera move usually give the best results. Hailuo is known for getting cinematic output from economical prompts. If you want the model to embellish, turn on the prompt optimizer; if you want control, keep it off.
Can I keep a character consistent in Hailuo?
Yes, by using image-to-video with the same character image or the subject reference feature on models that support it. Keep the character's clothing and features described consistently in each prompt and vary only the action and setting. Lighting and style wording that stays the same across clips also improves continuity.
Is Hailuo good for expressive characters?
Expressive faces and body language are one of Hailuo's strengths. Describe emotional changes in the shot, such as a nervous glance followed by a confident smile, and pair them with a slow push-in or close framing so the expression reads clearly. Avoid crowds and fast cuts, which leave less room for subtle performance.