Vidu
AI video generator that turns text, images or reference pictures into short clips with sound.
Updated · AppBreakup editorial · Web, iOS, Android
Is Vidu free?
Free plan, plus paid plans
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All 6- Verified facts
- 5 of 5
- Alternatives ranked
- 6
- Approved reviews
- 0
- Visits sent from here
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About Vidu
Vidu is a web-based AI video generator for making short clips from a text prompt, a still image, or a set of reference images that keep a character, product or scene consistent across shots. It is best known for animation and anime-style output and for its reference-to-video mode, which lets creators place the same person or object into new scenes. Recent models can add sound effects and dialogue to the clip. Alongside the video tools it offers an image generator, templates for trending effects, an agent that drafts a full piece from one sentence, and a mobile app. Pricing is credit-based: new accounts get trial credits, daily logins earn a few more, and monthly or annual subscriptions add a larger allowance plus extras such as an off-peak mode for cheaper, slower generation. Subscription credits only last a month, and the company says it does not give refunds. Developers can reach the same models through a separate API platform.
Best for: Creators making anime-style or character-consistent short videos from reference images.
Vidu pricing (checked Nov 8, 2026)
Each line is quoted from Vidu's own site, with the page it came from.
| Plan or term | What it says | Checked | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subscription credit validity | 30 days | Nov 8, 2026 | vidu.com |
Pros and cons
What works
- Reference-to-video keeps the same character or product across shots
- Strong anime and 2D animation output
- Daily login credits and an off-peak mode stretch a small budget
- Separate API platform for developers
Why people leave
- Subscription credits expire after 30 days
- No refunds on paid plans
- Clips are short, so longer pieces need stitching together
Vidu vs Runway, Kling AI and Pika
From each app's listing and the prices verified on its own site. A dash means we haven't verified it yet.
| Attribute | Vidu | Runway | Kling AI | Pika |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Verified price | — | $12/month billed annually ($15 monthly), Standard | — | $8/month billed annually ($10 monthly), Starter |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes, 125 one-time credits | Yes | Yes, $0 with credit packs, no watermark |
| Open source | No | No | No | No |
| Self-hostable | No | No | No | No |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS, Android | Web, iOS |
Top Vidu alternatives
See all 6- 1
Runway79.8Broader creative suite with editing tools around its video models, better if you need more than raw generation.
- 2
Kling AI68.8Another leading text- and image-to-video model with longer clips and fine motion control, popular for realistic footage.
- 3
Pika61.8Quick, playful effects and short social clips, a lighter option if you mostly make meme-style videos.
- 4
Luma AI (Dream Machine)59.4Dream Machine focuses on realistic camera motion and physics, a good switch for live-action looks over anime.
- 5
PixVerse57.5Low-cost credit plans and viral effect templates, close to Vidu's template side at a similar price point.
Why people left Vidu
In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.
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Vidu: common questions
What is Vidu?
Vidu: AI video generator that turns text, images or reference pictures into short clips with sound. Best for creators making anime-style or character-consistent short videos from reference images. Available for Web, iOS and Android.
Is Vidu free?
Vidu has a free plan and paid plans.
How much does Vidu cost?
Vidu is free with paid plans. Subscription credit validity: 30 days. Checked on Vidu's own site, November 2026.
Does Vidu have a free trial or refund?
Refunds: Not offered. Source: Vidu's own site.
Is Vidu open source?
No, Vidu is not open source.
What platforms does Vidu run on?
Vidu is available for Web, iOS and Android.
What are the best alternatives to Vidu?
The highest-ranked Vidu alternatives right now are Runway, Kling AI and Pika. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.
Vidu vs Runway: what's the difference?
Both Vidu and Runway are free with paid plans. Both run on Web, iOS and Android.