✍️
Prompt only
Describe the subject, camera move, lens and colour grade, and Pika 2.5 builds the whole shot from text. Prompt-only clips are 5 seconds. See text to video.
Pika Versions · Live on pika.art
Pika AI 2.5: Pika's Flagship Model for Crisp 1080p Motion
Pika 2.5 is Pika's own flagship video model, which Pika describes as "tuned for crisp 1080p motion." Unlike the older versions, it's still a featured model on pika.art and on the Pika API. You can make a shot from a prompt, animate a photo, or chain up to five keyframes. Here's what it does, how to use it, and how it fits next to Pika H3 Flex.
- 720p or 1080p
- Prompt, photo or keyframes
- 5 or 10-second clips
- On the web & API
The Basics
What Is Pika 2.5?
Pika 2.5 is the successor to Pika 2.2 and the model Pika calls its flagship video model. It focuses on clean, sharp 1080p footage and smooth motion for short clips.
In today's Pika it sits in the Top Models list next to Pika H3 Flex and partner models such as Kling, Seedance and MiniMax. It has its own Pika 2.5 app with three ways to create: prompt only, photo, or frames.
Pika 2.5 renders silent video. Pika suggests adding sound afterwards with Pika Soundtrack, or you can use H3 Flex when you need synced audio.
| Pika 2.5 at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Made by | Pika Labs |
| Came after | Pika 2.2 |
| Modes | Prompt only, photo, frames (2 to 5 keyframes) |
| Clip length | 5 or 10 s (keyframes: 1 to 5 s per transition) |
| Resolution | 720p or 1080p (API also offers 480p) |
| Sound | Silent; add audio with Pika Soundtrack |
| Where | pika.art and the Pika API |
Three Ways to Create
Pika 2.5 Modes
The Pika 2.5 app gives you three input types, all at 720p or 1080p.
🖼️
Photo
Upload one reference image and Pika animates it. The prompt is optional and only needs to describe the motion. Choose 5 or 10 seconds. See image to video.
🎞️
Frames
Add two to five images in order, and each pair becomes a transition of 1 to 5 seconds, or 10 seconds with two frames. This is the Pikaframes idea from Pika 2.2, now built into 2.5.
💡 Five-keyframe tip: a sequence with five keyframes renders its transitions at 720p. Use up to four keyframes if you need 1080p.
Step by Step
How to Use Pika 2.5
- 1Open the Pika 2.5 app
Sign in at pika.art and pick Pika 2.5 from Top Models in the video apps.
- 2Choose your input
Prompt only, one photo, or two to five frames.
- 3Write a cinematic prompt
Name the subject, action, camera move, lens and grade. For a photo, just describe the motion.
- 4Set length and resolution
Pick 5 or 10 seconds where available, and 720p or 1080p.
- 5Generate and add sound
Download the silent clip or send it to Pika Soundtrack to add music and effects.
Prompt ideas for Pika 2.5
Prompt only
Subject, camera, lens and grade in one line.
A lighthouse keeper climbs a spiral staircase at dusk, slow crane up, 35mm lens, warm amber grade, soft film grain
Photo
Describe only the motion.
Her hair moves gently in the wind as she turns toward the camera and smiles, slow push-in
See It
Pika 2.5 & Today's Pika Studio
Official Pika visuals of the apps you'll use alongside Pika 2.5.
Pika sample clip · Credit: Pika (pika.art)
"Welcome to the New Pika" · Credit: Pika (pika.art)
Keyframes
Pikaframes
The standalone keyframe app, also built into Pika 2.5's Frames mode.
Audio
Soundtrack
Pika's suggested way to add sound to silent Pika 2.5 clips.
Images © Pika, from pika.art. Credit: Pika (pika.art).
Which Pika Model?
Pika 2.5 vs Pika H3 Flex
Both are Pika's own models on pika.art. Here's when to reach for each.
| Pika 2.5 | Pika H3 Flex | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Quick, crisp silent shots and keyframe transitions | Polished clips with sound and many references |
| Resolution | 720p / 1080p | Up to 4K finishing |
| Sound | Silent (add with Soundtrack) | Synced audio |
| References | 1 photo or 2 to 5 keyframes | Up to 12 references |
Read more on our Pika H3 Flex page, or see Pika 2.5 vs previous versions.
For Developers
Pika 2.5 on the Pika API
Pika's developer platform offers three Pika 2.5 endpoints, each paid per second of video, and only successful generations are charged:
- Pika 2.5 Text to Video: 480p, 720p or 1080p, 5 or 10 seconds, with optional aspect ratio, negative prompt and seed.
- Pika 2.5 Image to Video: animate a single image.
- Pika 2.5 Keyframe: 1 to 5 ordered keyframes with per-transition prompts, durations and an optional loop.
| Text to video | Price per second |
|---|---|
| 480p | $0.02 |
| 720p | $0.04 |
| 1080p | $0.06 |
Rates from Pika's developer docs. Check dev.pika.art for current pricing.
Where 2.5 Fits
From Pika 1.0 to Today
- Pika 1.0
Idea-to-video on the web, with Modify Region and Expand Canvas.
- Pika 1.5
Pikaffects, Big Screen Shots and more realistic movement.
- Pika 2.0
Scene Ingredients, better text alignment and motion.
- Pika 2.1
1080p, sharper detail and lifelike characters.
- Pika 2.2
10-second clips and Pikaframes keyframe transitions.
- Pika 2.5
Pika's flagship model for crisp 1080p motion, with prompt, photo and frames modes.
- Pika H3 Flex
Synced audio, 12 references, 4K finishing and open weights.
FAQ
Pika AI 2.5 FAQ
What is Pika 2.5?+
Pika's flagship video model, described by Pika as "tuned for crisp 1080p motion." It makes videos from a prompt, a photo or two to five keyframes.
Is Pika 2.5 still available?+
Yes. It's listed under Top Models on pika.art with its own Pika 2.5 app, and it's available on the Pika API.
How long are Pika 2.5 videos?+
Prompt-only clips are 5 seconds and photo clips are 5 or 10 seconds. Keyframe transitions are 1 to 5 seconds each, or 10 seconds with two keyframes. For longer videos use Extend Video or Video Studio.
What resolution does Pika 2.5 support?+
720p or 1080p in the app. The API also offers 480p. For 4K, use Pika H3 Flex.
Does Pika 2.5 generate sound?+
No, Pika 2.5 renders are silent. Pika suggests adding sound with Pika Soundtrack. Pika H3 Flex can generate synced audio.
Pika 2.5 or Pika H3 Flex: which should I use?+
Use Pika 2.5 for quick, crisp silent shots and built-in keyframe transitions. Use H3 Flex when you need synced audio, many references or 4K finishing.
How much does Pika 2.5 cost on the API?+
Pika's developer docs list text-to-video at $0.02 per second (480p), $0.04 (720p) and $0.06 (1080p). Only successful generations are charged. For app plans, see pika.art/pricing.