How to Generate an AI Video Using Hailuo AI

By Ari Nakos • 2025-04-13

In this article, I'll show you how to transform vintage black and white photos into stunning AI-generated videos using a simple 3-step process. The best part? This entire workflow uses free and accessible tools that anyone can master, regardless of technical expertise.

Quick Overview

  1. Source free vintage images from Unsplash
  2. Colorize black and white photos with one click using Huggingface
  3. Transform the colorized images into videos with MiniMax Hailuo AI
  4. No advanced technical skills required!

The 3-Step Process Explained

Let's break down each step of this surprisingly simple process that can bring historical photos to life.

Step 1: Finding Free Vintage Images on Unsplash

Unsplash offers a vast collection of high-quality, free-to-use images, including many vintage and historical photographs. Here's how to find the perfect starting image:

  1. Visit Unsplash's vintage collection
  2. Use filters to narrow down your search (black and white, historical, etc.)
  3. Download high-resolution images that catch your eye
  4. Make sure to select images with clear subjects and good composition for best results

The key advantage of Unsplash is that all images are free to use, even for commercial projects, eliminating any copyright concerns for your video creation process.

Step 2: Colorizing Images with Huggingface

Once you have your vintage image, the next step is to add color using this incredibly simple tool:

  1. Visit the Photo Colorization space on Huggingface
  2. Upload your black and white image
  3. Click the colorize button
  4. Download your newly colorized image

What makes this tool special is its one-click simplicity. There's no need to adjust complex settings or have any technical knowledge. The AI model automatically analyzes the image and applies historically accurate colors based on its training.

Step 3: Creating Video with MiniMax Hailuo AI

The final step transforms your static image into a dynamic video:

  1. Visit MiniMax Hailuo through getimg.ai
  2. Upload your colorized image
  3. Select animation settings (subtle movements work best for historical photos)
  4. Generate and download your video

Hailuo AI specializes in creating natural-looking movements from still images. The technology analyzes the image to identify elements that can be animated, then applies subtle, realistic motion that brings the scene to life without looking artificial.

Real-World Applications

This simple workflow opens up exciting possibilities:

Historical Education and Research

By animating historical photographs, you can:

  • Create more engaging educational content
  • Help students connect emotionally with historical events
  • Visualize how historical moments might have looked in motion
  • Preserve and revitalize important cultural heritage

YouTube Channel Monetization

There's a growing audience for historical content on YouTube. Channels like Alive Vintage and History in Motion have built substantial followings by bringing historical imagery to life. This represents an opportunity to:

  • Create a niche YouTube channel focused on specific historical periods
  • Build an audience interested in history and vintage content
  • Monetize through YouTube's partner program
  • Develop a unique content style that stands out

Example Results

To see what's possible with this workflow, check out this example video I created using exactly the process described above:

View the final footage

The subtle movements and colorization transform what was once a static, black and white image into something that feels alive and present, creating a window into the past that feels more immediate and emotional than the original photograph.

Conclusion

Generating AI videos from vintage photos is no longer a complex process requiring expensive software or technical expertise. With just three simple steps using free, accessible tools, anyone can transform historical images into compelling videos.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, educator, content creator, or just someone who appreciates bringing the past to life, this workflow provides an accessible entry point into the world of AI video generation.

Give it a try with your own vintage photos, and you might be surprised at how easily you can create something that feels like a genuine glimpse into history in motion.