Wan 2.2 Animate Input & Output Guide for Beginners: No Code, Just Follow These Rules

Wan 2.2 Animate (developed by Alibaba Tongyi Lab) is a popular open-source tool to turn static images into dynamic videos. But many users fail to get good results—most are due to not meeting the input file requirements. This blog focuses on what to prepare for images/videos and what to expect from outputs, so you can create smooth videos easily on the website.

1. Wan 2.2 Animate Image Input Requirements (No Code Needed)

Your static image (e.g., photos of people, anime characters, pets) is the "protagonist" of the final video. Follow these rules to avoid blurry or distorted characters:

① Image Resolution: Clear but Not Too Big

• Minimum requirement: The shorter side of the image must be more than 200 pixels (e.g., 480×360 pixels). If it’s too small, the model can’t catch details like facial expressions.
• Maximum limit:
  • For the "Standard Version" (most website default): The longer side ≤ 2048 pixels (e.g., 1920×1080 pixels, which is 1080P). It’s suitable for short videos (TikTok/Instagram Reels).
  • For the "Pro Version" (if the website has it): The longer side ≤ 4096 pixels (4K). But it may take longer to generate—no need for this unless you want high-quality videos.
• Practical tip: Use 720P (1280×720 pixels) or 1080P images. They balance clarity and generation speed. You can check resolution via "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac).

② Image Format: Use Common Types

Support JPG, PNG, JPEG, or WebP—these are the formats your phone/camera usually saves. PNG is better for anime characters or images with transparent backgrounds (no messy white edges), while JPG works for photos. Avoid rare formats like BMP (some websites don’t support them).

③ Image Content: Focus on the "Protagonist"

• Put the character (person, pet, anime role) in the center of the image. Don’t let complex backgrounds (e.g., crowded streets) distract the model.
• Ensure even lighting: No strong backlight (e.g., a person with a dark face against the sun). Otherwise, the generated video may have weird shadows.
• Tool tip: If your image has a messy background, use free online tools like Canva or Remove.bg to erase the background first—this makes the character more prominent.

2. Wan 2.2 Animate Video Input Rules for Website Users

The reference video provides "actions" for the image (e.g., a dance video to make your photo dance). Its requirements are stricter than images—follow these to avoid generation failures:

① Video Length: 2–30 Seconds Only

• Too short (less than 2 seconds): The model can’t learn complete actions (e.g., a single clap).
• Too long (more than 30 seconds): The website may crash or the video becomes choppy.
• Best choice: 10–20 seconds (e.g., a 15-second dance segment, a 10-second smile + wave).

② Video Resolution: Match Image Size

• Same as images: Shorter side > 200 pixels, longer side ≤ 2048 pixels (720P or 1080P is best).
• Don’t use 4K videos (too big!)—the website will take forever to load, and the effect won’t improve much.
• Check tip: Play the video on your phone, and if it looks clear (no pixelation), it’s usually okay.

③ Video Format: Stick to MP4/MOV

Most websites support MP4 (the most common format) and MOV (iPhone default). Avoid AVI or AV1—they may not upload successfully. If your video is in another format, use Kapwing (free online tool) to convert it to MP4 in 1 click.

3. Critical: Image & Video Must "Match" (Wavespeed.ai Emphasized!)

This is the biggest reason for generation failure! Even if your image and video meet the above rules, if they don’t "align", the result will be bad (e.g., twisted bodies, missing faces). Here’s what to check:

① Same Aspect Ratio (No Exceptions!)

The "width-to-height ratio" of your image and video must be identical. For example:

• If you use a vertical image (9:16, like phone photos: 1080×1920 pixels), your video must also be vertical (e.g., a TikTok video).
• If you use a horizontal image (16:9, like computer wallpapers: 1920×1080 pixels), your video must be horizontal (e.g., a YouTube short).
• Fix tip: Use Canva to crop—for a vertical image, crop the video to 9:16; for horizontal, crop to 16:9. Don’t let the website "stretch" it (this causes distortion).

② Same Camera Angle & Pose

• Angle: If your image is a frontal photo (person looking straight at the camera), the video must also be frontal (e.g., a video of someone dancing facing the camera). Don’t mix frontal images with side videos.
• Pose: The image’s initial pose should match the video’s first frame. For example:
  • Good: Image = person standing; Video first frame = person standing (then starts dancing).
  • Bad: Image = person sitting; Video first frame = person jumping.
• Check tip: Open the image and the video’s first frame side by side—if the character’s position and posture look similar, it’s good.

4. Wan 2.2 Animate Output: What to Expect

After uploading the right files, here’s what the website will generate:

• Format: MP4 (easy to share on social media).
• Resolution: Same as your input (e.g., 1080×1920 if you used 1080P images/videos).
• Duration: Same as your reference video (e.g., 15 seconds if the video is 15 seconds).
• Common issues & fixes:
  • Black edges: You forgot to match the aspect ratio—re-crop the image/video to the same ratio.
  • Stiff actions: The image and video poses don’t match—adjust the image’s pose (e.g., stand instead of sit) or pick a new video.

5. Quick Tips for Beginners (No Code!)

1. Use free tools to prepare files:
   • Crop/resolution: Canva (web/app).
   • Video conversion: Kapwing (online).
   • Background removal: Remove.bg (online).
2. Test with simple content first: Start with a photo of yourself (frontal, standing) and a short video of clapping (frontal, standing)—this is easy to succeed.
3. Check the website’s "sample" section: Most Wan 2.2 Animate websites show sample images/videos—copy their ratio and angle to avoid mistakes.

Final Thoughts

Wan 2.2 Animate is easy for ordinary users, but it needs "careful preparation" of input files. Remember the key points: image/video resolution within limits, same aspect ratio, matching angle/pose. Follow this guide, and you’ll create fun videos (e.g., your pet dancing, anime characters acting) in minutes!

Try Wan 2.2 Animate now with these tips—share your results in the comments!