Pika

Pika is a web-based AI tool that creates short video clips from a written prompt or a still image. It's aimed at creators who want quick motion graphics, social clips, and visual experiments without touching traditional video software.

The current flagship model is Pika 2.5, which rolled out on January 26, 2026. Compared to earlier versions it produces sharper footage, gives first-class control over camera moves, extends scenes to roughly 15 seconds natively (and up to about 25 seconds through Pikaframes), and now generates sound effects automatically, matched to what happens on screen.

Beyond generation, Pika is known for Pikaffects, its library of one-tap transformation effects (things like inflating, melting, or crushing objects). Camera direction, resolution options, and image-to-video and text-to-video modes round out the core toolset.

Pricing runs on a credit system. Free is $0 and gives 80 video credits a month, but is now limited to Pika 2.5 at 480p, image-to-video only, and no commercial use. Standard is $8/mo billed yearly (about $10 month-to-month) with 700 credits, all resolutions, every Pikaffect, no watermark, and commercial rights. Pro is $28/mo yearly (about $35 monthly) with 2,300 credits and faster generation, and Fancy is $76/mo yearly (about $95 monthly) with 6,000 credits and the fastest queue. Annual billing saves roughly 20%.

The main limitations are on the free plan: the 480p cap, the image-to-video-only restriction, and the fact that full Pikaffects and higher resolutions are paid features. Credits also deplete quickly if you iterate a lot, and clip lengths remain short by nature.

Pika suits social media creators, marketers, and hobbyists who want fast, playful AI video and are fine with short clips. Anyone needing text-to-video, HD output, commercial use, or the full effects library will need at least the Standard plan.