🕺 Motion Swap · Tips

How to Film a Reference Clip for Motion Swap (Clean Results)

📅 Oct 2026·⏱ 4 min read·PulseMotionHub Team

In Motion Swap the photo decides how the person looks, but the reference clip decides everything else: the movement, the timing and the expressions. A clean clip gives a clean result, and a messy one gives a messy one. Here is how to film a good reference, and what to avoid.

Key takeaways

Film one person with their head and body in view and a steady camera.
Keep the whole body inside the frame for the whole clip.
Shorter clips cost less. 6 to 10 seconds is a good test length.
Only use footage you filmed, own or have a licence for.

Think of the Clip as a Puppet Master

The model reads the body movement in your clip, joint by joint, and replays it on the person in your photo. Anything that confuses that reading, such as a hidden arm, a spinning body or a second person walking through, confuses the result. So film for clarity, not for style.

The Filming Checklist

Aspect	Do	Avoid
People	One person only	Anyone else in frame
Framing	Head and whole body in view throughout	Cropping the feet or hands
Camera	Steady: tripod or propped phone	Handheld shake, zooms or pans
Orientation	Landscape or portrait, kept consistent	Switching mid-clip
Background	Plain and uncluttered	Moving crowds, mirrors
Light	Bright and even	Dark rooms, strong backlight
Clothing	Fitted, contrasting with the background	Very baggy or patterned clothes
Movement	Clear, within the frame	Fast spins, jumps out of frame, floor work
Length	5 to 10 seconds for tests	Long clips on a first try

Step by Step

Set the phone on a stable surface at chest height, two to three metres back.

Frame the full body with a little space above the head and below the feet.

Start in a neutral pose that is similar to the pose in your photo. Standing, arms relaxed.

Perform the movement clearly, staying inside the frame.

End back in a neutral pose.

Check the clip for blur, cropping and anything else in frame.

Trim it to just the movement you want. Every 2 seconds costs 1 credit.

Test a short clip first.
A 6-second clip is 3 credits.

Match the Clip to the Photo

Framing. If the photo is full body, use a full-body clip. If it is waist-up, use a waist-up clip.
Pose. Start both in similar stances.
Proportions. A very different build between the clip performer and the photo can look odd.
Facing. Face the camera in both.

See the photo checklist for the photo side.

Using Existing Footage

You can use any clip you have the rights to. If you did not film it, check the licence. Do not use films, TV, music videos, someone else’s social posts or stock without permission. Using clips of other people means getting their consent too.

Sound

Motion Swap keeps the clip’s sound by default. If you want your own music, film silently and add music later, or use licensed or AI-generated music. Do not rely on a popular song for public posts, which can lead to takedowns. See AI video with music.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Likely cause	Fix
Arms disappear or merge	Arms hidden in the clip or photo	Re-film with arms visible; use a better photo
Body twists oddly	Fast rotation in the clip	Slow the movement or choose a simpler one
Face changes	Large head movement	Keep the head steadier; use a sharper photo
Background wobbles	Busy photo background	Simplify the photo background
Result is too short	Clip was trimmed	Check the clip length before uploading

For general fixes, see nine fixes for AI dance videos, and for the full tool, the Motion Swap how-to.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I film a reference clip for Motion Swap?

Film one person with their head and whole body in view, using a steady camera, a plain background and even light. Keep the movement clear and inside the frame.

How long should the clip be?

Use 5 to 10 seconds for tests. Longer clips cost more at 1 credit per 2 seconds, up to a 30-second limit.

Can I use a clip I found online?

Only if you have the rights to use it. Do not upload films, TV, music videos or other people’s posts without permission.

Why does the person’s body twist oddly?

Fast rotations and occluded limbs confuse the motion reading. Use slower, clearer movements with the whole body visible.

Does the clip’s sound carry over?

Yes, Motion Swap keeps the reference clip’s sound by default.

⚡ 20% Off Your First Card Payment

Try It on Your Own Project

Buy a small amount of credits with no subscription, or subscribe from $47/mo. New customers get 20% off their first card payment.

⚡ Get Started →

20% off first card payment automatically · Plans from $47/mo · Or pay-per-use, no subscription