Edit character is the Edit Video tool that keeps a video's original motion and timing but swaps in a new character. You give it a source video and a reference image of the character you want, and it re-renders the video with that character performing the same movements.
What does Edit character do?
It takes the motion from your source video and applies it to a different character. The movement, pacing, and roughly the framing stay the same — only the character changes to match the reference image (or your model) you provide. This is the mirror image of Edit motion, which keeps your character and borrows motion from elsewhere.
How do I run an Edit character edit?
Open Edit Video and pick Edit character from the tool switcher.
Add the video you want to edit with Select content or Upload video.
Add the character you want using the reference-image controls (see below).
Choose your quality and resolution in the bottom bar if you want to change them.
Click Generate. The cost is shown next to the button.
How do I choose the new character?
You have three ways to supply the character:
Select content — pick an existing image from your Personal, Inspiration, or Community media.
Generate reference image — open a dialog that creates a brand-new reference image for you (you can describe it, and it can use your source video as a guide).
Upload image — upload an image file from your device.
Once an image is set, it shows in the panel with a Delete button so you can swap it out.
What if I don't add a reference image?
You don't strictly have to. The panel notes: "If you don't provide a reference image, we'll use the model image." So if you skip the reference, the character comes from your currently selected model instead. Hovering the "model image" hint previews that model image.
What is "Generate reference image"?
It's a built-in helper for creating the character image without leaving the tool. You type a short description, and it can use the first frame of your source video as a starting point so the new character fits the scene. When the image is ready you confirm it, and it drops straight into the reference slot. Generating a reference image is itself a small image generation, so it uses credits — the cost is shown when you generate it and depends on your plan and the quality you choose.
Is there a length limit?
Yes — Edit character only accepts videos up to a maximum length, and the exact limit depends on the quality you choose. If your clip is too long, trim it with the scissors button next to the duration in the bottom bar. The panel shows the current limit as a hint (for example, "Use a video shorter than 30 s"); the exact number depends on the quality you pick, so go by the hint shown for your setup.
Can I jump straight to Edit motion?
Yes. When you're on Edit character, the panel shows a shortcut: "To make your character follow the video's motion, use Edit motion." Tapping it switches tools without losing your video.
On mobile
The flow is the same — the video and the character-image controls stack vertically, and Generate reference image opens as a full-screen page instead of a dialog. Pickers and uploads use full-screen sheets with progress and delete controls.
Related: Edit Video overview · Edit motion · Video face swap