Found a video with the right camera move or dance, but the wrong character or product? You don't have to start from scratch.
Pollo Recast uses an existing video as a reference, replacing its characters, products, props, or setting while retaining the original action, camera movement, cuts, and timing. It's useful for character videos, product reveals, and campaign variations, though results depend on your reference footage and replacement images. Here's how to get started and avoid common mistakes.
How to Recreate a Video With Pollo Recast
Step 1: Prepare Your Reference Video and Images
Pollo Recast supports reference videos from 4 to 30 seconds and up to 10 images of characters, products, or clothing.
Choose a clip with the movement you want to reuse, such as a dance, product reveal, or camera move. Use clear replacement images that show a product's key details or your character's intended appearance. You don't need to fill all 10 image slots.
Step 2: Upload Your Reference Video
Open Pollo Recast and upload your clip, or choose a template. Pick footage that matches the action and timing you want to keep. For larger campaigns, clone video ads may also be useful for creating variations of ad content.
Step 3: Add Your Replacement Images
Upload the characters, products, or clothing you want to feature. Stick to the assets needed for your intended result, whether you're introducing a mascot or replacing a product in a reveal.
Step 4: Enter a Prompt and Generate
Describe what should change and which details should stay the same. There's no need to spell out every movement, since the reference video already provides the action, camera movement, and timing.
Review your prompt and images, check the available settings, and select Create. The interface includes a resolution option, such as 720p, and an Advanced section; available options may vary.
Watch the full video before downloading it. Check that the subject looks right, the movement makes sense, and key product details remain consistent. If needed, adjust your prompt, images, or reference clip and try again.
Tips for Getting Better Results With Pollo Recast
A longer prompt won't fix a poor reference clip or an unclear replacement image. Start with suitable footage and focus your prompt on what needs to change.
1. Keep the Prompt Focused
You don't need to describe every movement in the reference. For a product reveal, try:
Replace the original item with the supplied product. Keep the reveal movement and camera timing recognizable, and preserve the product's visible details.
For character videos, focus on the character's appearance and the replacement you want. A clear prompt helps, but it won't guarantee a perfect result.
2. Fix One Problem at a Time
If the movement feels wrong, try a different reference clip. If the replacement looks off, check the uploaded image. If the scene doesn't match your idea, make the prompt more specific. For product videos, check that the item looks consistent throughout the clip.
Change one thing at a time so you can tell what actually helps.
3. Watch the Full Clip
Don't judge a video by its opening frame. Check that the subject stays recognizable and the action still makes sense. For product ads, pay close attention to changes in the item's appearance. If key details keep shifting, try a simpler replacement or a better-fitting reference.
4. Pick Footage That Fits Your Goal
For social media trends, start with a recognizable dance or gesture. For product ads, look for a reveal or camera move that suits the item. Character videos work best with performances that fit the character, while localized campaigns can reuse a suitable sequence with different people, products, or settings.
The closer the reference is to what you have in mind, the less you need to change.
How Is Pollo Recast Different From Other Video Tools?
These tools solve different problems, so the choice comes down to what you're starting with.
Mimic Motion starts with an image and focuses on transferring movement to a subject. Video to video changes the look of existing footage, while face swap video focuses on faces.
Pollo Recast is designed for a broader type of recreation: replacing a character, product, prop, or setting while using an existing video's action and shot sequence as the reference.
If you already have the performance you want but need a different subject or product, Recast is the more relevant option to explore.
Ready to Try Your Own Recast?
Start with a short clip that already has the movement you want, then add the images that should take its place. Keep the prompt focused, generate a version, and check the full video before making further changes.
You can try that workflow on Pollo Recast with a reference video and your own replacement assets. Just make sure you have permission to use the source footage and any other material you upload.
