Freemium Verified

Hailuo AI

Leans into themed, template-based scenarios rather than open-ended generation

4.4 Video
4.4 Very good 4.4

Bottom line: Leans into themed, template-based scenarios rather than open-ended generation. Free plan available.

Themed templates offer a proven starting point for entertainment-style content Template-first approach offers less open-ended creative control than prompt-first competitors
Reviewed by Challenging Voice Editorial · Updated Jul 2026 How we rate
PricingFrom $9/mo
Free planYes
CompanyMiniMax
PlatformsWeb
Best forVideo
Founded2021
Visits27
Last reviewedJun 2026
UpdatedJul 2026
Ask AI about Hailuo AI ChatGPT Claude Perplexity

Overview

Hailuo AI, built by the Chinese AI lab MiniMax and operating since 2021, generates video and images from text or image prompts, but differentiates through a large library of themed, template-based creative scenarios, specific pre-built formats for dancing videos, transformations, ASMR-style content, and novelty templates like LoveFrame or PetPal, rather than only open-ended prompt-driven generation.

That template-first approach suits creators making shareable, entertainment-oriented social content specifically, where a recognizable, proven format matters more than fully custom, open-ended creative control, a more consumer-entertainment-focused angle than the professional-filmmaking positioning of several competitors in this category.

Pricing starts at a published monthly rate, with a free ad-generator tool available at no cost. For a creator making shareable, entertainment-style social video who wants proven, themed templates rather than starting from a fully blank prompt, Hailuo AI's template-first library addresses that specific creative need directly.

Key features

  • Large library of themed, template-based creative scenarios
  • Novelty formats including LoveFrame, PetPal, and transformation templates
  • Free ad-generator tool available at no cost
  • Built by MiniMax, operating since 2021
  • Style transfer options including CineScope and Light Studio
  • AI Agent for creative assistance

Screenshots & demo

Demo video

Screenshots

Hailuo AI screenshot 1

Pricing

Hailuo AI has a free plan, and paid plans start at $9/mo.

  • Pricing modelFreemium
  • Starting priceFrom $9/mo
  • Free planYes
Visit Hailuo AI

Pricing is provided as a guide. Check the official site for the latest plans.

Is Hailuo AI expensive?

Hailuo AI starts at $9, which is 44% below the Video median of $15.95 a month across the 130 priced tools we list in that category.

The cheapest paid option in Video starts at $0.5 and the most expensive at $295.

65% of Video tools in the directory offer a free tier, and this is one of them.

Compared against every priced listing in Video, recalculated as the catalogue changes. Method and the full market breakdown are in our AI tool pricing study.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Themed templates offer a proven starting point for entertainment-style content
  • Free ad-generator tool available without a subscription
  • Well suited to shareable, social-first creative formats
  • Style transfer tools add variety beyond straight generation

Cons

  • Template-first approach offers less open-ended creative control than prompt-first competitors
  • Full subscription pricing isn't transparently detailed upfront
  • Less oriented toward professional filmmaking than tools like LTX Studio or Runway

How it compares

ToolRatingFreeFromBest known for
Hailuo AI (this tool)4.4Yes$9/moLarge library of themed, template-based creative scenarios
Pika4.2Yes$10/moPikaffects library of exaggerated transformation effects
AI Fruit3.3YesFreeTemplate-driven fruit-themed and ASMR short-form video generation
Lumen54.3Yes$29/moConverts blog posts and articles directly into marketing video

Alternatives to Hailuo AI

4 tools matched to Hailuo AI on what they do, their category and their price.

AI Fruit

3.3

A narrow, template-driven generator for one specific viral genre: fruit-eating-fruit and ASMR short-form video.

Freemium Video

Frequently asked questions

What is Hailuo AI?
Hailuo AI is a video tool. Leans into themed, template-based scenarios rather than open-ended generation.
Is Hailuo AI free?
Yes, Hailuo AI offers a free plan. Paid plans unlock more features and higher usage limits, starting at $9/month.
How much does Hailuo AI cost?
Hailuo AI starts at $9 per month. See the pricing plans above for full details.
What are the best Hailuo AI alternatives?
The closest matches in the directory are Pika, AI Fruit, and Lumen5, compared side by side above.

Reviews

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