How to Choose the Right References for Kling 4.0

You may have a few product photos and a short video with a nice camera move. Selecting the right files can, in fact, be harder than actually writing the prompt. Uploading everything may appear to be the way to go, but it often ends up making the outcome harder to control.

With Kling 4.0, pictures and videos can guide how the product, background, and movement appear in the final clip. A simple way to begin is to use one clear product image and one helpful reference. You can add another file later if the first result is missing something important.

The five steps below show how to choose your files, write a short prompt, and check the first result.

Step 1: Describe the Video in One Sentence

Before you upload anything, write one sentence describing the video you want.

For example:

A black wristwatch on a stone table. Warm light on the metal as the camera slowly pans from left to right. Ends with the watch in the centre.

This will help you to work out a clear plan for the product, the background, the lighting, the camera movement and the final shot.

Step 2: Choose One Clear Product Image

Start with one image that shows the product clearly.

A useful product image should:

• Show the correct product
• Use the correct color
• Be sharp and well lit
• Show important details
• Have a simple background

If one image covers everything you need, then just use that one to start. Don’t mix in images of different product versions, colors, and designs.

Step 3: Add One Extra Reference

The second file should add something that the product image doesn’t show.

If you want a particular room, surface, or lighting style, then use an environment picture. If you want a certain action or a particular camera move then use a motion video.

For the watch example, you’d want to add a short video with one clear camera move. Avoid clips with a busy background, lots of movement or people you don’t want in the end video.

Step 4: Give Each File One Job

Let Kling 4.0 know what it should use from each file.

For example:

Keep the exact watch design and black strap as in the product image. Position the watch on a dark stone table with warm light coming in from the side. Use the motion video solely for the slow camera movement. Don’t copy the people or the location from that video. Finish with the watch in the center.

This is far clearer than just asking for a “premium cinematic product video”. It tells the tool what the product should look like, how the camera should move and what to exclude.

Keep your prompt short. Only go into more detail if the first result has a very obvious problem.

Step 5: Make a Short Test

Your first test needn’t be perfect. It just needs to demonstrate that the pictures, the movement and the prompt all work together.

Check these five things:

1. Does the product look correct?
2. Are the color and shape still right?
3. Does the camera follow the prompt?
4. Is the background suitable?
5. Does the video end on a useful shot?

Change just one thing at a time. If you go and swap out every file and rewrite the entire prompt all at once, you won’t know which one of the changes actually made any difference.

What Are Keyframes?

Keyframes are useful when you already

For example, a product video may:

1. Start with a closed box
2. Show the box opening
3. End with the product in the center

Use regular references to guide the product/background/movement. Use keyframes to establish the key moments. You don’t need to use both methods for every video.

Begin with two clean files, test the result, and only add another reference if it actually fixes a visible problem.