Reference-to-video: put real characters in any scene
Wan 2.6’s headline capability is its R2V (Reference-to-Video) mode — upload a reference image of a character and Wan 2.6 inserts that character’s appearance consistently into a generated scene. Combined with voice reference input, both the character’s face and voice can be preserved in the generated video, making Wan 2.6 uniquely capable for creator-centric workflows where personal or brand character identity needs to appear in generated content. The model also introduces comprehensive upgrades across text-to-video, image-to-video, and audio-to-video generation with one-pass A/V synchronization and precise lip-sync.Capabilities
Reference-to-video (R2V)
Insert a character’s appearance from a reference image — and optionally their voice — into any generated scene with consistent identity preservation.
One-pass A/V synchronization
Audio and video generated in a single pass — synchronized sound effects, music, and voice generated with the video without post-production.
Precise lip-sync
Character lip movements synchronized accurately with generated or reference audio — suitable for dialogue-driven content.
Multi-shot storytelling
Generates coherent multi-shot sequences from simple prompts — scene transitions, character continuity, and narrative flow maintained automatically.
Up to 15 seconds
One of the longer generation windows in the lineup — supports more developed narrative sequences at 5, 10, or 15-second intervals.
Multiple generation modes
Text-to-video, image-to-video, audio-to-video, and reference-to-video all supported in a single model.
Generation modes
Specifications
How to use
- Reference-to-video
- Text to video
1
Open the AI Video Generator
Log into ImagineArt and go to the AI Video Generator.
2
Select Wan 2.6
Choose Wan 2.6 from the model dropdown.
3
Select R2V mode
Choose the Reference-to-Video generation mode.
4
Upload character reference
Upload a reference image of the character to use. Optionally, upload a voice reference audio clip.
5
Describe the scene
Write a prompt describing the scene, environment, action, and audio atmosphere around your character.
6
Generate
Click Generate. Wan 2.6 places your referenced character into the generated scene with synchronized audio.
Prompting tips
- R2V: describe the scene, not the character — The reference image provides the character; your prompt should focus on the setting, action, camera, and audio environment.
- Include audio cues for one-pass sync — “A jazz trio plays softly in the background” or “footsteps echo on the marble floor” integrate directly into the audio generation.
- Multi-shot: use transition language — “THEN CUT TO:” or “The camera pulls back to reveal…” cues structured multi-shot generation.
- 15-second clips for narratives — Use the full 15-second window for storylines that need a beginning, middle, and resolution within one generation.
Example prompts
[R2V mode] Reference character appears as a chef in a busy restaurant kitchen. The chef plates a dish confidently, a soft smile as they look at the camera. Warm kitchen sounds, sizzling in background. 10 seconds.
A multilingual brand video: a young woman introduces a product in front of a clean white background. She speaks naturally, hands gesturing. Confident, friendly. 10 seconds, 1080p.