Pika 1.5 Unveils Groundbreaking AI Special Effects with Physics-Defying Capabilities

Pika Labs, a pioneer in AI video generation, raised $35 million in a Series A funding round in November 2023. Its innovative text-to-video platform allows users to create video clips simply by typing text.

Since the launch of Pika 1.0 nearly a year ago, many competitors have emerged, notably Runway with its Gen-3 Alpha Turbo model and Luma AI’s Dream Machine 1.5, both of which have set new standards for realism in AI-generated video.

Today, Pika Labs has responded to the competitive landscape by launching Pika 1.5. This updated model features groundbreaking special effects, dubbed “Pikaffects,” which can dramatically alter imagery, allowing subjects to morph into unexpectedly malleable forms.

With the introduction of a new Pikaeffects button, Pika 1.5 includes several pre-set options: Explode it, squish it, melt it, crush it, inflate it, and "cake-ify it"—the latter transforms subjects into visually striking, hyper-realistic prop cakes popularly featured in meme videos.

The platform intelligently identifies subjects in a video and applies effects—even those that defy realistic expectations. Certain effects, such as crush it, squish it, and cake-ify, even introduce new props like hydraulic presses, hands, or knives, which dynamically interact with the image's elements, resulting in both amusing and convincing video content.

AI video creators and early adopters on X are already showcasing impressive results. While many of Pika's rivals focus on increasing realism and camera control, Pika’s unconventional approach has garnered praise for its unique creativity.

From today, both free and paid users can access Pika 1.5, unlocking a wealth of advanced features and creative opportunities. This upgrade promises enhanced video clip generation capabilities, particularly in image-to-video (i2v) and text-to-video (t2v) workflows, allowing the creation of seamless, five-second clips with realistic movements like running, skateboarding, and flying.

For a more cinematic experience, Pika 1.5 now includes motion control features, enabling users to incorporate advanced shots such as Bullet Time, Vertigo, Dolly Left, and Crane Down—making it easier to capture dynamic footage without extensive technical skills.

Paid users can still opt to use the original Pika 1.0 model, retaining features like ElevenLabs-powered Lip Sync and SoundFX, which are not yet available in Pika 1.5.

While subscription prices remain stable, generating each five-second clip will now require 15 credits, reflecting the new model's enhanced capabilities. Users can expect longer generation times with Pika 1.5, though Pikaffects is optimized for quicker output, facilitating exploration of new features.

Pika Labs encourages users to engage with Pika 1.5 through community challenges for a chance to earn free credits. Participants can share feedback and report bugs, contributing to the ongoing improvement of Pika’s offerings.

With the launch of Pika 1.5, users gain a powerful tool for creating high-quality, dynamic videos. The introduction of Pikaffects, cinematic shots, and lifelike movements presents exciting new possibilities for creators of all experience levels, solidifying Pika’s unique position in the competitive AI video space.