Kling 4.0 AI Video Generator: 30-Second Videos, 4K, 10 Keyframes and Kling 4.0 vs Seedance 2.5

Kling 4.0 lets you generate a 30-second AI video in a single pass. It also adds up to 10 keyframes, 4K output (promised, not live yet) and stereo audio. For Kling AI video creation, that is a jump from short demo clips to full scenes.

Kling 4.0 is an AI video model from Kuaishou, and Kling 4.0 generates up to 30 seconds in one pass. Kling 4.0 supports native 4K (promised, not live yet) and expands Kling AI’s toolbox with keyframes and Omni reference. In this Kling 4.0 AI video generator guide, you will also learn how to create with Kling 4.0.

In this guide, we explain what the Kling 4.0 release changes and how Omni reference and keyframes work. You will also find a prompt guide and head-to-head comparisons with Kling 3.0, Kling 4.0 Flash, Seedance 2.5 and Veo 3.1.

A quick note on method. We have not run a formal quality test of Kling 4.0. We rely on Kling’s own announcements, independent reviews and screenshots from our own account, and we flag every place where sources disagree.

Looking for the bigger picture? Our guide to the best AI video generators in 2027 compares 14 tools side by side.

Kling 4.0 Release: What Is New in the Kling AI Video Generator

Kling 4.0 is Kuaishou’s newest AI video model, and it reached users in two steps. A faster Flash version opened first, and the full model followed. It is a video generation model from Kling, so here is the timeline and what changed.

Kling 4.0 Release Timeline

Kling announced Kling 4.0 on September 28, 2026. In its own announcement letter, Kling says Kling 4.0 Flash opened to a limited group of users for early access on September 28. The same letter says the full model will officially launch in October.

Kling 4.0 went fully live on October 15, 2026, including access through MCP and CLI.

Who could use Flash early is less clear. One guide says early access went mainly to Ultra Yearly subscribers, while Kling’s developer page lists Flash as available on request. Check your own account before you plan around it.

What Kuaishou Says Is New

Kling frames the update around realism, control and professional quality. Its announcement letter lists better visual realism, creative control and narrative completeness. It also names advances in audiovisual quality, multi-keyframes, lip sync and text generation.

In practice, the headline is length and control. Single generations run up to 30 seconds, with up to 10 keyframes and up to 15 references. Kling also redesigned the creation page to feel more flexible and intuitive.

Third-party Kling 4.0 walkthrough by Kingy AI, sponsored by Kling AI.

Kling 4.0 gives creators more control, and Kling 4.0 improves realism, lip sync and narrative flow. Kling 4.0 combines longer takes with keyframes, so one clip can carry a full story beat. Kling 4.0 for longer scenes is the main reason to upgrade from 3.0.

Official Kling 4.0 Specs at a Glance

Here are the specs that matter for most creators. They come from Kling’s announcement as reported by independent guides.

Kling 4.0 supports up to 10 keyframes and up to 15 references. Kling 4.0 makes clips of 3 to 30 seconds in 720p and 1080p today, with 4K promised and stereo audio.

Kling 4.0 Spec Table

The figures match fal’s overview of Kling 4.0 and a launch recap. Reference limits differ by type, and sources do not agree on the exact split, so we cover them in the Omni reference section.

What Is Still Coming Soon

Not everything in the announcement is live yet, and in our account 4K is marked Coming Soon. 10-bit HDR at 1080p and 4K, extension to two minutes and API access are still marked coming soon. Treat 10-bit HDR output and the rest as roadmap items, not features you can use today.

30-Second Kling 4.0 Video: Longer Single Takes

The biggest change is length. Kling 4.0 doubles native single-pass clip length to 30 seconds, up from 15 seconds in Kling 3.0. That means a full short scene can fit in one generation.

Longer takes matter because stitching is hard. Cuts between separate clips can break character, lighting and motion. A single 30-second video keeps all three in one pass.

Kling 4.0 for longer takes means 30s clips without stitching. You can also create a Kling video from 3 seconds up, so short drafts stay cheap.

30 Second Clips vs 15 Seconds in Kling 3.0

Kling 3.0 launched in February 2026 with 15-second output. Kling 4.0 keeps that option and lets you go much longer. Clips run from 3 to 30 seconds, and the duration slider in our account runs the same range.

Kling charges credits per second of video on 3.0, and official 4.0 pricing is not published. Draft short clips first, then run the full 30 seconds only when the shot works.

Extension Beyond 30 Seconds

Extension to two minutes is marked coming soon. For now, video extension means chaining clips yourself. Third-party APIs already list a Video Extend endpoint that continues a clip from its last frame, with a new segment of 3 to 30 seconds.

4K and 1080p: Kling 4.0 Video Quality

Kling 4.0 outputs 720p, 1080p and a promised 4K. Higher tiers give you more detail, but they also cost more. On Kling 3.0, native 4K costs 30 credits per second, so 4K drains credits fast.

In our account, 4K is greyed out and marked Coming Soon, and 1080p carries a VIP badge. The panel also says HDR is coming soon for 1080p and 4K.

Resolution Options: 720p, 1080p and Promised 4K

Pick the tier by where the video will run:

• 720p: drafts and tests. Kling 4.0 Flash is limited to 720p.
• 1080p: social posts, web pages and most client work.
• 4K: promised for final delivery and large screens, but not live in our account yet.

Draft at 720p, then re-run the winning shot at a higher tier. Third-party APIs currently list 720p and 1080p only, so 4K is not available there either.

10-Bit HDR: Not Live Yet

10-bit HDR at 1080p and 4K is marked coming soon. Kling 3.0 delivers 8-bit SDR, so HDR would be a real step up for colorists. Until it ships, do not plan a workflow around HDR.

Text to Video and Image to Video: Kling 4.0 AI Video Generation Modes

Kling 4.0 supports the standard AI video generation modes. In our own account, the prompt box invites you to describe a scene or upload an image, video, subject or voice as a reference. It also says you can use @ to quickly reference assets.

Kling 4.0 generation works the same way in every mode: you describe the shot, add assets and set the length. That is how most Kling 4.0 video starts.

Text to Video

Text to video starts from a written prompt only. API listings describe 3 to 30 second clips at 720p and 1080p, four aspect ratios including 21:9 and synchronized stereo audio. It is the fastest way to test an idea.

Image to Video

Image to video uses your picture as the first frame. APIs also accept an optional last frame and up to 8 in-between keyframes. That gives you control over how the clip starts, moves and ends.

Which Mode to Use

• Text to video: quick ideas and early drafts.
• Image to video: you already have the look, such as a product shot or character art.
• Reference to video: the same subject must stay consistent across shots. We cover this in the Omni reference section below.

10 Keyframes: Storyboard Your AI Video

Keyframes turn a prompt into a shot list. Instead of one prompt for the whole clip, you place up to 10 keyframes that choreograph how the video unfolds. One example is a wide establishing shot that pushes in, cuts to a close-up, then rises to an aerial.

This matters most for 30-second clips. The longer the clip, the more room the model has to drift. Keyframes pin the story to key moments.

How Keyframes Work

You supply images for the key moments, and Kling fills in the motion between them. Because each keyframe is an image, you can prepare them with any AI image generator first. In our account, the panel offers first, middle and last frame slots and says you can upload up to 10 keyframes.

Keep the character design and lighting consistent across your images. One reviewer suggests checking transitions, character identity and background continuity in complete clips. Review the full clip, not just a single frame.

Keyframes vs First and Last Frame

Older workflows used only a first and last frame. Kling 4.0 Flash accepts only a first frame, and Seedance 2.5 is described as working mainly with first and last frames. Full Kling 4.0 is the option here with multi-keyframe control.

Omni Reference: Reference Video, Images and Voice

Omni reference lets you pull assets into a generation so characters, products and lighting stay consistent. Kling 4.0 supports up to 15 multimodal references per request. In our account, the prompt box says you can use @ to reference uploaded assets quickly, and an Element Library with My elements and Preset Elements opens under the box.

Omni Reference Limits

Sources split the 15 slots differently, so treat these as the working limits from fal’s breakdown:

• Reference images: up to 10.
• Reference videos: up to 5, with 30 seconds combined.
• Reference audio: voice reference only.
• Reference elements: up to 7, including up to 3 video-based.

Another guide lists a larger pool of 50 uploaded files, but those numbers match Seedance 2.5, so we leave them out. One API provider’s reference-to-video endpoint takes 10 images, 5 videos and 3 audio clips, which the prompt calls @Image1, @Video1 and @Audio1.

When to Use Omni Reference

• Character consistency: keep the same face and outfit across shots.
• Product shots: lock the product, logo and packaging.
• Motion and camera: the reference-to-video mode follows the subjects, motion and camera you point to in the prompt.
• Voice: use a voice reference when you want a specific speaker.

Stereo Audio and Lip Sync in Videos With Kling 4.0

Kling 4.0 outputs two-channel stereo audio, and the launch recap adds better lip sync. That makes it easier to make videos with Kling 4.0 that include dialogue, effects and music in one pass. For many drafts, you can skip a separate sound-design step.

One comparison lists nine named languages for Kling. Kling 4.0 also accepts a voice reference, which helps match a specific speaker. Kling 4.0 Flash does not list stereo audio, so check before you rely on it for dialogue.

Dialogue and Sound in Your Prompt

Describe the voice, the sound effects and the music in the prompt, not only the picture. A line such as soft rain on a window and a quiet piano gives the audio something to follow. We cover prompt structure in the next sections.

Video Editing With Kling 4.0: Edit and Extend Clips

Kling 4.0 is not only a generator. It supports video editing with up to 5 input clips, including 1 primary video, each 3 to 30 seconds and 30 seconds combined. Third-party APIs list a video-edit endpoint that rewrites an existing video from a text instruction.

Edit an Existing Clip

Use editing for targeted changes, such as swapping an object, changing a setting or shifting the mood while keeping the motion. One comparison describes Kling’s editing as targeted changes using a source video and references.

Extend a Clip

Video Extend continues a clip from its last frame with a new 3 to 30 second segment. Use it to grow a good shot instead of regenerating the whole scene. Extension to two minutes is still marked coming soon.

Edit or Regenerate?

Edit when the motion and framing already work. Regenerate when the idea itself is wrong. For another take on editing inside a finished clip, see Runway’s Aleph in our best AI video generators guide.

In our account, a finished result offers Edit Video, Regenerate and Use as references as separate buttons.

Kling 4.0 Prompt Guide: How to Write a Better Prompt

A good Kling 4.0 prompt reads like a short shot description. In our account, the prompt box asks you to describe the scene or upload an image, video, subject or voice as a reference. It also says you can use @ to reference assets quickly.

Prompt Structure That Works

We use the same checklist for every AI video prompt:

• Subject: who or what is in the shot.
• Action: what happens, in one clear sentence.
• Camera: push-in, handheld, aerial or static.
• Light and style: time of day, mood, color.
• Sound: dialogue, effects and music.

One clear scene beats a crowded paragraph. Add length and aspect ratio in the panel, not in the prompt.

Prompting With @ References and Keyframes

Name your references in the prompt so the model knows what to use. API providers call them @Image1, @Video1 and @Audio1, and the same idea applies in the app. With keyframes, write one short instruction per key moment and keep the lighting and character description the same.

Three Example Prompts

These are templates, not test results. Change the details to fit your project.

1. Text to video (product): A matte black coffee grinder on a marble counter at sunrise. Slow dolly-in, shallow depth of field, warm light through a window. Soft grinding sound and distant birdsong.

2. With a reference: @Image1 walks through a rainy neon street at night and stops at a ramen stand. Handheld camera follows from behind, then cuts to a close-up of her face. Rain on pavement and muffled music from the shop.

3. With keyframes: Keyframe 1: wide aerial shot of a mountain village at dawn. Keyframe 2: slow push-in to a lit window. Keyframe 3: interior close-up of a woman opening a letter. Same warm light and a quiet piano score throughout.

How to Use Kling 4.0: Create With Kling 4.0 Step by Step

The workflow takes a few minutes the first time. The steps below follow the creation page as it looks in our own account.

Open Kling 4.0, explore Kling 4.0’s panel and try Kling 4.0 on a short draft first.

Step-by-Step Workflow

1. Open kling.ai and choose Video Generation. The home screen puts the prompt box front and center.
2. Select Kling 4.0 in the model menu. In our account, the menu lists Kling 4.0, Kling 3.0 Omni, Kling 3.0 and Kling 3.0 Turbo, but not Flash.
3. Pick a reference mode. We use Omni reference when we want to add images, videos, a subject or a voice.
4. Write your prompt and add assets with @. Use the checklist from the prompt guide above.
5. Set resolution, length and aspect ratio. Start with a short 720p draft.
6. Generate, review and iterate. Check the Billing Rules link in the prompt box for credit costs.

Use the Kling 4.0 Panel Settings

In our account, the settings chip reads 720p · 10s · 16:9 · 1. It covers resolution, clip length, aspect ratio and, as far as we can tell, the number of outputs.

In keyframes mode, the Generate button shows a credit cost, such as 50 credits for a 5-second 720p draft. Open Billing Rules before you run a long 1080p clip, because costs can add up fast.

Use Kling 4.0 for final shots, and use the Kling 4.0 panel settings to keep drafts cheap.

Kling 4.0 vs Kling 3.0: What Changed

In Kling 4.0 vs Kling 3.0, the big step is length and control. It doubles single-pass clip length from 15 to 30 seconds and adds keyframes and a larger reference system. Pricing is the one area where Kling 3.0 is still easier to plan around.

Kling 4.0 vs Kling 3.0 Spec Table

The figures come from cellcog’s recap, CometAPI’s guide and WaveSpeed’s comparison.

What Improved the Most

Length and control are the real upgrades. A 30-second take, 10 keyframes and 15 references let you plan a scene instead of hoping a prompt works. Kling 3.0 launched in February 2026 with 15-second output and multi-shot control, so Kling 4.0 builds on a solid base.

When to Stay on Kling 3.0

Kling 3.0’s Standard plan costs $6.99 for the first month, then $8.80 a month for 660 credits. Official Kling 4.0 pricing is not published, and one comparison notes that Kling’s API packs do not cover 4.0 yet. If you need predictable costs for short clips, 3.0 is still a sensible choice.

Kling 4.0 vs Kling 4.0 Flash: Which One to Choose

Kling says Kling 4.0 Flash combines fast generation with reliable quality, built for frequent creation. In Kling 4.0 vs Kling 4.0 Flash, Flash is the quick sibling of the full Kling 4.0 model. It also gives up several headline features.

Kling 4.0 and Kling 4.0 Flash Spec Table

Source: cellcog’s launch recap and fal’s overview.

Who Gets Flash Access

Kling’s announcement letter says Flash opened to a limited group on September 28. Kling’s developer page lists it as available on request, while another guide says access was limited mainly to Ultra Yearly subscribers. Check your own account, and note that Flash was not in our model menu.

Choose Kling 4.0 or Flash

Use Flash for fast drafts and idea testing at 720p. Use the full Kling 4.0 for final shots, 4K, long takes and keyframe control. If you only need a quick social clip, Flash may be enough.

Kling 4.0 and Kling 4.0 Flash both support Omni reference, so you can reuse your reference setup.

Kling 4.0 vs Seedance 2.5: Which AI Video Model Wins?

Seedance 2.5 is Kling 4.0’s closest rival. In Kling 4.0 vs Seedance 2.5, both reach 30s clips and both generate audio with the video. Kling 4.0 adds 10 keyframes for shot control, while Seedance leans on large reference sets.

Specs Side by Side

Sources: OrcaRouter’s comparison, Synthesys, AIReel and KlingMotion.

Reference Volume vs Keyframe Control

Seedance 2.5 takes up to 50 reference assets, while Kling 4.0 takes 10 keyframes and 15 assets. Seedance suits big reference sets, such as a full product line. Kling suits planned shots, where you know the beats of the scene.

One evaluation found all three models tied on visual quality. It gave Seedance the edge on prompt following and audio, and Kling an advantage on physical interaction. Treat any single test as one data point.

Price Comparison

Both prices below are third-party API estimates, not official Kling or ByteDance rates. One provider lists Kling 4.0 at $0.113 per second at 720p and $0.170 at 1080p. The same page lists Seedance 2.5 at $0.315 per second at 720p and $0.790 at 1080p.

Other sources give different numbers, and Seedance API access has regional limits. Compare live prices before you commit.

Which to Pick

• Pick Kling 4.0 for planned scenes, keyframes, demanding action and lower API estimates.
• Pick Seedance 2.5 for large reference sets, detailed instructions and audio-led work.
• Test both on one real brief if the project is expensive.

For more on Seedance, see our best AI video generators guide.

Kling 4.0 vs Veo 3.1: Length, Audio and Price

Veo 3.1 and Kling 4.0 aim at different strengths. Veo focuses on polished, prompt-accurate clips with sound. Kling 4.0 focuses on length and control.

Veo 3.1 and Kling 4.0 Side by Side

Sources: BuildFast’s Veo 3.1 overview and the Kling sources above.

Length and Control

Veo 3.1 makes 8-second clips, so a long scene means stitching clips together. Kling 4.0 fits a full scene into one 30-second pass. If your story needs long takes, Kling has the clear edge.

Price and Access

Google AI Pro costs $19.99 a month and includes 1,000 Flow credits, and the Gemini API charges $0.40 per second at 720p and 1080p. In our Flow account, the model menu lists Veo 3.1 Lite, Fast and Quality, plus Omni 1.1 Flash. Kling’s own pricing for 4.0 is still missing, so a direct price comparison is not possible yet.

Which One to Choose

Choose Veo 3.1 for polished, prompt-accurate shots with audio and Google’s tools. Choose Kling 4.0 for long takes, keyframes and reference control. For a deeper look at Veo, read the Veo section of our best AI video generators guide.

Kling 4.0 API: What API Access Looks Like Today

API access is the biggest gap in the Kling 4.0 launch. Kling’s October 15 post lists API access for enterprises and developers as coming soon. In the meantime, some providers already offer Kling 4.0 through their own APIs.

Official API Status

Kling 4.0 is reachable through MCP and CLI, but a full public API is not live yet. One comparison notes that Kling’s prepaid API packs do not cover 4.0 yet. Kling 4.0 is coming to the official API soon, so watch Kling’s developer page for updates.

Third-Party API Access

WaveSpeed lists endpoints for text to video, image to video, reference to video, video editing and video extend, with 3 to 30 second clips at 720p or 1080p. CometAPI also offers Kling 4.0 and Flash, and notes that a Kling creator subscription does not include API access. Check each provider’s terms before you build on it.

API Pricing Reports

One provider lists Kling 4.0 at $0.113 per second at 720p and $0.170 at 1080p. Another lists 10 credits per second at 720p and 15 at 1080p, which makes a 30-second 1080p clip 450 credits. The units differ, so do not compare these numbers directly.

Kling 4.0 Pricing and Credits

The Generate button shows a credit cost in some modes, but official credit rates for 4.0 are not published. What you can see today are the subscription plans. In our own account, the plans page lists these offers.

Kling Plans in Our Account

This is the monthly billing view of Kling’s plans page, and it also offers a yearly toggle with a larger discount. Premier uses a credit slider, and we list the 18,000-credit option. Prices and offers change, so confirm them on Kling’s page.

Kling 4.0 Credit Cost: Not Official Yet

On Kling 3.0, a 5-second 1080p clip with audio costs 60 credits, and native 4K costs 30 credits per second. Kling 4.0 rates are not published, so any per-clip figure is an estimate. Open the Billing Rules link in the prompt box for the current rules.

In our account, a 5-second 720p draft in keyframes mode shows 50 credits on the Generate button, or about 10 credits per second. The model menu also shows a 10% Off badge on Kling 4.0.

How to Control Costs

• Draft short at 720p. Run the full 30 seconds only after the shot works.
• Use Flash for iteration if you have access.
• Test one keyframe idea first, then add more.
• Budget for retries. On Kling 3.0, failed generations still use credits.

Kling AI Models Compared: O1, 3.0, 4.0 and Flash

The Kling AI models now form a small family. Each one fits a different job.

• Kling O1: see our Kling O1 guide for the earlier release.
• Kling 3.0: launched in February 2026 with 15-second output, multi-shot control and multilingual native audio.
• Kling 4.0: 30-second clips, 10 keyframes, Omni reference and stereo audio.
• Kling 4.0 Flash: a faster, limited-access version with 20-second clips at 720p.
• Kling AI Avatar 2.0: talking avatars, covered in our look at Kling AI Avatar 2.0.

In our account, the model menu also lists Kling 3.0 Omni and Kling 3.0 Turbo next to Kling 4.0 and Kling 3.0. Pick the model by the job, not by the version number. A cheap 3.0 clip can beat an expensive 4.0 clip when the shot is simple.

AI Videos With Kling 4.0: Ads, Shorts and Story Scenes

We have not run a formal test, so these are use-case ideas based on the features. They show where Kling 4.0’s length and control should matter most. AI videos with Kling 4.0 work best when you plan the shot first.

Made With Kling 4.0: Use Case Ideas

Videos made with Kling 4.0 can follow these patterns:

• Product ads: keyframes and references help keep the product and logo consistent.
• Story scenes and trailers: 30 seconds and 10 keyframes fit a short narrative beat.
• Social drafts: use Flash to test hooks quickly.
• Voice-led clips: voice references and stereo audio suit dialogue scenes.
• Localized versions: Kling lists nine named languages, which helps with regional variants.

Always label realistic AI video where required. Our guide covers rights, disclosure and safety in detail.

Who Should Use the Kling 4.0 AI Video Model (and Who Should Skip It)

The Kling 4.0 model suits some creators far better than others.

Use the Kling 4.0 If You Want

• Long single takes of up to 30 seconds.
• Planned scenes with keyframes.
• Consistent characters or products through Omni reference.
• Audio with the picture, including stereo sound and voice references.

Skip Kling 4.0 If You Need

• Published, predictable pricing, because official 4.0 rates are missing.
• A public API today, because the official API is still coming soon.
• HDR now, because 10-bit HDR is not live yet, and 4K is still marked Coming Soon in our account.
• A huge reference set, where Seedance 2.5 may fit better.

How to Try Kling 4.0 for Free

Kling has a free plan, but its output is not cleared for commercial use. Reviews disagree on how many free credits you get: one reports 66 daily credits, while another says credits arrive once a month. Whether free credits work with 4.0 depends on your account, so open the model menu and check.

In our account, the settings panel shows a 3 trials left badge and marks 1080p and extra outputs as VIP. Kling’s plan table also lists daily free credits as a benefit for subscribers, and our result carries a small KlingAI 4.0 mark in the corner.

Free Alternatives

If Kling 4.0 is out of reach, other tools renew free credits daily. Our guide to the best free AI video generator options compares them.

Kling 4.0 FAQ

This Kling 4.0 FAQ answers the most common questions about release, length, API access and pricing.

What is Kling 4.0?

Kling 4.0 is Kuaishou’s newest AI video model. It makes clips of 3 to 30 seconds with up to 10 keyframes, Omni reference and stereo audio.

When was Kling 4.0 released?

Kling 4.0 went fully live on October 15, 2026. Kling 4.0 Flash opened for limited early access on September 28.

How long can a Kling 4.0 video be?

Up to 30 seconds in a single generation, and Flash reaches 20 seconds. Extension to two minutes is marked coming soon.

Does Kling 4.0 support 4K?

Not yet: in our account, 4K is marked Coming Soon. The model lists 720p, 1080p and 4K. 10-bit HDR at 1080p and 4K is still coming soon, and third-party APIs list only 720p and 1080p.

Is there a Kling 4.0 API?

Not an official one yet. Kling lists API access as coming soon, while some providers already offer Kling 4.0 through their own APIs.

Is Kling 4.0 free?

Kling has a free plan, but free output is not cleared for commercial use. Free credit amounts are reported differently, and Kling’s plan table lists daily free credits for subscribers, so check your account.

What is Kling 4.0 Flash?

Flash is a faster, limited-access version. It runs up to 20 seconds at 720p and accepts only a first frame.

Kling 4.0 vs Seedance 2.5: which is better?

Choose Kling 4.0 for planned scenes with keyframes. Choose Seedance 2.5 when you need a very large reference set. We compare both above.

Final Verdict: Is the Kling 4.0 AI Video Generator Worth It?

Yes, if you want long takes and real control. Thirty seconds, 10 keyframes and Omni reference move Kling AI from short clips to planned scenes. The missing pieces are official pricing and a public API.

Use Flash for quick drafts and the full Kling 4.0 for final shots. If you need predictable costs today, Kling 3.0 is still a safe choice. For the bigger picture, read our guide to the best AI video generators in 2027.

We will update this guide as soon as Kling publishes official 4.0 pricing and API access.

Last Updated on October 26, 2026 8:46 pm by Laszlo Szabo / NowadAIs | Published on October 26, 2026 by Laszlo Szabo / NowadAIs