The craze for Studio Ghibli-style videos is not just a passing trend—it is a testament to the timeless appeal of hand-drawn animation and soulful storytelling. Fortunately, with the rise of AI tools, open-source animation software, and digital painting programs, it is now possible to create Ghibli-style videos for free. Whether you want to animate hand-drawn scenes, enhance real-life footage with AI, or create beautiful Ghibli-inspired backgrounds, there are several free resources available to bring your vision to life.
In this guide, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of making Ghibli-style videos without spending a dime. From generating artwork and animating characters to adding motion effects and music, you’ll learn how to capture the charm of Studio Ghibli’s world using free and accessible tools. Let’s dive in!
How to Create Ghibli-Style Videos for Free (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a detailed step-by-step tutorial on how to create Studio Ghibli-style videos for free using AI, animation software, and editing tools.
Step 1: Use AI Tools for Ghibli-Style Image Conversion
Before animating, you need Ghibli-style assets.
AI Art Generators:
- Use Leonardo AI, Deep Dream Generator, or Stable Diffusion with Ghibli-style models to convert real images into Ghibli-styled art.
- Websites like Artbreeder allow you to generate anime-style characters.
Hand-Drawn Effect:
- Apps like ToonMe, Painnt, or Photoshop filters can help stylize images to look Ghibli-like.
Bonus:
- Besides these tools, you can also create Ghibli-style images using Chatgpt free version and if you want to know how you can do it then read our related article as mentioned below.
Related Article: How to Create Ghibli-Style Images for Free (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 2: Animate Your Ghibli-Styled Images
Once you have images, use free animation tools:
- Blender (2D & 3D Animation) – Open-source and powerful, Blender can animate hand-drawn Ghibli-style assets using its Grease Pencil tool.
- OpenToonz – Free software used by Studio Ghibli! It’s great for frame-by-frame animation.
- Krita Animation – Free and good for 2D frame-by-frame animation.
- CapCut / Alight Motion – For AI-assisted motion animation (good for beginners).
Step 3: Add Ghibli-Style Motion & Effects
- Use CapCut or DaVinci Resolve to add motion blur, color grading, and Ghibli-style filters.
- Download Studio Ghibli color palettes and apply them in Photoshop or After Effects.
Step 4: Add Ghibli Music & Sound Effects
Use royalty-free Ghibli-style music:
- YouTube Audio Library
- Pixabay Music
Step 5: Edit & Export the Final Video
Use DaVinci Resolve (free version) or Shotcut to compile your animated scenes, add effects, and export your Ghibli-style video.
Bonus: Use AI for Automatic Video Animation
If you don’t want to animate frame by frame, use AI to directly convert your Ghibli style images into videos:
- Kaiber AI – Converts images into animated scenes.
- Runway ML (Gen-2) – Turns text or images into animated clips.
- EbSynth – Converts video footage into a hand-drawn Ghibli-like animation.
Quick Recap of the Steps:
- Create Ghibli-style images and backgrounds using AI or digital painting.
- Animate using OpenToonz, Blender, or AI tools like EbSynth.
- Add motion effects & smooth transitions with CapCut or DaVinci Resolve.
- Include nostalgic Ghibli-style music & sound effects.
- Export and share your masterpiece online!
Final Thoughts
Creating Ghibli-style videos may sound like a dream reserved for professional animators, but with today’s free tools and creative resources, it’s more accessible than ever. And now, with the right guidance and tools, you have everything you need to start crafting those moments yourself.
So go ahead and create your own Ghibli story. The world is waiting to see it.
Also Read: How to Get Free ChatGPT Premium: Exclusive Tips & Tricks