Hailuo AI / 海螺 AI
MiniMax’s consumer AI platform offering conversational AI, industry-leading AI video generation, and music creation capabilities.
Overview
MiniMax’s Hailuo AI has gained international attention primarily through its video generation capabilities, which rival Runway and Sora. The platform also offers a conversational AI assistant and music generation. MiniMax operates one of China’s most technically advanced model labs, with the Hailuo Video model becoming one of the most viral AI video tools globally.
Key Features
- ✓ High-quality AI video generation rivaling Sora and Runway
- ✓ Conversational AI assistant with strong reasoning
- ✓ AI music generation capabilities
- ✓ API access for developer integration
👍 Pros
- • Video generation quality among the best globally
- • Free tier includes video generation credits
- • Accessible internationally without VPN
- • Rapid model improvements and feature updates
👎 Cons
- • Video generation queue times can be long during peak hours
- • Conversational AI less capable than focused chatbot competitors
- • Pricing for heavy video usage can add up
My Take
Hailuo’s video generation is the real story here. It produces results that genuinely compete with Runway and Sora, and the fact that you can access it internationally with a free tier is remarkable. For content creators in Africa looking for affordable AI video production, this is a serious option that most people outside China’s tech ecosystem do not yet know about.
Quick Info
- Pricing:
- freemium
- Starting at:
- Free tier available, paid plans for higher limits
- Added:
- Feb 2026
Use Cases
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access Hailuo AI video generation from outside China?
Yes, Hailuo AI’s video generation is accessible internationally through hailuoai.com. You can sign up with an email address without needing a Chinese phone number. The international version provides access to video generation, though some features may differ from the Chinese domestic version.
How does Hailuo video compare to Runway or Sora?
Hailuo’s video generation produces results comparable to Runway Gen-3 and OpenAI’s Sora in many scenarios, with particularly strong performance on character consistency and natural movement. The main advantage is pricing — Hailuo offers a free tier and lower paid pricing than Western competitors.