Maintaining the same person or figure in various images and videos generated by artificial intelligence is one of the biggest challenges and, at the same time, one of the most sought-after features by professionals and enthusiasts. 

Character consistency is crucial to ensure a cohesive visual narrative, whether in creative projects, advertising campaigns, illustrated stories, or video productions. With the rapid advancement of generative AI, new tools and techniques are constantly emerging to meet this demand. 

This article explores the latest strategies and features of the main AI platforms, including Midjourney, Leonardo AI, Stable Diffusion, Luma, Freepik, Higgsfield, Flora, and Krea (Flux), in addition to addressing character consistency in videos.

What is character consistency?

Character consistency in artificial intelligence tools refers to the ability to generate multiple outputs (images or videos) that maintain the likeness and visual characteristics of the same person or figure. This includes facial features, body structure, clothing, and even expressions, ensuring visual uniformity and higher quality in different creative contexts and scenarios.

Challenges in maintaining the same character with AI

Although generative AI tools are incredibly powerful, with a wide range of technical capabilities, many still face difficulties in reproducing the same characters in different images accurately. 

The complexity of human features and the randomness in interpreting prompts can lead to subtle or significant changes in the character's traits. Therefore, the development of native resources or advanced techniques is essential to achieve satisfactory results.

AI tools for character consistency in images

In recent years, some companies have recognized the relevance of the character consistency feature in AI image generation and have created tools focused on this functionality.

It is important to emphasize that advancements in the artificial intelligence market are happening at a very rapid pace, so it is possible (and likely) that other tools will adopt this functionality soon.

But let’s highlight here the main tools so far that are capable of generating consistent characters.

1. Midjourney

Midjourney, in its V7 version, introduced Omni-Reference as a robust feature to ensure character consistency. Evolving from the --cref parameter, Omni-Reference allows users to use a reference image to guide the generation of new images, maintaining the desired character's facial, bodily, and even clothing characteristics.

To use Omni-Reference, users can click on the image icon in the prompt box on the website and drag/drop their reference image into the 'Omni-Reference' section. Alternatively, on Discord, the command --oref followed by the URL of the reference image can be employed. 

The influence of the reference image on the output is controlled by the Omni-Weight parameter (--ow). A low value (25-50) results in subtle influence, ideal for style transfers. A moderate value (100-300) provides balanced influence, guiding the scene without overpowering it. A high value (400-1000) ensures strong influence, preserving details such as facial features.

2. Leonardo AI

Leonardo AI offers the Character Reference feature, designed to generate stable images of a specific character that needs to be reused in multiple generations. This tool is particularly useful for creating series of images with the same character, such as in animations or illustrated stories. 

• Models and styles: use the presets (pre-adjusted models) and styles (e.g., Flat, Retro, Semi-Realism) available on the platform.

• Image reference modes: click the image button next to the prompt to access the reference modes. The Character Reference focuses on the likeness of the reference character.

• Combining references: it is possible to combine the Character Reference with other modes, such as Content Reference (for scene composition) or Pose to Image (to maintain the pose).

• Reference strength: adjust the influence of the reference image with the Low, Mid, and High settings.

3. Stable Diffusion and LoRA

Stable Diffusion, although it does not have a native character consistency tool like Midjourney or Leonardo AI, allows for high character consistency using IP-Adapters and FaceID, especially with the Automatic1111 interface.

This strategy is usually used by more advanced users as it requires greater knowledge of these tools, in addition to technical hardware and software prerequisites for the computer.

More advanced AI users can train custom models, such as LoRAs (Low-Rank Adaptation), to maintain character consistency across multiple images.

A LoRA is a type of adaptation applied to large AI models to customize their use without having to train the model from scratch. It is an efficient and economical resource that uses fewer computational and storage resources for its operation.

Stable Diffusion is one of the main AI tools that currently support LoRAs. This is done through extensions like the Automatic1111 Web UI, which allow users to load and utilize trained LoRAs or train new LoRAs with custom datasets.

How it works:

• Update and installation: it is necessary to update the ControlNet extension, download the IP-Adapter models (FaceID versions), and the corresponding LoRA FaceID files, and move them to the correct folders before restarting the application.

• Image generation: add the LoRA FaceID to your prompt and adjust its weight (0.5 is a good initial value). In the ControlNet section, upload a reference image of the character's face and set the control type to IP-Adapter, ensuring that the preprocessor and the model match.

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For more advanced control, a second ControlNet slot can be used with OpenPose to generate new images with the same character in different poses, maintaining facial consistency. Additionally, by changing the text prompt for clothing and background, it is possible to generate new images while keeping the character's face consistent, demonstrating the flexibility of this approach.

4. Luma AI

Luma AI, through its Dream Machine tool, offers the Character Reference feature to create consistent and personalized characters. This functionality allows the user to use an image as a reference to maintain the character's consistency in different generations. 

How to use:

• Upload the reference image: upload a clear photo of the face you want to use. 

• Selection and Prompt: select "Reference" from the dropdown menu and type "@character" followed by the prompt in natural language describing the scenario or theme. 

• Generation and Refinement: the Dream Machine incorporates the reference image to create visuals that match the prompt, maintaining the likeness of the character. The "Modify" feature allows for fine adjustments.

5. Freepik

Freepik offers the Custom Characters feature, a function of its AI image generator powered by LoRA technology. It was developed to facilitate the creation of consistent and cohesive designs that adapt to different poses and scenes. 

To create a consistent character, the user must upload 12 to 24 images of the character from different angles and expressions to train the AI. Freepik's system then trains the AI based on these images to recognize and reproduce the essential traits of the character. The level of quality in the generation can be adjusted to influence the fidelity to the character. 

Additional features:

• Add styles: mix your Custom Character with new styles or maintain its original appearance using a Custom Style. 

• Consistently swap characters: use Custom Characters in the Retouch tool to easily swap faces. 

• Create AI videos: use the Custom Character images as a base for Freepik's AI Video Generator. 

6. Higgsfield: SOUL ID

Higgsfield introduced SOUL ID, an advanced character model that allows users to train a personalized avatar from their own photos to create consistent and refined visuals with each generation. The main goal is to solve the challenge of character inconsistency in AI image generation.

SOUL ID allows the user to train their unique avatar by uploading 10 or more photos. After training, it is possible to generate images with style presets, choosing from over 60 curated options to define the desired style. 

The tool guarantees consistent results, maintaining the fidelity of the character in different poses, expressions, and lighting setups. Moreover, SOUL ID allows for the creation of unlimited personas, enabling the management of multiple distinct avatars for different projects.

7. Flora AI

Flora AI is a platform that integrates various AI tools for text, image, and video. For character consistency, Flora AI uses the ability to upload LoRAs (Low-Rank Adaptation) and integrate with Flux Dev. 

To achieve character consistency, the platform allows the upload of trained LoRAs with images of the characters, ensuring that the characteristics are maintained. The integration with Flux Dev also contributes to maintaining character consistency within the Flora editor, providing a cohesive workflow for creators.

8. Krea AI

Krea AI offers a training tool that allows users to train AI models on custom datasets to ensure consistency in their projects. This feature is particularly useful for brand identity, character design, and stylistic continuity. 

The key benefits include creating consistent visual styles across multiple generations, developing custom character models that maintain recognizable features, establishing specific brand aesthetics, and saving time training the AI to understand unique requirements. 

Steps to train a custom style in Krea AI:

• Upload a dataset: upload at least 3 images of the same art style, character, or object (10-30 images for best results).

• Generate a style code: Krea assigns a unique style code applicable to the outputs of Flux, Edit, and Enhancer. 

• Apply and refine the style: apply the trained style and refine the model with additional images. 

Character Consistency in AI-Generated Videos

Character consistency in AI-generated videos is a growing challenge, but various tools and techniques are emerging to address it. Maintaining the same appearance of a character in different scenes and frames is crucial for visual narrative and content credibility. 

1. Kling AI

Kling AI stands out as one of the leading tools for generating high-quality videos with character consistency. The platform allows users to upload a reference image of the character through the Elements or Multi-Elements feature and maintain their visual characteristics across different scenes and movements.

The tool offers control over the character reference strength, allowing adjustments on how much the original image influences the final result. Kling AI is particularly effective at maintaining facial details and expressions, even in complex movements and camera angle changes.

2. Google Veo 3

Google Veo 3 represents one of the most significant advancements in generating videos with consistent characters. The tool utilizes cutting-edge technology to understand and maintain the character's characteristics in different visual contexts.

The system allows detailed descriptions in natural language and can interpret specific nuances about appearance, clothing, and character behavior. Consistency is maintained even in longer videos, with smooth transitions between different scenes and poses.

3. Runway Gen-4

Runway Gen-4 offers robust features for maintaining the visual identity of characters in videos. The platform allows uploading multiple reference images of the same character, creating a more complete visual profile that enhances consistency.

The tool excels in providing granular control over specific aspects of the character, including lighting, skin textures, and facial expressions. Gen-4 also provides post-generation editing tools for fine adjustments in character consistency.

4. Luma Dream Machine

Luma Dream Machine allows the use of Character Reference for videos using a reference image. The tool combines ease of use with professional-quality results, being a balanced option between accessibility and performance.

The platform stands out for its ability to maintain facial features and expressions of the character across different video contexts. The system offers controls to adjust the intensity of the reference, allowing the ideal balance between fidelity to the original character and creativity in new generations.

5. Seedance 1.0

Seedance 1.0 is a platform specialized in generating videos with character consistency, particularly focused on dance movements and performances. The tool allows for training custom models with sets of images of the desired character.

The system is optimized to maintain specific physical characteristics during dynamic movements, being particularly useful for creating entertainment content and social media where body consistency is crucial.

6. HeyGen

HeyGen focuses on creating consistent avatars and characters for videos, especially aimed at educational and corporate content. The platform enables the creation of custom avatars that can be reused in multiple videos, maintaining total visual consistency.

The tool offers advanced lip-syncing and natural expressions, making it ideal for presentations, tutorials, and marketing content where the credibility of the presenter is important.

7. Accessible tools

Pika Labs: offers an intuitive interface and a simplified process for generating videos with consistent characters. Although the results are less realistic compared to premium tools, it is an excellent option for beginners and projects with limited budgets.

LTX: stands out for its ease of use and fast processing times. Suitable for rapid prototyping and concept testing, offering a simplified workflow for creators prioritizing agility.

8. Advanced technical solutions

Flux (Stable Video Diffusion): excellent quality of results and complete control over the generation process. Requires more advanced technical knowledge but allows deep customizations and high-fidelity results. It is the preferred choice for experienced users who need maximum control over consistency.

IP-Adapter and Reactor (for Stable Diffusion): complementary techniques applied in videos to maintain consistency through frame-by-frame processing. These solutions require technical setup but provide unparalleled flexibility for custom projects.

Although the tools are advancing rapidly, there remains a gap between what is "real-looking" and "perfect" in fine details and expressions. The key to success lies in choosing the tool that best meets the goal of your video, learning to give good creative direction, writing well-crafted prompts, and knowing how to refine the results to achieve the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Character consistency in generating images and videos through AI has evolved significantly in recent years. Tools like Midjourney with Omni-Reference, Higgsfield with SOUL ID, and Flora AI with Flux Dev integration offer robust solutions to maintain the visual identity of characters across various creations.

The growing integration of consistency features in video generators such as Kling AI, Runway Gen-4, and Google Veo 3 reflects the intense competition among the tools to stay updated and ahead in the AI race.

For tools that still do not have native character consistency features, an alternative strategy is to maintain the core of the prompt and make small changes to the text, seeking to change the context while preserving the character's traits.

We tested this approach using Visual Electric and reached interesting results; however, this alternative can be time-consuming and consistency is not guaranteed. For most of the tools mentioned in this article, however, consistency is achieved through specific native resources, making the process more efficient and reliable.

Whether through AI tools with native features or persistence in prompt testing, applying character consistency elevates your creative projects and makes the results even more professional.