Frame Interpolation

Frame interpolation

Watch as an animation →

In plain words

Create new frames between existing frames so that even footage slowed down doesn't stutter.

When to use it

When slowing down a short section, or matching clips with different frame rates.

Example videos

Video AI - Frame Interpolation — Explainer: See how new frames are made between frames, with a slow-motion example.
Optical Flow vs Frame Blending vs Frame Sampling | Time Interpolation Tutorial Premiere Pro — Explainer: Compare the results of optical flow, frame blending, and frame sampling side by side.
Make Smoother Ai Videos With Frame Interpolation! - flowframes, Pika Labs & Looping Videos — AI: The process of interpolating the frames of AI video to make it smoother.

In AI video, like this

Use it only when slowing down by 2x or less. In ffmpeg: setpts=1.6*PTS,minterpolate=fps=24:mi_mode=mci:mc_mode=aobmc:me_mode=bidir:vsbmc=1. The edges of fast-moving objects and overlapping areas can break up like ripples, so check that section frame by frame. If you need to slow down more, generate it as "slow motion" from the start (see Speed Ramp). AI interpolation tools like Topaz are separate programs.

One-click prompt

Slow a clip down by 1.6x and fill the gaps with new frames to keep it smooth: ffmpeg -i in.mp4 -vf "setpts=1.6*PTS,minterpolate=fps=24:mi_mode=mci:mc_mode=aobmc:me_mode=bidir:vsbmc=1" -an out.mp4. Check fast-moving edges frame by frame, and use "slow motion" in the prompt for slower shots.

See it in real films and ads

Wikipedia — Motion interpolation

AI-made examples

Topaz Labs — How to Use Frame Interpolation in Topaz Video

Recommended for scenes like these

Techniques that pair well

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