A free AI video plan is useful for vertical content when you can generate, download and edit a clip that fits your project. Test all three steps with one five-second shot before spending credits on a full sequence.
1. Check the exact model and settings
Sign in to the free account and select the model you want to use. Choose text-to-video for this exercise, set the aspect ratio to 9:16, select five seconds and request one output. Write down the model, date, starting balance and displayed credit cost. If 9:16 is missing, the duration differs, or an upgrade prompt appears, record exactly where you stopped. If the model needs an image, log that as a separate image-to-video test.
2. Generate one repeatable test shot
Use a simple scene with one object and one action. The following is a practice prompt you can run in your own account.
A matte blue mug sits centered on a light wooden table against a plain beige wall. Over five seconds, the mug turns slowly until its handle comes into view. Fixed camera, medium close-up, vertical composition, soft daylight, one continuous shot. No text, people, or cuts.
Check the credit balance after the attempt. If the request starts, note when you submitted it and when the clip became available. If it stays queued, record the status you actually see. When an attempt fails, check whether credits were deducted before trying again.
3. Download and open the file
Use the tool’s export or download control and open the saved file in your player or editor. Check its width and height in the file or clip properties. 720 × 1280 and 1080 × 1920 are examples of 9:16 dimensions. Play the entire clip and check its duration, framing, motion and watermark. If the file has black bars, check whether the picture itself fills the vertical frame.
Import the file into the editor you actually use. If it plays in the browser but download fails, write down the error and classify the export as unverified. If you plan to publish the clip or deliver it to a client, check the provider’s terms for your account and the rights to any materials you supplied.
4. Record what worked
Keep one row per attempt: date, plan, model, input type, requested ratio and duration, credits before and after, generation result, export result, actual dimensions, watermark and whether the file fits your brief.
A clip passes this check when the downloaded file opens in your editor, fills the 9:16 frame, shows the intended action and meets your watermark and usage requirements. If an upgrade blocks generation, record that before spending more time on the prompt. If the output falls short, note the specific defect so you can judge whether a retry is worthwhile.
What our horizontal pilot showed
In our separate 16:9 pilot, Kling AI produced a clip that our tester downloaded with a visible watermark. Runway Gen-4.5 required an upgrade before generation on the tested Free account. See our Kling AI vs Runway comparison for the tested settings or explore the AI Video tools hub. The vertical exercise above has its own settings and checks.