Luma Dream Machine: Ray3.2, Price, Prompts and Alternatives
An independent guide to Luma AI's video generator — Ray3.2, Modify Video, prices and prompts — and where to do a similar video edit without a subscription.
Luma Dream Machine is Luma AI's video app, now simply called the Luma app (Luma lists the Dream Machine name as deprecated). Its current model, Ray3.2 (June 2026), does text-to-video and image-to-video in 5- or 10-second clips up to 1080p, with up to 16 keyframes and 16-bit HDR, plus Modify Video, which restyles your own footage (up to 20 s at 24 fps) while keeping the motion. Generated clips have no audio; Modify Video keeps the original sound. Plans start at $30 a month (Plus, 10,000 credits). Ray3 (September 2025) was billed as the first reasoning video model. Hold Frame does not run Luma: it offers ByteDance's Seedance 2.5 video edit for one-time prices. People also search for it as dream machine AI, luma ray3, luma ray 3.2, luma AI video generator, luma modify video.
Facts checked October 13, 2026 from the sources listed at the end. Hold Frame is not affiliated with Luma AI.
Luma Dream Machine at a glance
| Made by | Luma AI (US). Dream Machine is now the Luma app (web and iOS). |
|---|---|
| Current model | Ray3.2 (June 2026). Ray3 launched September 18, 2025 as a 'reasoning' video model with HDR. |
| Modes | Text-to-video, image-to-video, Modify Video (restyle your footage), Reframe (6 aspect ratios); up to 16 keyframes. |
| Clip length / quality | 5 or 10 s for generation; Modify Video up to 20 s at 24 fps; 360p draft to 1080p; 16-bit HDR / EXR export. |
| Audio | None on generated clips; Modify Video and Reframe keep the original audio. |
| Price | Plus $30/month ($25 yearly) with 10,000 credits and commercial use; Pro $90; Ultra $300; trial credits on sign-up. |
| API (Ray3.2) | 5 s text/image-to-video: $0.30 at 720p, $1.20 at 1080p; 5 s video-to-video: $1.44 at 720p. |
| Where to use | app.lumalabs.ai, the iOS app, the Luma API, and partners such as Adobe Firefly, fal, Freepik and OpenArt. |
Luma prompts that work
Copy a prompt, then change the subject and setting. Each one follows the structure in the tips below.
Slow dolly-in on a ceramic mug of coffee on a wooden table, morning window light, steam rising, shallow depth of field.
Handheld tracking shot following a cyclist down a wet city street at dusk, neon reflections on the asphalt.
Low-angle orbit around a lighthouse on a cliff, waves breaking, overcast sky, 35mm film look.
Static wide shot of a desert road; the camera pushes in slowly as heat haze shimmers and a lone truck approaches.
Describe the camera, not the meaning
Dolly, pan, tilt, orbit, push-in and handheld are the moves reviewers find most reliable.
Skip vague hype words
Luma's own field guide suggests testing without words like 'vibrant' or 'hyper-realistic'.
Draft first
Iterate in Draft mode, then render the keeper at full quality.
Pin start and end
Use keyframes to control where the motion begins and ends.
Modify Video needs clean footage
Steady, sharp, well-lit clips with a subject that stands out from the background work best.
Luma vs Seedance (what Hold Frame runs)
| Luma Ray3.2 | Seedance 2.5 on Hold Frame | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Luma AI | ByteDance (via Volcengine Ark) |
| Text-to-video / image-to-video | Yes (5 or 10 s) | Not offered on Hold Frame |
| Restyle your own clip, keep the motion | Modify Video, up to 20 s | Yes — 5 s of your clip, one reference image |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p, 16-bit HDR | 720p |
| Audio | Kept in Modify Video; none on generation | No audio |
| Price | Subscription from $30/month | $6.99 per video, 3 for $19.90 or 5 for $29.90 — one-time, no subscription |
Strengths (per reviewers)
- Cinematic camera motion and lighting
- HDR / EXR output for pro workflows
- Cheap iteration with Draft mode
- Modify Video keeps performance and audio
Limits (per reviewers)
- Short clips and no generated audio
- Weak at character-driven scenes and multi-object interaction
- Failed generations still use credits
- Credits don't roll over
Do a similar edit on Hold Frame
Hold Frame doesn't run Luma. If you want Modify-Video-style results — your own clip's motion with a new character or scene — Hold Frame's video editor runs ByteDance Seedance 2.5 edit mode: upload a 5-second clip and one reference image.
| Model we run | ByteDance Seedance 2.5 video edit (via Volcengine Ark) — not Luma. |
|---|---|
| What you upload | A clip (5 seconds are used) and one reference image for the new look. |
| Output | 720p MP4, about 5 s, no audio, no watermark. |
| Price | $6.99 per video, 3 for $19.90 or 5 for $29.90 — one-time, no subscription. Failed or declined videos are refunded. |
A real Seedance 2.5 edit made on Hold Frame (October 1, 2026). Left: source clip. Right: same motion, new look from one reference image.
FAQ
What is Luma Dream Machine?
Luma AI's video generation app, now called the Luma app. It runs the Ray video models (currently Ray3.2) for text-to-video, image-to-video and restyling your own footage.
What is Ray3.2?
Luma's current video model (June 2026): 5- or 10-second clips up to 1080p, up to 16 keyframes, 16-bit HDR, plus Modify Video and Reframe.
Is Luma Dream Machine free?
Luma gives trial credits; ongoing use needs a plan, starting with Plus at $30 a month. Reviews say free output is watermarked and non-commercial, but limits vary by source.
Does Luma make videos with sound?
Not on generated clips. Modify Video and Reframe keep the original audio of your footage.
Luma vs Seedance?
Luma focuses on camera control, keyframes and HDR; Seedance 2.x adds native audio and many references. On Hold Frame, Seedance 2.5's edit mode restyles your own clip like Luma's Modify Video.
Can I use Luma on Hold Frame?
No. Hold Frame isn't affiliated with Luma AI and doesn't run Ray models.