"Top 10 Image to Video Generating Tools in 2026 - Infographic"

 

Top 10 Image to Video Generating Tools in 2026

In 2016, content creators and marketers had access to several powerful tools for transforming static images into dynamic video content. These image-to-video converters made it easier than ever to create engaging slideshows, presentations, and social media content. Here's our comprehensive guide to the top 10 tools that dominated the space in 2026.

1. Windows Movie Maker

Windows Movie Maker remained one of the most accessible and user-friendly options in 2016. This free Microsoft tool allowed users to import photos, add transitions, music, and effects to create polished video slideshows. Its simple drag-and-drop interface made it perfect for beginners, though it was discontinued by Microsoft in 2017.

Key Features:

• Free to use
• Intuitive interface
• Basic transitions and effects
• Audio track support
• Compatible with Windows operating systems

2. Animoto

Animoto was a popular cloud-based video creation platform that specialized in turning photos into professional-looking videos. In 2016, it offered both free and premium plans with various templates tailored for different purposes including business marketing, personal projects, and social media content.

Key Features:

• Web-based platform (no download required)
• Professional templates
• Music library
• HD video output
• Social media optimization

3. Photodex ProShow Producer

Photodex ProShow was considered one of the most powerful slideshow creation tools available in 2016, offering extensive customization options for professional users. It provided advanced features like masking, keyframing, and precision timing controls.

Key Features:

• Professional-grade output
• Extensive customization options
• Advanced transition effects
• Audio sync capabilities
• Multiple output formats

Note: Photodex Corporation permanently closed on January 31, 2020

4. Magix Photostory 2016

Magix Photostory 2016 was specifically designed for creating video slideshows from images. The software was released in early 2016 and received positive reviews for its user-friendly interface and impressive results.

Key Features:

• Dedicated slideshow creation
• Multiple export formats
• Effects and transitions
• Background music integration
• Timeline editing

5. iMovie (Mac)

Apple's iMovie continued to be the go-to choice for Mac users in 2016. This free application offered seamless integration with Apple's ecosystem and provided powerful video editing capabilities along with excellent image-to-video features.

Key Features:

• Free for Mac users
• Professional themes
• Trailer templates
• 4K video support
• iCloud integration

6. Pinnacle Studio

Pinnacle Studio offered robust slideshow creation capabilities through its SmartMovie feature in 2016. This professional video editing software made it easy to create photo slideshows with just a few clicks while still offering advanced customization for power users.

Key Features:

• SmartMovie automatic slideshow creation
• Advanced editing tools
• Multi-track timeline
• DVD authoring
• Screen recording

7. Freemake Video Converter

While primarily known as a video converter, Freemake offered excellent image-to-video conversion capabilities in 2016. It supported over 500 formats and provided a straightforward way to create slideshows from image collections.

Key Features:

• Free version available
• Support for 500+ formats
• Slideshow creation
• DVD burning
• Simple interface

8. Movavi Video Editor

Movavi Video Editor provided an intuitive platform for creating video slideshows with photos in 2016. The software struck a good balance between ease of use and powerful features, making it suitable for both beginners and intermediate users.

Key Features:

• User-friendly interface
• Filters and effects
• Title templates
• Audio editing
• Multiple export formats

9. Bolide Slideshow Creator

Bolide Slideshow Creator was a dedicated tool for transforming images into video presentations. In 2016, it offered a free version with robust features for creating professional-looking slideshows.

Key Features:

• Free version available
• Over 50 transition effects
• Pan and zoom effects
• Audio commentary support
• HD video output

10. PhotoStage Slideshow Software

PhotoStage by NCH Software rounded out the top 10 with its comprehensive slideshow creation features. In 2016, it was praised for being easy to use while offering creative freedom for users to customize their video projects.

Key Features:

• Free for home use
• Multiple format support
• Narration recording
• Burn to DVD
• Share directly to YouTube

Conclusion

In 2016, these tools revolutionized how individuals and businesses created video content from static images. While some of these applications have evolved or been discontinued since then, they paved the way for today's more advanced AI-powered video generation tools. Whether you needed simple slideshow creation or professional video production capabilities, there was a tool to match every skill level and budget.

When choosing an image-to-video tool in 2016, users typically considered factors like:

• Ease of use vs. advanced features
• Free vs. paid versions
• Platform compatibility (Windows, Mac, web-based)
• Output quality and format options
• Template and music library availability

These tools helped countless creators produce engaging video content for websites, social media, presentations, and personal projects throughout 2016.