Answer first
For the current Ray3 web workflow, Luma documents 5-second image-to-video and 10-second SDR text-to-video base clips; HDR text-to-video is capped at 5 seconds, and SDR Extend can reach up to 30 seconds. That is not a universal Dream Machine limit: the selected model, input mode, HDR/SDR format, web or API surface, and extension path all matter.
For resolution, separate native generation, preview, upscale, and downloaded file. Luma’s Ray3 FAQ lists native 540p, 720p, and 1080p generation and describes upscaling for larger output. The Ray 2 API reference accepts 540p, 720p, 1080, and 4k request values. A 4K file or parameter does not by itself prove native 4K generation.
Limits by surface
| Surface | Current documented boundary | What to verify before production |
|---|---|---|
| Ray3 image-to-video | 5-second base clip | SDR/HDR mode, credits, fidelity, and continuity |
| Ray3 text-to-video | 10 seconds in SDR; 5 seconds in HDR | Prompt mode, format, and current model selection |
| Ray3 Extend | Up to 30 seconds in SDR | Each transition; HDR extension switches to SDR |
| Ray 2 API | Duration and resolution are request fields | Accepted values, actual asset metadata, cost, and status |
| API Extend | Completed generated videos only | Source generation state and endpoint response |
These are source checks observed August 12, 2026, not permanent product guarantees. Reopen the official pages before budgeting a large batch.
Resolution and motion acceptance test
Run one representative shot before choosing a plan or pipeline:
- fix the prompt, reference image, aspect ratio, target duration, and camera instruction;
- record the model, product surface, format, requested resolution, credits, and generation ID;
- inspect the downloaded file rather than relying on a UI label;
- review subject identity, geometry, camera direction, temporal artifacts, and text rendering;
- test one extension and examine the boundary frame by frame;
- count rejected generations, upscales, and manual edits in cost per accepted clip.
The API camera-motion guide says supported moves can be retrieved from its camera-motion endpoint and used in prompt language, but similar phrases can still mismatch. Treat the motion list as an input vocabulary, not a guarantee of exact cinematography.
Commercial-use rights depend on the generation plan
Luma’s licensing guide distinguishes the plan active when an asset was generated:
- Free and Lite generations are described as watermarked and personal-use only.
- Plus, Unlimited, and Enterprise generations include commercial-use rights under the applicable terms.
- Downgrading later does not retroactively grant commercial rights to older Free or Lite generations.
- Cancelling later does not remove commercial rights already obtained for qualifying generations.
Those plan rights still cannot clear third-party inputs, people, brands, music, confidential material, or destination-platform rules. Keep generation IDs and plan evidence with the asset record.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a Luma Dream Machine video be?
For Ray3, use the model-specific base and Extend limits above. For Ray 2, Agents, or the API, verify that surface separately rather than reusing Ray3 numbers.
What resolution does Dream Machine support?
Ray3 documents native 540p, 720p, and 1080p generation, while higher resolutions may use upscaling. Inspect the final file and distinguish native generation from upscale.
Can Luma videos be used commercially?
Only when the plan and terms attached to that generation provide those rights, and only after clearing all external rights. Use the Luma pricing guide for plan comparison.
Can every Luma video be extended?
No. Confirm the model, source generation, completion state, SDR/HDR behavior, and current product surface. Then review every extension boundary.
Are web credits and API pricing the same?
Do not assume equivalence. Price a web subscription, Luma Agents use, and API calls from their own current documentation. For a matched output test, see the Luma vs. Sora guide.
Official sources
Source check: August 12, 2026.