Alibaba Unleashes Free Generative AI Models for Stunning Video and Image Creation

Alibaba is providing free access to its generative AI models capable of creating stunningly realistic videos and images from both text and images. The corporation has revealed that four versions of its Wan 2.1 series, the newest iteration of its generative AI technology, are now available as open-source and can be downloaded and adapted by users. Researchers, scholars, and commercial entities can acquire them from Alibaba Cloud’s ModelScope and Hugging Face platforms, which offer access to open-source AI models. As Reuters reported, the models that Alibaba has made open-source are designated as T2V-1.3B, T2V-14B, I2V-14B-720P, and I2V-14B-480P, with the 14B signifying that the model can handle 14 billion parameters.

Recently, the Chinese firm DeepSeek launched its R1 reasoning model for free download and use, sparking demand for more open-source AI solutions. DeepSeek also expanded its dedication to the open-source community and is in the process of launching five code repositories associated with its service.

Alibaba was among the early entrants into the field of generative AI following the debut of OpenAI’s ChatGPT two years ago. Recently, Alibaba Group’s Chairman, Joe Tsai, stated that the company’s generative AI technology will enhance artificial intelligence features for iPhones intended for the Chinese market. Due to stringent regulations regarding AI products, Apple is unable to use the same AI technology in the phones it markets in China, prompting it to seek local partnerships, with Alibaba being one of the chosen collaborators.