AI and technology
Alibaba has announced HappyHorse 1.1, a new AI tool that creates short videos from a few words and photos you type. A global contest was also launched with prizes worth up to RMB.
by Sahil Khanna
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Read in 5 minutes
Alibaba has released a new tool called HappyHorse 1.1. AI video model. That is, it is a computer program that creates short videos by itself. Just type a few words or a photo and your moving video will be created. Alibaba is a giant Chinese technology company. This tool was published on June 23, 2026.
Alibaba also launched a global contest at the same time. The goal is to find the best movies created using AI tools. This is another step for Alibaba in the fast-growing competition. Many companies are working on developing AI that can create videos. The news was reported by TechNode, a website that reports on China’s technology industry.
What is HappyHorse 1.1?
HappyHorse 1.1 is an improved version of Alibaba’s old video tool. Perform “video generation”. That means AI builds video clips from scratch. You give it words and pictures. This will create a moving video.
According to TechNode, the 1.1 version is better than the older 1.0 version in many ways. Alibaba says the new tools will make things move more smoothly on the screen. People and objects look the same from shot to shot. It also follows the requests entered more closely. Photos look sharper and clearer. And now you can play sound along with the video.
Major upgrades in a nutshell
- Motion (how things move): Movements look smoother and more natural.
- Remains unchanged: People and objects keep the same appearance throughout the clip.
- As per your request: The video will more accurately match what you type.
- image quality: Clearer and more detailed images.
- sound: The tool can now generate matching sounds.
Where it can be used
According to TechNode, Alibaba has deployed HappyHorse 1.1 in three locations. Available on the HappyHorse website. It is also available on Alibaba Cloud’s Bailian platform. Also available on Qwen Cloud. Alibaba Cloud is part of a company that rents computing power over the Internet. Qwen is the name of Alibaba’s AI model group. Having tools in these places makes it easier for companies and creators to use them in their work.
Benchmarks and specs
Alibaba told us what improvements have been made in HappyHorse 1.1. However, test scores were not shared. A benchmark is a test that measures how good a tool is. Alibaba also did not disclose the image size, clip length or price. The table below only shows what the company actually said. A blank cell means the number was not shared.
| item | HappyHorse 1.1 (as reported) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | alibaba |
| type | AI video generation model |
| previous version | Happy Horse 1.0 |
| release date | June 23, 2026 |
| motion dynamics | Improved compared to 1.0 |
| Thematic consistency | Improved compared to 1.0 |
| Immediate compliance | Improved compared to 1.0 |
| visual quality | Improved compared to 1.0 |
| Audio generation | Improved compared to 1.0 |
| Access destination | HappyHorse website, Alibaba Cloud Bailian, Qwen Cloud |
| benchmark score | Non-disclosure |
| Resolution/clip length | Non-disclosure |
| Pricing | Non-disclosure |
What it means: Alibaba sells HappyHorse 1.1 on how the actual videos look, not on test scores. It is not possible to measure how strong it is against other tools from this announcement as it does not share specific numbers.
HorsePower AI Video Competition
Along with this tool, Alibaba launched a global competition called HorsePower AI Video Competition on the same day, June 23, 2026. AIGC video creators from all over the world are invited to participate. AIGC means “AI Generated Content”. It can be a video, image or text created with the help of AI. Alibaba is running the contest with a partner called Huajing Entertainment Group.
The prize is a combination of three things. I have cash. There are AI computing credits. This means you have more computing power at your disposal to create more AI videos. And then there are business deals. According to TechNode, the winners will receive business deals worth up to RMB 1 million. That’s about $147,000. (The renminbi is the money used in China.) This combination of money and real work shows that Alibaba wants to turn skilled hobbyists into paying customers.
important facts
| detail | shape |
|---|---|
| model | Happy Horse 1.1 |
| Manufacturer | alibaba |
| release date | June 23, 2026 |
| competition | HorsePower AI Video Contest |
| competition partner | Kakyo Entertainment Group |
| Who can enter? | AIGC video creators around the world |
| highest reward amount | Up to 1 million RMB (approx. $147,000) |
Why it matters (especially for India/founders)
The race to create AI videos is rapidly heating up. Big companies are rushing to develop tools to turn a few words into a finished clip. We have also seen competitors expand into nearby areas. For example, there are new headset projects like ByteDance’s Pico Project Swan headset. There are also research findings such as Google DeepMind’s AI movies. Alibaba’s moves show it doesn’t want to be left behind in this fight.
For Indian founders and creators, this is important in two ways. First, inexpensive AI video tools allow small teams to create ads, explainer clips, or short films. You don’t need a big studio budget. Secondly, contests like HorsePower open doors to creators from all over the world, including India. They can win cash and real deals. Cheaper and faster video could change the way small businesses market themselves online.
FAQ
What is Alibaba HappyHorse 1.1?
This is a great AI video tool from Alibaba. Released on June 23, 2026. Create a short video from a few words or photos you type. Improved motion, more stable characters, sharper images, and better sound than version 1.0.
Where can I use HappyHorse 1.1?
According to TechNode, it is available on the HappyHorse website, Alibaba Cloud’s Bailian platform, and Qwen Cloud.
What is the HorsePower AI Video Competition?
This is a global contest launched by Alibaba together with Huajing Entertainment Group. Open to AIGC video creators around the world. Prizes include cash, computing credits, and business deals worth up to RMB 1 million (approximately $147,000).
Take-out
With HappyHorse 1.1 and a global competition, Alibaba is working hard to win over creators in the AI video race. This tool promises smoother movements, stable characters, and built-in sounds. The big prize shows that Alibaba sees AI filmmaking as a real business, not just a technology demo.
