Replay AI vs Cursor: Building Applications With Clean UI from Video Demos - 2026

TL;DR: Replay AI leverages video analysis to generate functional UI code, surpassing Cursor's code-generation capabilities by understanding user behavior and intent, not just visual elements.

The year is 2026. Screenshot-to-code tools are relics. We've moved beyond static image interpretation. The future of UI development is understanding user behavior, and that means video. This isn't just about replicating pixels; it's about reconstructing intent. Tools like Cursor, while powerful, still operate in a world of text-based prompts and code completion. Replay AI changes the game.

The Problem with Traditional Code Generation#

For years, the promise of AI-powered code generation has been hampered by a fundamental limitation: a lack of context. Tools like Cursor, while excellent for autocomplete and code suggestions, are ultimately limited by their dependence on static inputs. They can suggest code based on existing patterns and libraries, but they lack the ability to understand the user's goal.

Consider a scenario where a user is demonstrating a multi-step form submission in a video. A screenshot-to-code tool might be able to identify the individual UI elements (text fields, buttons, etc.), but it won't understand the flow of data, the dependencies between fields, or the intended outcome of the form submission. This is where the limitations of traditional code generation become apparent. You get code, but it's often brittle, incomplete, and requires significant manual intervention.

Replay AI: Behavior-Driven Reconstruction#

Replay AI takes a fundamentally different approach. Instead of relying on static images or text prompts, Replay analyzes video recordings of user interactions. This "Behavior-Driven Reconstruction" allows Replay to understand the intent behind the user's actions, not just the visual elements on the screen.

Here's how it works:

1. •Video Analysis: Replay analyzes the video frame-by-frame, identifying UI elements, user interactions (clicks, scrolls, form inputs), and the flow of data between elements.
2. •Intent Inference: Using advanced AI models (powered by Gemini), Replay infers the user's intent based on their actions. For example, if a user enters data into a form and then clicks a "Submit" button, Replay understands that the user is attempting to submit the form.
3. •Code Generation: Replay generates clean, functional UI code based on the inferred intent. This code includes not only the visual elements but also the underlying logic and data dependencies.

💡 Pro Tip: Replay's ability to analyze video allows it to handle dynamic UI elements and complex user flows that are simply impossible for screenshot-to-code tools to capture.

Replay AI vs. Cursor: A Head-to-Head Comparison#

The key difference lies in the input and the resulting understanding of user intent. Cursor is a code completion and suggestion engine; Replay is a behavior-driven UI reconstruction engine.

Building Applications with Replay AI: A Step-by-Step Guide#

Let's walk through a simple example of how to use Replay to build a UI from a video demo. Imagine you have a video recording of a user interacting with a simple to-do list application.

Step 1: Upload the Video to Replay#

Simply upload the video recording to the Replay platform. Replay will automatically begin analyzing the video and identifying the UI elements and user interactions.

Step 2: Review and Refine the Reconstruction#

Once the analysis is complete, Replay will present a reconstructed version of the UI. You can review the reconstruction and make any necessary refinements. For example, you might need to adjust the layout or add missing elements.

Step 3: Generate the Code#

With a single click, Replay will generate the code for the UI. This code will include not only the visual elements but also the underlying logic for handling user interactions, such as adding, deleting, and completing to-do items.

Here's a simplified example of the generated code (React):

typescript
// Generated by Replay AI
import React, { useState } from 'react';

const TodoList = () => {
  const [todos, setTodos] = useState([]);
  const [newTodo, setNewTodo] = useState('');

  const handleInputChange = (event: React.ChangeEvent<HTMLInputElement>) => {
    setNewTodo(event.target.value);
  };

  const handleAddTodo = () => {
    if (newTodo.trim() !== '') {
      setTodos([...todos, { text: newTodo, completed: false }]);
      setNewTodo('');
    }
  };

  const handleToggleComplete = (index: number) => {
    const updatedTodos = [...todos];
    updatedTodos[index].completed = !updatedTodos[index].completed;
    setTodos(updatedTodos);
  };

  return (
    <div>
      <input type="text" value={newTodo} onChange={handleInputChange} />
      <button onClick={handleAddTodo}>Add Todo</button>
      <ul>
        {todos.map((todo, index) => (
          <li key={index}>
            <input
              type="checkbox"
              checked={todo.completed}
              onChange={() => handleToggleComplete(index)}
            />
            <span style={{ textDecoration: todo.completed ? 'line-through' : 'none' }}>
              {todo.text}
            </span>
          </li>
        ))}
      </ul>
    </div>
  );
};

export default TodoList;

This is a basic example, but it demonstrates the power of Replay AI. The code is functional and ready to be integrated into a larger application. Furthermore, Replay can even infer styling based on the video, automatically generating CSS or using a styling library like Material UI or Tailwind CSS.

📝 Note: Replay goes beyond simple component generation. It can reconstruct entire product flows, handling navigation, data persistence (with Supabase integration), and even inject custom styles to match your brand.

The Benefits of Behavior-Driven Code Generation#

• •Faster Development: Replay AI significantly reduces the time and effort required to build UIs.
• •Improved Accuracy: By understanding user intent, Replay generates more accurate and functional code than traditional code generation tools.
• •Enhanced Collaboration: Replay makes it easier for designers and developers to collaborate by providing a common language for describing UI requirements.
• •Reduced Maintenance: Replay generates clean, well-structured code that is easier to maintain and update.

⚠️ Warning: While Replay dramatically accelerates development, it's not a "magic bullet." Complex UIs may still require manual refinement and optimization. The key is that Replay handles the bulk of the repetitive work, freeing developers to focus on higher-level concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Is Replay free to use?#

Replay offers a free tier with limited functionality. Paid plans are available for more advanced features and higher usage limits. Check Replay's pricing page for the latest details.

How is Replay different from v0.dev?#

While v0.dev is a powerful tool for generating UI components from text prompts, it lacks the ability to analyze user behavior and reconstruct complex UI flows from video. Replay's video-to-code engine provides a deeper understanding of user intent, resulting in more accurate and functional code.

What kind of videos work best with Replay?#

Videos with clear and consistent user interactions tend to produce the best results. Avoid videos with excessive noise, blurring, or rapid camera movements.

Can Replay generate code for different platforms?#

Yes, Replay supports generating code for various platforms, including React, Vue.js, and HTML/CSS. Additional platforms are being added regularly.

Does Replay support custom components?#

Yes, Replay allows you to define custom components and integrate them into the reconstruction process. This allows you to maintain consistency and reuse existing code.

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Ready to try behavior-driven code generation? Get started with Replay - transform any video into working code in seconds.