In implementation of techniques for generating video from an image based on variable speed, a computing device implements a variable speed system to receive a static digital image displayed in a user interface, an indication of a movement direction, and an indication of a variable rate of speed. The variable speed system generates a digital video based on the static digital image, the digital video having pixels that move in the movement direction at a speed that varies based on the variable rate of speed based on pixels from the static digital image. The variable speed system then displays the digital video in the user interface.