What is AI Video? Explain It Like I’m Five

by Chris Von Wilpert, BBusMan • Last updated January 11, 2024

Expert Verified by Leandro Langeani, BBA

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What is AI video?

AI video is like a magical robot that creates amazing movies for you. It uses smart computer “brains” to make cool scenes, add special effects, and bring your ideas to life on screen. It’s like having a smart director who can cook up incredible scenes faster than you can say "lights, camera, action!"

AI video fast facts

  • AI's role in video extends to editing, with tools like Riverside and Kapwing automating and enhancing the editing process.

  • Creators use platforms like Synthesia for animated avatars and Runway for text-to-video creation.

  • AI's integration in video, from creation to editing, is reshaping the landscape, making it more efficient to create content at scale.

  • There are free AI video generation tools like Pika Labs, Veed.io, and InVideo.

  • YouTube mandates labeling videos with AI-generated or altered content and allows individuals to request removal of unauthorized deepfakes.

The homepage of Synthesia, a software platform for avatar-based AI video generation. Photograph: Synthesia.

Can I make a video with AI?

Yes, you can indeed create videos from scratch with AI. Generative AI tools like Synthesia and Fliki are designed to transform text scripts into animated videos. These platforms often employ digital avatars and other visual elements, taking the input text to craft a visual narrative around it.

These tools leverage advanced machine learning and natural language processing to understand the script's context and generate corresponding visuals. This technology allows for the creation of custom animations, scene settings, and character interactions based on the text you provide.

Furthermore, AI video creation isn’t just about generating content but also about refining it. Computer vision, a part of AI, analyzes and understands the visual world to make the generated content more sophisticated and lifelike. This means the videos aren't just basic animations but can have elements that are visually rich and engaging.

What is AI for video?

AI for video is essentially the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into video creation, analysis, and enhancement. This field is rapidly evolving, pushing the boundaries of how videos are produced, edited, and experienced. From major film studios to individual content creators, AI-driven tools are reshaping the video industry landscape.

In video editing and post-production, AI significantly streamlines tasks such as color correction, sound design, and object removal. It automates processes that were once manual and time-consuming, offering efficiency and precision. For example, AI algorithms can quickly sift through extensive footage to identify and categorize specific actions, emotions, or items, making editors' jobs much faster and easier.

On the creative front, AI is making waves in content generation and enhancement. It can produce highly realistic video content, also known as deepfakes, and improve the quality of low-resolution videos. Beyond generating new content, AI technologies restore and revitalize old footage, colorize black and white films, or provide real-time translation and dubbing with accurate lip-syncing. While these advancements open up exciting possibilities, they also present ethical dilemmas, particularly concerning the creation of misleading content. Navigating these challenges is vital as the industry moves forward with this transformative technology.

Can AI edit a video for me?

Yes, that can be possible using certain AI tools. Riverside, an AI-powered platform, has robust video editing tools that are supported by AI. It features automatic transcriptions in over 100 languages, lightning-fast editing by simply removing parts of content with a click, and transcript timeline navigation for quick post-production. Customization options like AI speaker mode and audio enhancements further tailor the user experience. Repurposing clips for different platforms is also simplified with adaptable aspect ratios that you can easily export or publish.

Kapwing is another AI video editor that caters to short-form video content with features like automatic transcriptions and subtitle settings. It's designed to streamline the video creation workflow, making it easier for content creators to produce everything from onboarding videos to music videos and TikToks.

Adobe Premiere Pro offers advanced AI-generated script and editing capabilities for professional video content. Its comprehensive suite includes Video Intelligence API and background music integration. Adobe Premiere Pro is ideal for producing top-quality explainer videos and other engaging content that require robust AI plugins and tools.

A user interface from Adobe's video editing software featuring an innovative AI-powered tool to transform video content using text-based prompts. Photograph: Enlarge.

Can AI be used to make movies?

Absolutely. AI is revolutionizing the film industry in several compelling ways. Scriptwriting is undergoing a transformation with AI's ability to analyze successful scripts and suggest edits or even generate entirely new ones. In 2016, the short film "Sunspring" was entirely scripted by an AI bot named ‘Benjamin’. 

AI is also changing the game in visual effects. It can create realistic backgrounds, animate characters, and even simulate complex environments, reducing both costs and production time. "The Irishman" (2019) famously used AI for its de-aging effects, showcasing how AI can transform the moving industry by helping directors overcome practical limitations in production.

Beyond scripting and visuals, AI is stepping into roles like casting and editing. Algorithms can analyze an actor's past performances and audience reactions to suggest optimal casting choices, potentially making the process more efficient and even unbiased. AI-driven editing software is also emerging, capable of suggesting scene order, pacing, and even music choices based on the emotional tone of scenes. For example, IBM's Watson created a trailer for the horror film "Morgan" (2016).

A scene from the movie "Morgan" with a caption, hinting at the innovative use of IBM Watson’s in crafting the film's trailer. Photograph: 20th Century Studios.

What is the best AI video creator?

Determining the "best" AI video creator depends on what you’re specifically looking for. Synthesia stands out for its remarkably realistic avatars, detailed gestures, and a wide language range, making it a top choice for business-related videos like training and marketing clips. Its ability to create lifelike, animated avatars has made it very popular, especially useful for content that requires engaging, relatable presentations without spending time and budget on real-life talking head video.

Runway, meanwhile, is recognized for its advanced text-to-video generation capabilities. It takes a learning curve to use, but once you’re past that — you can essentially generate videos from simple text prompts using its Gen-2 algorithm.

Is there any free AI video generator?

If you're dipping your toes into AI-generated content without wanting to splash the cash, Pika Labs is your go-to choice. Even though it's rocking the Beta tag and has a quirky Discord-based operation, it offers solid customization and quality. While tools like Synthesia and Runway cater to more established needs with their polished, professional features, Pika Labs brings a fresh, dynamic approach to the table that works for casual and pro users alike.

Veed.io and InVideo are two other platforms which are making waves. Veed.io is an online video editing platform, beloved for its AI-powered video editing tools like automatic subtitles and video filters. It's perfect for anyone from YouTubers to big businesses and since it's online, you can jump on it from anywhere. 

InVideo is another solid pick, especially for content creators and marketers. It's a breeze to use, offering over 5,000 templates to kickstart your video projects. You've got full control to tweak and edit, making it a favorite for those who love to fine-tune. The platform also comes with a mobile app, so you can create on the move.

What AI is everyone using on TikTok?

TikTok creators are maximizing results from content with some innovative AI tools. FlexClip is a hit, offering ChatGPT integration, a multitude of editing tools, and over 5000 video templates. It's essentially the go-to tool for crafting TikToks using AI.

CapCut, a creation of TikTok's parent company ByteDance, comes loaded with features like advanced text-to-video capabilities and trendy resources that go hand-in-hand with what works on TikTok.

There’s also Nova AI, which stands out for its easy, one-click video editing. It offers some great features like multi-language subtitles and presets for resharing content on other platforms, making it a popular choice for beginners who want to make quick and effective edits for TikTok.

FlexClip's online video editor interface, highlighting their AI video creation and editing tools. Photograph: FlexClip.

Can ChatGPT do video editing?

ChatGPT, through the Visla plugin, acts as a powerful video generator and editor. It allows for text-based video editing, turning prompts into engaging video content. This AI-powered tool streamlines producing professional-grade videos, from short-form content for social media platforms to more complex projects, offering a user-friendly experience and the ability to export high-quality video files swiftly.

Kapwing, another ChatGPT integration, simplifies the video creation workflow. It provides content creators with AI-generated scripts, customizable templates, and automatic subtitles, making it easier to produce top-quality videos at scale. Its flexible video editor supports various aspect ratios and offers essential video polishing features, enhancing the overall user experience.

Unscreen offers a straightforward video script for quickly removing video backgrounds, a task typically demanding in traditional video production. This tool enhances the post-production process, allowing for quick changes and customizations, perfect for engaging video clips meant for various platforms. While it has some format restrictions, it demonstrates how AI tools can significantly reduce the time and effort typically required in video editing.

Can Midjourney AI create video?

Midjourney AI is mainly renowned for its image generation capabilities and robust algorithm. While it doesn't generate videos, the detailed images it produces can serve as powerful standalone visuals or be used on tools like Runway’s Gen-2, FullJourney, or Pika Labs in order to generate quality video.

A screenshot of the MidJourney platform where users interact with an AI to create vibrant images from scratch. Photograph: MidJourney.

Are AI-generated videos allowed on YouTube?

AI-generated videos on YouTube are subject to new rules and policies to balance the innovative opportunities of AI with user safety on YouTube. Creators must now label content if it contains AI-generated alterations or synthetic media depicting unreal events or speech. This includes deepfakes, which may require additional labels for sensitive subjects like elections or public officials.  

Additionally, YouTube allows individuals to request the removal of AI-generated content featuring their likeness without consent, reflecting the platform's commitment to ethical AI use and personal rights.

To enforce these policies, YouTube uses a mix of human and automated systems, training its content moderation to flag AI-created media lacking proper disclosures. Random audits and user-reporting mechanisms are also in place to catch violations. Videos containing AI-generated content may be removed either automatically or manually by YouTube.

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