Video is the most engaging content format, but traditional video production is expensive and time-consuming. AI video tools have matured to the point where you can create professional-quality content from text alone.
The AI Video Stack
Text-to-Video Generation
Tools like Runway Gen-3, Pika Labs, and Kling can generate short video clips from text descriptions.
Best for: B-roll footage, product demos, abstract concepts, social media clips
Prompt example: "A drone shot flying over a modern office building at sunset, cinematic lighting, 4K, smooth camera movement"
AI Avatars and Presenters
Tools like HeyGen, Synthesia, and ElevenLabs let you create talking-head videos from text.
Best for: Training videos, explainers, internal comms, personalized outreach
Workflow: Write script → Choose avatar → Generate → Edit → Export
AI Voiceovers
ElevenLabs and Play.ht generate realistic voiceovers from text with customizable tone, pace, and emotion.
Best for: Narration, ads, podcasts, accessibility
Building a Complete AI Video
Goal: A 2-minute product explainer video with voiceover, visuals, and captions.
Step 1: Script
Use AI to write a tight script.
Prompt: "Write a 2-minute video script explaining [product/service]. Hook in first 5 seconds. Three key features with a benefit each. Clear call-to-action. Tone: confident and friendly."
Step 2: Voiceover
Generate the voiceover with ElevenLabs. Paste the script, choose a voice, adjust pacing.
Step 3: Visuals
For each section of the script, generate matching visuals:
- Use Runway or Pika for animated scenes
- Use DALL-E or Midjourney for static backgrounds
- Use screen recordings for software demos
Step 4: Edit
Use CapCut or Descript to assemble. Descript is especially powerful because you can edit video by editing the transcript text.
Quick Wins
Social Media Video in 10 Minutes
- Write a 60-second hook-driven script (AI - 2 min)
- Generate voiceover (ElevenLabs - 1 min)
- Find/generate stock footage or use screen recording (3 min)
- Add captions automatically (Descript or CapCut - 2 min)
- Export and post (2 min)