Creating engaging and professional videos is crucial for eLearning, course creation, and online teaching. However, high-quality videos often require time, resources, and technical skills that not everyone has readily available. Some AI-powered video tools—transformative platforms allow you to create videos efficiently, even if you’re not a tech expert. In this post, I’ll cover some of the top AI video tools currently available to elevate your instructional design, training, and marketing efforts.
Whether you’re an instructional designer, an eLearning developer, or a business owner, these tools are designed to save you time, simplify your workflow, and help you create videos that may help to connect with your audience.
But first, let’s elaborate on why video and why turn to AI platforms for video creation.
Why use videos in courses and websites?
Video is a must-have for modern learning and websites! It grabs attention, boosts engagement, and makes complex information easier to understand. Studies show that using video in eLearning can increase knowledge retention by up to 60%!
And on websites, video can boost conversion rates by a whopping 80%. So, whether you’re creating online courses or promoting your business, don’t underestimate the power of video!
Why consider AI-generated Videos?
Learning designers and course creators may consider AI-generated videos over traditional self-recorded content for several key reasons. First, AI-generated videos significantly reduce production time and cost, eliminating the need for expensive recording equipment, studio space, and extensive editing. AI platforms offer realistic avatars, customisable voiceovers, and multilingual support, making it easy to create polished videos that look professional and can reach diverse audiences. Additionally, AI video tools allow for flexible, scalable content updates—perfect for training material or courses that require frequent revisions. Rather than reshooting and re-editing, creators can simply adjust scripts, avatars, or voiceovers directly in the platform, ensuring the content stays current with minimal effort. This streamlined process empowers learning designers to focus on instructional quality and learner engagement, all while providing a high standard of video production that can adapt to any learning style or pace.
AI Video tools and platforms
1. Synthesia
Synthesia is a powerful tool for creating realistic AI avatars that speak in multiple languages. This platform allows you to generate videos without needing a camera, which is perfect for professional and educational content. Imagine being able to deliver training modules with a virtual spokesperson who feels authentic to viewers, no matter their location. With Synthesia, you can choose from a library of avatars or create your own, add automated voiceovers, and customise the background, text, and visuals.
2. HeyGen
HeyGen specialises in AI-powered spokesperson videos, providing a diverse selection of avatars and voices. If you want to create personalised video content that resonates, HeyGen’s avatars can help you craft a friendly and approachable visual experience. This tool is particularly useful for businesses looking to produce interactive product demos or explainer videos with a professional touch.
3. Hour One
Hour One offers a unique approach to creating avatar-driven videos with a professional appearance. This tool features an extensive library of avatars and realistic voices that you can use to build HR training, onboarding, and internal communications content. With its easy interface, Hour One makes it simple to create high-quality videos that look polished and save you from needing extensive video production knowledge.
4. Pictory
Pictory is a versatile AI tool that can transform long-form content, such as blog posts and webinars, into short, engaging videos. It also provides options to convert PowerPoint presentations into videos, which is excellent for those who want to repurpose existing content. Pictory’s voiceover capabilities let you add audio narration, making it ideal for creating quick summaries or training snippets that keep learners engaged.
5. Lumen5
Lumen5 uses AI to convert text into videos and is particularly popular in marketing circles. With a library of stock footage and synthetic voiceovers, this platform is ideal for producing eye-catching videos from blog content, newsletters, or white papers. Lumen5’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to design visually appealing videos without complex editing skills, perfect for enhancing your marketing or social media strategy.
6. Elai.io
Elai.io offers a complete set of tools for text-to-video conversion, including customisable AI avatars and synthetic voiceovers. This tool is excellent for those looking to create a variety of video content, from corporate training modules to marketing materials. With Elai.io, you can add a personal touch by selecting different avatars and voices to match your brand or audience’s preferences.
7. DeepBrain AI
DeepBrain AI provides virtual avatars for various purposes, including presentations, customer service, and eLearning. DeepBrain’s avatars can deliver content in a lifelike manner, making them suitable for both internal training and client-facing communication. Its multilingual support is an added benefit, allowing you to easily reach a global audience.
8. Rephrase.ai
Rephrase.ai specialises in personalised AI-generated video messages, creating lifelike avatars with realistic voice synthesis. It’s a great tool if you’re looking to produce custom videos that feel personal and engaging. Rephrase.ai’s avatars are particularly effective for short, targeted messages—think sales outreach or personalised client updates—where building a connection is essential.
9. Synthesys
Synthesys is known for its high-quality AI voiceovers and avatars that work well for commercial video content. If you’re crafting a marketing campaign or building a video series, Synthesys allows you to create engaging content that stands out. With options for both male and female voices, and realistic facial expressions, Synthesys adds a dynamic touch to product demos and explainer videos.
10. Descript
Descript offers a robust set of video editing tools powered by AI. Beyond voice generation and overdubbing, Descript allows for seamless editing with features like “text-based editing,” where you can edit video by editing the transcript. This tool is invaluable for content creators who want to streamline their production process while still having control over voiceover and video content.
11. Colossyan Creator
Colossyan Creator allows users to create videos with AI actors and voice synthesis, supporting multiple languages for a global reach. With Colossyan, you can create educational or corporate videos incorporating human-like avatars, making your content more relatable. This tool is ideal for instructional designers who work with international audiences or want to create multi-language training materials.
12. D-ID
D-ID transforms static images into speaking avatars, bringing your visuals to life. This tool allows you to take a photo and turn it into a video where the avatar speaks, a unique approach that works well for product introductions, personal messages, or historical character re-enactments in educational videos. D-ID makes it easy to create dynamic video content without needing a live presenter.
13. Runway
Runway is a creative AI suite offering video generation, style transfer, and motion capture features. It’s designed for those who want to push the boundaries of content creation, allowing you to experiment with animations and effects in ways that traditional tools can’t match. Runway is particularly popular with media professionals and artists looking to create immersive, interactive experiences.
14. InVideo
InVideo is a user-friendly platform for creating marketing and explainer videos enriched with AI-driven features. It provides a selection of templates that make it easy to turn ideas into professional-quality videos. With InVideo, you can create product overviews, social media content, and tutorials, all with built-in voiceover options and easy-to-use editing tools.
Navigating the Limitations and Ethical Considerations of AI Video Tools
While AI video tools offer many benefits, it’s important to acknowledge their potential challenges and ethical considerations. As with any technology, responsible use and human oversight are crucial to ensure fairness, accuracy, and transparency.
Potential Challenges include bias and representation, issues related to the AI-generated videos’ emotional range and authenticity, potential job displacement, and misinformation.
Human oversight is required throughout the process of creating and using AI-generated videos. This includes data selection and employing bias mitigation techniques to ensure fair and representative AI models. AI-generated content has to be reviewed and edited to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with ethical guidelines and address the emotional context. In addition, clearly disclosing the use of AI in video creation maintains transparency and trust with the audience.
By acknowledging these challenges and prioritizing ethical considerations and human oversight, we can harness the power of AI video tools while ensuring responsible and beneficial use in learning, development, and beyond.
Choosing the right AI video tool can help you create impactful, professional content without the need for an entire video production team. From text-to-video platforms like Pictory and Lumen5 to AI avatars offered by Synthesia and HeyGen, there’s an option to suit every need, whether it’s marketing, eLearning, or customer service. These tools simplify the video creation process, allowing you to focus on content quality rather than technicalities.
As technology continues to advance, AI video tools will only become more versatile and accessible. Ready to explore these options further? Visit my website for more insights on instructional design and AI-powered learning tools. And if you’ve tried any of these tools or have your favourites, feel free to share your experience in the comments.
References and further reading:
- Video Pedagogy: How Schools Boost Engagement, Deep Learning, and Retention
- Using Video on Landing Pages can Increase Conversion by 80%
- The Importance of Videos for Teaching and Learning
- Impact of Lecturer’s Discourse for Students’ Video Engagement: Video Learning Analytics Case Study of MOOCs
Note, that this post provides general information about AI video tools.
It is important always to consider the specific context and requirements of your learning projects. If you have any questions or would like to delve deeper into the topic, please email me or book a free online consultation via my contact page.
Make sure to check out my other posts related to planning online courses, designing and developing learning content and delivering training. I share strategies and tools that you can use and many practical tips.
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