7 Best AI Video Generators for Creators in 2024
Looking for the best AI video tools? Here's a quick breakdown of the top 7 options in 2024:
Tool | Starting Price | Best For | Key Feature |
---|---|---|---|
Sora | Not public | High-end videos | 60-sec HD clips |
Runway Gen-3 | $12/month | Marketing content | Text-to-video |
HeyGen | $29/month | Business videos | 110+ AI avatars |
Synthesia | $22/month | Training content | 120+ languages |
Pika Labs | Free tier | Product shots | Physics engine |
D-ID | $5.99/month | Talking heads | Face animation |
Luma AI | Free tier | 3D content | 5-sec clips |
What you need to know:
- Make videos from text prompts or images
- No filming or editing skills needed
- Export in HD/4K quality
- Create in multiple languages
- Use AI avatars as presenters
Quick comparison:
Feature | Free Tools | Paid Required |
---|---|---|
HD Export | Pika Labs, Luma AI | All others |
AI Avatars | Limited options | Full library |
Templates | Basic designs | Premium layouts |
Video Length | 5-10 seconds | Up to 5 minutes |
Commercial Use | No | Yes |
Bottom line: Pick Synthesia for training videos, HeyGen for business content, or Runway for marketing. Start with free tiers to test features before buying.
Related video from YouTube
How AI Video Generators Work
AI video generators transform your text into videos. Here's what happens when you hit that "generate" button:
Step | Process | Output |
---|---|---|
1. Input | You write your script | Raw text |
2. Analysis | AI reads and understands your content | Content blueprint |
3. Generation | AI creates video and audio pieces | Basic elements |
4. Assembly | Everything comes together | Final video |
These tools work in two main ways:
Text-to-Video: You type what you want, and the AI makes it happen. It creates visuals, adds movement, and builds your video from scratch.
Avatar Videos: Pick an AI presenter, add your script, and watch as they deliver your message. The AI handles everything - from lip-sync to subtitles.
Here's what each type does best:
Type | Perfect For | Creation Time |
---|---|---|
Full Video | Stories and scenes | 5-30 mins |
Avatar | Training videos | 2-10 mins |
Video Editing | Improving footage | 10-45 mins |
Tools like Elai.io can pump out hundreds of videos from one script. What once took weeks now takes minutes.
In 2024, you get:
- Videos in 100+ languages
- Voice copying that sounds real
- Smart scene detection
- Cool effects
- Music that fits
- Auto-subtitles
Want better results? Write clear, specific scripts. Don't make the AI guess what you want.
The best part? You don't need:
- Fancy cameras
- Editing know-how
- Acting skills
- A studio
Just bring your text and pick an AI tool. The tech handles everything else while you focus on your message.
How We Picked These Tools
We tested each AI video generator hands-on to find out what works (and what doesn't). Here's what we focused on:
Factor | What We Checked |
---|---|
Video Quality | Resolution (720p to 4K), frame rates, render speed |
Ease of Use | Interface, learning curve, templates |
Editing Options | Custom tools, effects, export options |
File Types | Format support, size limits |
Cost | Trials, pricing, usage caps |
Here's what you'll pay for the top tools:
Tool | Free Plan | Starting Price | Best Feature |
---|---|---|---|
Runway | 125 credits | $12/month | Advanced editing |
Synthesia | 9 avatars | $22/month | Realistic avatars |
HeyGen | 1 min video | $30/month | Natural voices |
D-ID | 5 min video | $5.99/month | Face animation |
Elai | 1 min video | $29/month | Quick rendering |
Our testing was simple but thorough:
- Made different types of videos
- Used every feature
- Timed the rendering
- Compared video quality
- Checked if platforms crashed
Here's something interesting: 80% of marketers use AI tools to create content. That's why we picked tools that work for both newbies and experts.
We looked at the stuff that matters:
- How fast things load and process
- Video quality on different devices
- Template selection
- Audio-video matching
- If the platform stays stable
We also checked:
- Stock media options
- AI voice quality
- Language options
- Support response times
- Storage space
- Export formats
For teams, we tested:
- Group work features
- Project sharing
- File management
- User permissions
- Usage stats
The tools we picked? They're the ones that give you the most bang for your buck, no matter what kind of videos you make or how much you want to spend.
Sora by OpenAI
OpenAI's Sora hit the scene in February 2024, and it's changing how we think about AI video. This tool takes text prompts and turns them into HD videos up to a minute long - something that puts it WAY ahead of other AI video tools right now.
Feature | Capability |
---|---|
Video Length | Up to 60 seconds |
Resolution | HD quality |
Input Type | Text prompts |
Video Styles | Real-world, cartoon, CGI |
Current Access | Limited (red teamers only) |
What can Sora do? A LOT. It handles multiple shots in one video, adds zoom and pan effects, fills in missing frames, stitches videos together, and even turns still images into videos.
"The early signs are that it is equally as impressive as ChatGPT and Dall-E, and it undoubtedly represents a new era of text to prompt filmmaking." - Sam Altman, Founder of OpenAI
Here's what makes Sora special:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Text Processing | Uses advanced diffusion models |
Scene Understanding | Can interpret complex descriptions |
Motion Control | Handles multiple camera movements |
Safety Features | Built-in content filtering |
Future Updates | Planned audio and editing tools |
But it's not perfect yet. Sora can't handle audio, it's not open to the public, and sometimes needs manual fixes. Plus, only select testers and researchers can use it right now.
Want to know what Sora's good for? Think:
- Product demos
- Social media content
- Film prototyping
- Advertising spots
- Character animations
Here's how it works: You feed it detailed text descriptions. Sam Altman tested it by asking for "A instructional cooking session for homemade gnocchi hosted by a grandmother social media influencer set in a rustic Tuscan country kitchen with cinematic lighting." And boom - Sora made it happen.
OpenAI's playing it safe though. They've built in blocks for extreme violence, sexual content, and hate speech. Right now, they're working with artists and filmmakers to spot any problems before they let more people use it.
2. Runway Gen-3
Runway Gen-3 Alpha lets you create videos from text and images in seconds. The web-based tool handles clips up to 10 seconds long.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Video Length | Up to 10 seconds |
Resolution | 1280x768 |
Input Types | Text prompts, still images |
Max Input Size | 64MB |
Platform | Web-based |
"Image to Video is major update that greatly improves the artistic control and consistency of your generations." - Cristóbal Valenzuela, Runway's co-founder and CEO
Here's what each version costs in credits:
Version | 5-Second Video | 10-Second Video |
---|---|---|
Gen-3 Alpha | 50 credits | 100 credits |
Gen-3 Alpha Turbo | 25 credits | 50 credits |
The platform comes packed with options:
Feature Type | Options |
---|---|
Camera Styles | Multiple angles and movements |
Lighting | Diffused, silhouette, lens flare, backlighting, gel |
Movement Types | Standard motion, slow motion, hyper speed, time-lapse |
Visual Effects | VHS home video, glitchcore, iridescent |
Built-in filters block:
- Videos with explicit content
- Politicians
- Other sensitive material
Pro tip: The Oscar-winning team behind "Everything Everywhere All at Once" used Runway AI for their visual effects.
To get the best videos:
- Pack your text prompts with details
- Use presets to keep your style consistent
- Stick to 5-second clips for better results
- Choose 16:9 ratio to start
Plans range from free Basic access to $76/month for Unlimited use. Each 10-second video costs about $2.40 in credits.
3. HeyGen
HeyGen is an AI video platform that lets you create videos with AI avatars and voices through a simple web interface. Just pick an avatar, write your script, and customize your scenes.
Here's what you get:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
AI Avatars | 110+ pre-made options |
Voice Options | 310+ voices in 40+ languages |
Video Templates | 300+ for different uses |
Max Resolution | Up to 4K |
Input Types | Text scripts, photos, video clips |
The pricing breaks down like this:
Plan | Monthly Price | Credits | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
Free | $0 | 1 | Basic avatars, voices, templates |
Creator | $59 | 30 | Premium voices, more features |
Business | $89 | 30 | High priority, team tools |
Enterprise | Custom | Custom | Full access, dedicated support |
HeyGen comes packed with these core tools:
Tool | Function |
---|---|
AI Avatar Generator | Makes digital humans from photos |
Talking Photo | Adds movement to still images |
Voice Cloner | Copies voices in 8 languages |
Video Translation | Changes video language with lip-sync |
FaceSwap | Replaces faces in existing videos |
ChatGPT Integration | Helps write video scripts |
Want better videos? Here's what to do:
- Match templates to your video goals
- Use drag-and-drop editing for quick updates
- Add custom music and images
- Test voices before final production
Here's who uses HeyGen:
Use Case | Examples |
---|---|
Marketing | Product demos, ads |
Education | Course content, tutorials |
Sales | Customer outreach, pitches |
Internal Comms | Team updates, training |
Joshua Xu and Wayne Liang started HeyGen in 2020. It connects with 3,000+ apps through Zapier for better workflows. Just remember: credits expire monthly, so use them or lose them.
4. Synthesia
Synthesia turns text into AI videos - no cameras or actors needed. Over 50,000 teams use it, creating more than 10 million videos so far.
Here's what you get:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
AI Avatars | 160+ ready-made + custom options |
Languages | 120+ with auto-translation |
Templates | 65+ pre-built designs |
Video Types | Training, marketing, how-to guides |
Auto Features | Captions, lip-sync, facial movements |
What it costs:
Plan | Monthly Cost | Features |
---|---|---|
Starter | $22 | 120 mins/month, basic tools |
Creator | $67 | 360 mins/month, more templates |
Enterprise | Custom | Full access, dedicated support |
Main features:
Tool | What It Does |
---|---|
Video Editor | Change scenes, adjust timing |
Script Generator | Create content with AI |
Voice Cloner | Make custom voices |
Template Library | Pick from ready designs |
Team Tools | Work together in real-time |
The numbers speak for themselves:
Metric | Score |
---|---|
G2 Score | 4.7/5 (1,100+ reviews) |
Active Companies | 30,000+ |
Languages | 130+ supported |
Integration Options | 35+ tools |
Making a video is simple:
- Choose your template
- Pick an AI avatar
- Add your script
- Drop in visuals
- Generate and download
Perfect for:
Use Case | What You Can Make |
---|---|
Business | Training, product demos |
Education | Courses, tutorials |
Marketing | Social posts, ads |
Support | How-to guides, FAQs |
Synthesia connects with 35+ tools and comes with built-in help through its Knowledge Base and Academy. The platform matches professional video quality with smooth, natural-looking animations.
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5. Pika Labs
Pika Labs burst onto the AI video scene in April 2023. Founded by Stanford PhDs Demi Guo and Chenlin Meng, they've grown FAST. The numbers? $55 million in funding and 500,000+ users pumping out millions of videos every week.
Here's what Pika Labs can do:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Input Types | Text, images, videos |
Video Length | 3-second clips (extendable) |
FPS | 24 frames per second (default) |
Key Functions | Video-to-video, inpainting, upscaling |
Access | Discord server beta |
Want to get started? Here's what it costs:
Plan | Cost/Month | Credits |
---|---|---|
Free | $0 | 150 videos |
Standard | $10 | 700 videos |
Pro | $35 | 2,000 videos |
Unlimited | $95 | Unlimited |
The tools you'll use:
Tool | Function |
---|---|
Style Feature | Apply custom styles to videos |
Modify Region | Edit specific video areas |
Camera Controls | Pan, zoom, rotate options |
Pikaeffects | Inflate, crush, squish objects |
Video Library | Save and access past work |
Getting started is simple:
- Jump into their Discord server
- Write your video prompt
- Add camera commands
- Generate your 3-second clip
- Save it to your library
What can you make? Here's the breakdown:
Use Case | Output |
---|---|
Social Media | Short-form content |
Motion Design | Character animation |
Visual Effects | Object manipulation |
Image Animation | Photo-to-video conversion |
Here's a cool example: Type "Slight Parallax movement of house drone shot" and you'll get something that looks just like real drone footage.
Want better results? Here's what works:
- Pack your prompts with details
- Mix in camera movement commands
- Polish with Topaz Video AI
- Use negative prompts to cut out what you don't want
Just remember: Pika Labs is built for short, punchy videos. If you need longer content, you might want to look elsewhere. But for quick social media clips and creative experiments? It's hard to beat.
6. D-ID
D-ID's Creative Reality™ Studio turns photos into AI videos with digital presenters. Here's what you get:
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Input Types | Photos, text, audio files |
Video Length | Up to 5 minutes (700 words) |
Languages | 119 languages + accents |
Key Functions | Face animation, voice cloning, text-to-speech |
Integration | Stable Diffusion, GPT-3 |
Here's what it costs:
Plan | Cost/Month | Video Minutes |
---|---|---|
Trial | $0 (14 days) | 5 minutes |
Lite | $5.99 | 10 minutes |
Pro | $49.99 | 15 minutes |
Advanced | $299.99 | 65 minutes |
Core features:
Tool | What It Does |
---|---|
Avatar Generator | Makes faces from text |
Voice Cloner | Copies any voice |
Expression Controls | Sets how avatars emote |
Layout Editor | Places elements |
Background Tools | Handles backgrounds |
Making a video is simple:
- Choose or upload a presenter photo
- Write your script
- Pick voice and language
- Set backgrounds and text
What you can create:
Use Case | Output |
---|---|
Training | Learning modules |
Marketing | Product demos |
Social Media | Short-form content |
Presentations | PowerPoint videos |
Tips for best results:
- Keep videos under 5 minutes
- Use clear, front-facing photos
- One person per frame
- Test different expressions
Know these limits:
Limitation | Detail |
---|---|
File Size | Max 2GB |
Video Editor | Basic features only |
Stock Avatars | 25+ options |
Auto-captions | Not available |
D-ID's photo animation tech lets you make any face photo talk. Their AI Video Translate feature converts videos into 30 languages - perfect for global reach.
Users have made over 1 million videos in 2 years. While it's not packed with fancy features, D-ID works great for quick presenter videos and scaling content across languages.
7. Luma AI
Luma AI's Dream Machine turns text into 5-second videos with smooth motion and physics that make sense.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Video Length | 5 seconds |
Frame Output | 120 frames in 120 seconds |
Input Type | Text prompts |
Key Functions | Camera motion control, physics simulation |
Generation Time | 2-7 minutes per video |
Here's what you get with each plan:
Plan | What's Included |
---|---|
Free | 5 prompts/day, videos with watermark |
Paid | No limits, no watermark, commercial use OK |
What makes it work:
Function | What It Does |
---|---|
Physics Engine | Makes objects move like they would in real life |
Camera Control | Moves the camera smoothly, like in movies |
Character Rendering | Keeps characters looking the same throughout |
Scene Generation | Builds detailed scenes from your text |
What it can't do (yet):
Limitation | What to Know |
---|---|
Video Length | Stops at 5 seconds |
Text Display | Can't show readable text |
Movement | Has trouble with people and animals |
Scene Changes | Can't smoothly switch between scenes |
How to get better videos:
Tip | Why It Works |
---|---|
Use "Enhance Prompt" | Lets the AI get more creative |
Write clear prompts | Tell it exactly what you want |
Stick to still scenes | They look better than moving ones |
Try different views | Play with camera placement |
What it's good for:
Use Case | What You'll Get |
---|---|
Product Shots | Objects spinning in space |
Scene Setting | Shots that show where you are |
Simple Actions | Basic stuff moving around |
Landscape Views | Nature and building shots |
"Dream Machine knows how things should move and interact. This helps it make videos where everything looks right and moves naturally." - Luma AI Developers
Just type what you want and wait about 2 minutes. It'll make 120 frames, though bigger scenes might take up to 7 minutes. Start with the free plan's 5 daily tries, or go paid for unlimited videos you can use anywhere.
Tools at a Glance
Here's what you need to know about the top AI video tools on the market:
Tool | Main Features | Best For | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|
Sora | Text-to-video, scene control | High-end videos | Not public |
Runway Gen-3 | Video editing + generation | Marketing content | Free - $35/mo |
HeyGen | AI avatars + voice | Product demos | $48/mo |
Synthesia | 120+ languages, AI avatars | Training videos | $22/mo |
Pika Labs | Physics + camera control | Product shots | Free - Custom |
D-ID | Face animation, lip sync | Talking heads | $5.99/mo |
Luma AI | Physics, scene creation | Short clips | Free - Custom |
Each tool comes with specific output options and quality levels:
Tool | Video Quality | Generation Speed |
---|---|---|
Sora | Up to 4K | 2-30 min |
Runway | Up to 4K | 1-5 min |
HeyGen | Up to 4K | 5-15 min |
Synthesia | Up to 4K | 2-10 min |
Pika Labs | Up to 4K | 2-7 min |
D-ID | 1080p | 3-8 min |
Luma AI | Up to 4K | 2-7 min |
What you get with free plans:
Tool | Free Features | Storage | Business Use OK? |
---|---|---|---|
Sora | None yet | Cloud | Yes |
Runway | 125 Credits | Cloud | Limited |
HeyGen | Watermarked | 2GB | No |
Synthesia | 9 Avatars/Year | Cloud | No |
Pika Labs | 5 Prompts/Day | Cloud | With paid plan |
D-ID | Limited Minutes | Cloud | With paid plan |
Luma AI | 5 Prompts/Day | Cloud | With paid plan |
Video marketing stats show why these tools matter: 90% of marketers saw better brand awareness with video, and 82% of consumers bought products after watching videos.
Pick your tool based on your needs:
- Marketing teams → Try Runway or HeyGen
- Training content → Go with Synthesia
- Product shots → Check out Pika Labs or Luma AI
- Quick talking heads → D-ID works best
Quick Tips:
- Start with free versions
- Check if export formats work for you
- Factor in rendering time
- Watch your storage limits
How to Pick Your Tool
Here's what you need to know about choosing an AI video tool:
If You Need To Make | Best Tool Choice | Why It Works |
---|---|---|
Marketing Videos | HeyGen or Runway | Templates and brand tools built-in |
Training Content | Synthesia | 120+ languages, pro avatars |
Product Demos | Pika Labs | Built for product shots |
Social Media Clips | Runway | Fast edits, multiple formats |
Corporate Videos | Vyond | Team features |
Educational Content | Colossyan | Built-in GPT writing help |
What You'll Pay:
Price Range | Tools | Videos Per Month |
---|---|---|
$0-25 | Runway Basic, D-ID | 5-10 |
$26-50 | HeyGen, Synthesia | 15-30 |
$51-100 | Runway Pro | No limits |
$100+ | Enterprise tools | Custom |
Match Your Skills:
Level | Tools | Time to Learn |
---|---|---|
New User | D-ID, Synthesia | 1-2 hours |
Some Experience | HeyGen, Pika Labs | 2-4 hours |
Power User | Runway, Sora | 5+ hours |
Speed vs Quality:
What Matters Most | Pick This | You Get |
---|---|---|
Fast Results | D-ID | Videos in 3-8 mins |
Best Look | Sora, Runway | 4K videos |
Middle Ground | HeyGen | HD + good speed |
Budget Pick | Pika Labs | Free option |
Storage Options:
Need | Best Pick | Details |
---|---|---|
Basic Use | D-ID, Synthesia | Cloud storage |
Heavy Use | Runway Pro | Unlimited cloud |
Local Files | Pika Labs | Download access |
Core Features:
Need | Tool | Starts At |
---|---|---|
Multiple Languages | Synthesia | $22/month |
Team Use | Vyond | $25/month |
Brand Tools | HeyGen | $48/month |
Fast Changes | Runway | $15/month |
Before Buying:
- Try free versions
- Check export types
- Look at usage caps
- Test render speeds
- Check storage limits
Pick based on what you'll actually use, not just what looks cool.
What's Next for AI Video
The AI video landscape is changing FAST in 2024. Here's a look at what's coming:
Feature | Expected Timeline | What It Means |
---|---|---|
Real-Time Editing | Mid-2024 | Edit and create content instantly |
Auto Color/Sound | Q3 2024 | One-click color and sound optimization |
Multi-Language | Q4 2024 | Convert videos into 100+ languages |
Team Features | Early 2025 | Collaborate on projects in real-time |
Let's break down the biggest changes coming to major platforms:
Tool | New Features | Release Date |
---|---|---|
OpenAI Sora | Extended clips, smoother motion | In testing |
Runway Gen-3 | $12/month plans + Getty images | Now live |
Pika Labs | Better motion controls | Q2 2024 |
D-ID | Improved voice matching | Q3 2024 |
Want to know how much time AI will save you? Check this out:
Task | Current Time | AI-Assisted Time |
---|---|---|
Basic Editing | 2-3 hours | 15-30 minutes |
Color Grading | 1-2 hours | 5-10 minutes |
Sound Mixing | 2-4 hours | 20-30 minutes |
Format Converting | 1 hour | 3-5 minutes |
The best part? Prices are dropping:
Service Level | Current Cost | Expected 2024 Cost |
---|---|---|
Basic | $15-25/month | $10-20/month |
Pro | $50-100/month | $40-80/month |
Enterprise | Custom | Custom + API access |
Here's how different industries will benefit:
Use Case | Coming Features | Expected Impact |
---|---|---|
Marketing | Auto-branding tools | 80% faster production |
Training | Multi-language support | Global team access |
Social Media | Format conversion | Post everywhere at once |
Product Demos | 360° views | Better product displays |
What's getting better? Motion looks more natural, text prompts work better, rendering speeds up, face/lip sync improves, and you get more export options.
Keep an eye on OpenAI and Runway - they're pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI video. And the best part? Many premium features are moving to free tiers.
Final Thoughts
Here's how the top AI video tools compare in 2024:
Tool | Key Strength | Best For | Monthly Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Sora | Text-to-video | Visual artists | In testing |
Runway Gen-3 | Motion control | Filmmakers | $12 |
HeyGen | Avatar creation | Business videos | $29 |
Synthesia | HD quality | Training content | $22 |
Pika Labs | 3D generation | Product demos | $19 |
D-ID | Voice matching | Presentations | $24 |
Luma AI | 3D scanning | Product shots | $15 |
Before you pick a tool, focus on these core factors:
Factor | What to Look For |
---|---|
Output Quality | HD video, smooth motion |
Features | Script gen, templates, editing |
Export Options | Multiple formats, resolutions |
Price vs Usage | Per-video or subscription costs |
Support | Documentation, response time |
The data speaks for itself:
Metric | Impact |
---|---|
Brand Awareness | 90% increase with video |
Consumer Action | 82% buy after watching |
Production Time | 75% faster than manual |
Cost Savings | 60% lower than pro crews |
"Artistically, it is something that can really assist us in visualizing things and exploring things." - Charlotte Triebus, Performance Artist
Match the tool to your goals:
If You Need | Choose |
---|---|
Quick Demos | HeyGen |
Pro Quality | Runway |
Easy Start | Synthesia |
Custom Avatars | D-ID |
3D Content | Luma AI |
Here's the bottom line: AI tools work best with human input. Start small with free trials, test what works for you, and grow from there.
FAQs
Which AI tool is best for video creation?
Here's a breakdown of the top AI video tools and what they do best:
Use Case | Best Tool | Starting Price |
---|---|---|
Social Media | Fliki | Free (5 min/month) |
Business Videos | HeyGen | Free (1 min/day) |
Training Content | Synthesia | $22/month |
Marketing Videos | Pictory | $19/month |
Product Demos | Deepbrain | $30/month |
Which is the best AI video generator?
Let's compare the top tools:
Tool | Key Features | Monthly Cost | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Fliki | Text-to-speech controls, social media focus | Free - $19 | Quick social posts |
Synthesia | 140+ languages, 9 AI avatars | $22 | Professional presentations |
Peech | Content repurposing | Free - $39 | Marketing teams |
Elai | Script generation | $23 | Basic video creation |
Pictory | Blog-to-video conversion | $19 | Content marketing |
"Pick your AI video tool based on what you need and what you can spend." - Ram Bharat, Author
Before you choose, check these 5 things:
- Can it make HD videos?
- What templates and avatars do you get?
- What file types can you save in?
- How many minutes of video per month?
- Can you remove the watermark?
That's it. No fancy features or complex decisions. Just pick the tool that matches your needs and budget.