Video Marketing Archives - Powtoon Blog https://www.powtoon.com/blog/category/video/ Make Awesome Videos and Presentations Thu, 26 Sep 2024 06:22:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.7 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/favicon.ico Video Marketing Archives - Powtoon Blog https://www.powtoon.com/blog/category/video/ 32 32 How to create an AI avatar https://www.powtoon.com/blog/how-to-create-ai-avatar/ Wed, 25 Sep 2024 14:12:15 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=16430 What’s your greatest obstacle to creating those professional-grade videos you so much admire? Is it the time, cost, or maybe the technical expertise? For most creators and brands, AI avatars are the latest hacks for solving these issues. AI avatars...

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Read Time: 7 minutes

What’s your greatest obstacle to creating those professional-grade videos you so much admire? Is it the time, cost, or maybe the technical expertise?

For most creators and brands, AI avatars are the latest hacks for solving these issues. AI avatars are life-like digital human characters that you can program to talk, move, and mimic different facial expressions. Creators now use these AI avatars to prepare high-quality video content without needing the experience or large budget to pull it through.

Are you looking to learn how to create AI avatars for personal or business presentations? Well, to make your life easier, we’ve covered all you need to know about creating your own AI avatars. 

What are AI avatars?

Simply put, AI avatars are digital human-like characters that look like you. From facial expressions to speech to body movement, AI avatars mimic life-like humans. Thanks to AI technology, we can create these avatars and use them for entertainment, marketing, business presentations, and even customer service.

So, how does this technology work? Think of AI avatars as the final product of technologies like neural language processing (NLP), machine learning, 3D modeling animation, and speech synthesis. For example, NLP helps the avatar understand and respond to queries, while 3D modeling and animation give it a natural, lifelike human appearance. The most advanced AI avatar learns from previous interactions and adapts to new experiences with machine learning.

Cartoon woman holding a circuit-laden brain to represent creating an AI avatar.

Mind you, AI avatars were not always this awesome. Early versions were static images with limited functionalities. But in recent years, this technology has improved in many ways, including:

  • Realistic visuals
  • Improved natural language processing
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Personalization

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect AI avatars to become even more indistinguishable from humans.

But why is it so important to learn how to make an AI avatar?

Why create an AI avatar? 

About 500 videos are uploaded every minute on YouTube. Now, add this figure to videos uploaded on other platforms. The truth is that the competition for users’ attention is fiercer than ever. There’s more of a need to stand out—a need to create content that offers a personalized experience to your target audience.

Creating an AI avatar gives you an edge in a saturated digital landscape. You get to create a personalized figure that best represents your values, message, and style. You can also customize the AI avatar to fit your target demographics. Creating AI avatars also:

  • Streamlines content creation and makes it more accessible

AI avatars generally reduce the efforts that go into making video content. They come in handy for creating different content styles, from explainers to presentations to ads. The interesting thing is that tools like Powtoon offer various templates and presets to streamline the content creation process. There’s no steep learning curve when it comes to learning and creating content on these online tools.

  • Saves time and cost

Creators and brands with budget constraints may struggle to compete with well-heeled competitors who can afford in-house or remote video production teams. On the other hand, AI avatars are a more affordable and efficient option than hiring those experts. Simply sign up and start creating high-quality avatars for video content.

How to create your own AI avatar 

Learning how to create AI avatars is easier than you may think. It all starts with finding the right tool for your content creation needs. 

Platforms like Powtoon offer the key perks of 3D software without the steep learning curve. They prioritize ease and accessibility through pre-built templates and AI avatars. Simply find the right elements for your avatar design and generate the content in minutes. But that’s not all; these sites offer additional customization options like text-to-speech, animation effects, and video editing. For the purpose of this guide, we’ll focus on user-friendly platforms that don’t require expertise. 

Follow these steps to learn how to create AI avatars on Powtoon:

Step 1: Choose a template

Powtoon offers various pre-made templates. Each template suits a specific setting, industry, or niche. For infographic-style presentations, you may find backgrounds with corporate elements like charts and graphs. 

Step 2: Add your AI avatar

Your AI avatar is the face of your business, message, or content. So, be mindful when creating one so it resonates with your brand and your target audience. Consider factors like the age and gender of your preferred avatar. 

It’s also important for the clothing to match your brand style or message. An AI avatar in overalls, for example, is best suited for brands in the DIY and blue-collar industries. Online avatar software programs often feature a library of different AI characters, with Powtoons featuring over 150 AI avatars.

Step 3: Finalize your video

An AI avatar is only part of the equation in creating professional-grade video content. This is where you add the text, animation effects, and background music. Some users may use text-to-speech technology or pre-recorded audio as the AI avatar voice output. The animation effect also adds life to your content and gives it a professional feel. This feature allows you to control the camera angle and the scene-to-scene transition. 

Enhancing your AI avatar 

To make unique and memorable AI avatars for your business presentations or personal branding, follow these tips:

  • Tell a story. Storytelling is still one of the best ways to connect with your target audience. Use your AI avatar to create relatable narratives. You can take advantage of background templates and audio output. 
  • Use an appearance that resonates with the target audience. Visual appeal is often underrated when learning how to create AI avatars. Go for unique features or clothing that appeal to the target audience. A brand targeting college students may use AI avatars with teenage looks and trendy clothes. 
  • Be consistent. Use the same AI avatars for all your branding in a particular niche. This helps your audience to link the avatar with a specific product or channel. 
  • Be willing to evolve. You’re already a step ahead by using AI avatars in your video content and other media. Take it a step further and discover new ways to use this technology to automate your content creation. You can try out new AI avatars and see how viewers react. 

There’s no limit to what you can do with AI avatars. Here are tips on how to maximize this technology across various digital platforms:

  • In social media. AI avatars are great for social media profiles and short video content. You can use these avatars to create content in multiple languages and styles, expanding your reach to a larger audience.
  • In video content creation. Creators and brands can integrate AIU characters into explainer videos, business presentations, ads, or other forms of video content. Not only does this save time but it also enhances control over the video output. 
  • As virtual assistants on websites. You can program AI avatars to understand and respond to customer queries. Using an avatar boosts your appeal with customers and reduces the need to hire round-the-clock employees. Besides, it’s also great for brand aesthetics.
  • In live-streaming. Tools like BocaLive allow users to create avatars for live streaming. This takes the heat off users who are camera-shy or do not communicate well. It also helps users to be anonymous in virtual meetups or conferences.
  • In email marketing. AI avatars bring a level of pizzazz to email marketing, adding a personalized touch to your emails. With the right target audience, this strategy can do wonders.
Image showing a friendly robot with a domed head holding out his hand to represent AI avatars.

The future of AI avatars 

AI avatar technology is evolving before our eyes, from 2D static animations to 3D hyper-realistic avatars. It has the potential to revolutionize different industries and how we interact with technology. There are a number of ways AI avatars will improve. These include:

  • Increased emotional intelligence. Avatars will become increasingly good at understanding and responding to human emotions, fostering deeper connections with us. This means there will be more applications of AI avatars in consumer-facing businesses.
  • More customization and personalization. Users will have more control over AI avatars’ appearance, voice, and behaviors. Interestingly, this is already available in some advanced AI avatar generator tools.
  • Multi-sensory experience in VR technologies. AI avatars will have the ability to feel, taste, and smell in virtual reality environments. 

Based on these predictions, AI avatar applications will become common in healthcare, telepresence, and education. For example, users in remote regions can set up AI avatars to represent them in various settings, such as workplaces, classrooms, or social gatherings. Health consultants might also start using this technology to reach remote or underserved communities and regions.

To sum it up

Learning how to create AI avatars should be a priority for creators or brands. This skill comes with all the perks and little to no downsides. To begin with, you can reduce the overall time, cost, and effort spent in creating your preferred avatars. You can also reuse the avatars for multiple contents. Ultimately, creating your own AI avatar can take your presentations or online videos to the next level.

FAQ

How do you create an avatar using AI?

You can create an AI avatar using specialized software. For instance, Powtoon features an AI avatar builder that allows users to create a character within a few minutes. You start by picking a template before building your AI avatar. The template sets the tone for the video content. Some online tools also come with a wide selection of AI avatars to choose from.

How does an AI avatar differ from a regular avatar?

Avatars are generally digital representations. Unlike regular avatars, AI avatars are powered by AI technology and are not static. This means they can interact, learn, and adapt based on a data set. The avatars can also mimic human expressions and use pre-recorded or AI-generated audio to create a lifelike digital representation.   

Do I need any special skills to create an AI avatar? 

No, you don’t need any special skills or expertise to create basic AI avatars. You can easily create these avatars using online tools like Powtoon. Most of these platforms have an easy-to-navigate interface and do not require technical skills. In fact, it is as easy as picking the avatar and adding your voiceover. You can also customize the avatar’s personality and appearance and even teach it basic responses. As for creating advanced AI avatars, you may need some programming, animation, or AI expertise. 

Can I customize my AI avatar?

Yes, there’s no limit to how you can customize your AI avatar. In most cases, your only limit is the online tool you’re using to build the avatar. Powtoon offers options to customize the gender, animation effect, hairstyle, and audio output. Some platforms even allow users to upload their own images and create AI avatars from them.

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What is AI script writing? Everything you need to know https://www.powtoon.com/blog/what-is-ai-script-writing/ Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:30:21 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=16221 Back in the day, creating scripts was a bit of a journey—lots of learning, tons of time, and often investment. But with the emergence of AI script writers, things have changed. These tools help you come up with ideas and...

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Read Time: 8 minutes

Back in the day, creating scripts was a bit of a journey—lots of learning, tons of time, and often investment. But with the emergence of AI script writers, things have changed. These tools help you come up with ideas and polish your final script faster, so you can spend less time struggling with words and more time bringing your ideas to life.

One of the best things about AI script writers is how they can be used for all kinds of content. Whether you’re writing a story, creating an ad, or making an informative video, these tools can do it all. They’re flexible, efficient, and at your service. So, what is AI scriptwriting? Let’s find out.

What is scriptwriting?

Script writing, simply put, is the art of creating stories, dialogues, and scenes for various purposes like movies, videos, and plays. The difference now is that technology, particularly AI, has transformed this age-old skill.

AI script writers are software applications powered by artificial intelligence algorithms. They’re like your helpful assistant in the writing process, understanding language and context. So, whenever you’re stuck in your writing journey, these AI script writers lend a hand, making the process smoother and more efficient.

What is an AI script?

An AI script is a piece of written content created with the help of artificial intelligence. These scripts can be used for a variety of purposes, such as films, advertisements, video games, training videos, and marketing materials. AI tools help you generate these scripts quickly and efficiently, allowing you to focus on customizations.

How do AI script generators work?

AI script generators work by using advanced algorithms and natural language processing to understand user inputs and generate scripts. Users start by giving details about the video’s content, tone, and style, and the AI generates a tailored script accordingly. If you’re wondering how to get an AI to write a script, it’s as simple as inputting your requirements and letting the technology handle the rest.

  • Algorithms: At the core of AI-powered script generators are advanced algorithms designed to analyze datasets of text. These algorithms use various statistical and computational techniques to extract patterns, identify key features, and generate meaningful output.
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques: NLP techniques allow AI-based script writers to interpret and understand human language. NLP involves tasks like breaking down text, figuring out the parts of speech, and analyzing how words fit together. This helps AI script generators understand what’s being said and what it means in context.
  • Neural networks: Neural networks, inspired by the structure of the human brain, are key in AI script generators. They learn from loads of text data to spot patterns in language. Using deep learning, they can predict what words or phrases should come next in a script based on the context they’re given.

AI script writers are like sponges, absorbing information from a huge library of text data. Through machine learning, they study this data repeatedly, spotting patterns, understanding word relationships, and even picking up different writing styles.

The more data they train on, the better they get at understanding context. They don’t just repeat information; they understand the why behind it and how it fits into the big picture.

So, when you give them a starting point, AI script writers tap into their knowledge to generate scripts that feel natural and relevant. It’s like having an assistant who not only gets what you want but also knows how to deliver it in a way that clicks with your audience.

Why use AI script writers?

AI script writers are transforming industries like film, advertising, and content marketing. These tools enhance productivity, sparking creativity and improving content quality. By integrating AI script generators, you can streamline your workflow and focus on bringing your best ideas to life.

  • Advertising: In advertising, AI script writers are invaluable. They help ad agencies generate catchy slogans and persuasive scripts quickly. By automating tasks and offering creative insights, AI script writers help marketers deliver targeted messages that resonate with their audience. 
  • Content marketing: AI script writers are game changers for content marketing. They simplify content creation processes, allowing marketers to focus on strategy and engagement. With AI-generated scripts, marketers can produce high-quality content consistently and keep their audience engaged. 
  • Film industry: AI script writers are revolutionizing film production. They help screenwriters create captivating dialogues, plots, and characters more efficiently. With AI, filmmakers can experiment with different storytelling approaches and bring fresh ideas to the screen.

The short film “Sunspring” used AI to write its script and got positive reviews. It’s a great example of how AI can be creatively used in filmmaking.

Advantages of AI script writers

While writing a script from scratch may seem like quite a challenge, it becomes significantly easier and faster with AI. Let’s talk about the advantages. 

Saves you time

Say goodbye to hours spent staring at a blank page. AI script writing tools help you generate scripts instantly. Instead of searching for the perfect words, you can dive straight into the creative process.

Provides access to data sources

One of the biggest advantages of AI script writers is their ability to access data sources for content generation. They analyze tons of text data, identifying trends, patterns, and insights that can help your scriptwriting process. Whether you need inspiration, information, or just a fresh perspective, AI script writers have your back.

Helps with character development

AI analyzes character traits, values, and motivations to help create well-rounded characters that resonate with your audience. Writers receive detailed analyses of characters’ personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, contributing to their development.

Improves dialogue

AI tools analyze dialogue patterns and pacing to improve the quality of script dialogue. With the script writer’s suggestions for improvement, writers can refine their dialogue’s flow and effectiveness.

Optimizes formatting

AI makes screenplay formatting easier by analyzing scripts and suggesting corrections based on industry standards. This saves writers time and ensures their scripts are formatted correctly and submission-ready.

Corrects grammar

AI script writers can fix grammatical errors and other writing issues. Using AI for script writing significantly improves writing quality and allows writers to refine and edit text according to their needs.

AI script writing tips

To get the most out of AI tools for scriptwriting, there are certain tips you can follow to make your writing process smoother and bring your best ideas to life.

AI script writer tips

  • Define your goals: Clearly outline what you aim to achieve with your content, whether it’s informing, entertaining, or persuading your audience. Understanding your goals will help shape the direction of your script.
  • Choose the right tool: Take the time to research and test different AI script writing platforms to find one that best fits your needs. Consider things such as the platform’s capabilities, user interface, pricing, and customer support options before making a final decision.
  • Refine input data: Provide the AI script writer with detailed and specific input to guide its content generation process effectively. This includes providing relevant keywords, themes, examples, and any specific instructions or preferences regarding tone, style, or language.
  • Review and revise: While AI-generated content can be impressive, it’s essential to review and revise the output to ensure its quality and alignment with your goals. Take the time to edit the script and consider asking for your colleagues’ or peers’ feedback.
  • Combine AI with human touch: Remember that AI is a tool to complement human creativity, not replace it entirely. While AI can ease the process of content creation, it’s essential to enrich your scripts with authentic human voice, emotion, and perspective to create friendly and genuine content.

Create your script with AI

Ready to learn how to write a script with AI? Let’s quickly walk through the process of script generation and guide you from start to finish.

Choose the right AI tool

There are many AI script writing tools available, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs. Powtoon’s AI script writer is a great choice, offering an easy-to-use interface and robust features that simplify the writing process. By selecting a tool that aligns with your requirements, you’ll be able to create scripts more efficiently and effectively. As one of the best AI script writer platforms, Powtoon Imagine can turn your idea into a script while providing other features like AI video generation and AI voiceovers. 

Pick your video type

First, decide what kind of video you want to create. No matter if it’s tutorials, advertisements, or films, defining your project helps the tool create a script that matches your needs. Think about the purpose of your video and the audience you’re targeting. This step is crucial for ensuring that the AI script writer tailors the script to meet the specific standards and objectives of your project.

Specify your content

Explain what your video is about and the tone you want to set. Giving detailed information helps the AI script writer generate a script that aligns with your vision. Include key points about the content, the message you want to convey, and any specific instructions for voice-over text, on-screen text, and scene descriptions.

Generate the script

Click ‘Generate script’ to create your script automatically. Powtoon’s AI script generator will provide everything from voice-over and on-screen text to slide descriptions. This automated process saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on customization!

Customize and narrate

After the script is generated, take the time to adjust and refine it to ensure it perfectly matches your vision. Make any necessary changes to the text, tone, and structure to align with your project goals. When it’s ready, you can copy and paste it anywhere or use our studio to transform your script into a video. Our AI text-to-speech tool can help bring your script to life, providing a professional narration that complements your content.

To sum it up

AI script writers are essential in modern content creation, making script writing easier and more efficient. By automating tasks like idea generation and scene development, they help writers work faster and focus on other aspects of their projects. This streamlines the scriptwriting process, improving productivity and content quality and leaving more room for your personal touch. 

Related reading:

What is AI script writing FAQ

What is AI script writing?

AI in script writing uses artificial intelligence to create scripts for various content forms, such as films and advertisements, assisting writers in generating, refining, and optimizing content automatically. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and natural language processing, an AI script writer can analyze input, suggest improvements, and produce coherent and engaging scripts tailored to specific genres and purposes. 

How does AI script writing work?

AI script writers analyze input data using advanced algorithms and natural language processing, learning from large datasets to understand context, tone, and structure. They help writers create coherent and engaging content.

What are the benefits of AI script writing tools?

AI script writers increase efficiency, productivity, and access to vast data sources for content generation. They simplify the scriptwriting process, save time, and assist writers in generating ideas and refining scripts.

Can AI script writing be used for different content types?

Yes, AI script writing is versatile and can be applied to various content forms, including films, advertisements, training videos, and marketing campaigns. It adapts to different styles and content needs, making it a valuable tool for creators across industries. Whether you need a formal tone for corporate training or a creative narrative for a film, AI script writing tools can tailor scripts to match the specific requirements of each project.

Is AI script writing replacing human scriptwriters?

While AI technology has its benefits in script writing, AI for script writing can’t replace human scriptwriters entirely. Instead, it complements their work by assisting in content generation more efficiently. Human creativity and storytelling abilities remain essential in producing engaging scripts.

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10+ best AI video generators of 2024 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/best-ai-video-generator/ Wed, 21 Feb 2024 22:30:00 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=16098 Are you looking for simple yet effective ways to incorporate AI videos into your daily video creation workflows? In the past, creating engaging videos required a steep learning curve, hours of effort, and often, expensive professional equipment. Now, with the...

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Read Time: 14 minutes

Are you looking for simple yet effective ways to incorporate AI videos into your daily video creation workflows?

In the past, creating engaging videos required a steep learning curve, hours of effort, and often, expensive professional equipment.

Now, with the AI video generator market expected to be worth $1.76 billion by 2030, the possibilities are endless. Today, anyone with an idea and tools can generate stunning videos online effortlessly and affordably.

Understanding the urge to create compelling video content, many companies have stepped forward with AI-based solutions. 

But which is the best one?

What’s the buzz about AI-powered videos?

The world of video content has taken a quantum leap thanks to the advent of AI video generators. These solutions use advanced algorithms to automate the video creation process, making it seamless and efficient.

The result? High-quality videos that look professionally made without breaking your budget or requiring any technical expertise.

But why exactly are AI-powered videos becoming so popular?

The reasons vary, but some of the key points would include:

Improved speed and efficiency

When using an AI video generator online, one may count on getting the job done in hours, if not minutes. This is because AI technology automates most of the processes – from finding and compiling relevant video clips to editing them into a cohesive story.

However, it’s not as simple as just pressing a button and having a ready-made video. The AI still requires human input, such as selecting the type of video, desired style, and adding personal touches.

Greater cost savings

Professional video production is an expensive affair that can put a strain on any business’s marketing budget. AI video generators offer a more affordable alternative without compromising on quality.

Wider accessibility

AI video generators are designed to be user-friendly and require little to no technical knowledge. This makes it possible for anyone to create engaging videos regardless of background or skill set.

What exactly is an AI video generator?

An AI video generator is a software platform that uses advanced algorithms to create videos automatically. By analyzing input such as text, images, or raw footage, it can generate a high-quality video with minimal human intervention. 

These tools often provide features like automated editing, voiceover generation, and adding effects, making video production quick and accessible. You simply provide the content, and the AI takes care of the production part, coming up with professional-looking videos suitable for marketing, education, or entertainment purposes. Essentially, this technology democratizes video creation, allowing anyone to produce professional-grade videos without much editing skills.

10+ best AI video generators to create a video in a snap!

Before we dig deeper into finding the best software to satisfy your needs, it’s worth noting that these reviews may change over time as tools upgrade and more user feedback is generated. We will carefully monitor the market to ensure our selection remains relevant and up-to-date.

1. Powtoon Imagine 

Powtoon - best AI video generators

Pros

  • User-friendly interface suitable for beginners.
  • Wide range of customizable templates.
  • Supports multiple languages and text-to-speech functionalities.
  • Strong customer support with extensive tutorials and resources.

Cons

  • Sound effect options are limited
  • Small learning curve for mastering all features

Key features

Powtoon’s AI video generator, Ridley, simplifies the video creation process by allowing you to fill out a brief and receive a fully customizable video within minutes. The tool supports multiple languages, text-to-speech in 30 languages, and offers a variety of video templates for different use cases like creating marketing videos, explainer videos, and social media content. 

There’s also a character builder feature that lets you create personalized characters by altering clothing, skin tone, hairstyle, and accessories. Another standout feature is the PowerPoint-to-video converter, which transforms presentations into engaging videos with animations, voiceovers, and music. As for editing videos, Powtoon has one of the best AI video editors you can find. 

Pricing

  • Lite plan: For $15 a month ($180 billed annually), you get 2 GB of storage, watermark removal, five premium exports per month, the option to create videos up to 10 minutes long, and more
  • Professional plan: For $70 a month ($840 billed annually), you get 10 GB of storage, unlimited premium exports, full access to all content and templates, and more
  • Business plan: For $125 a month ($1,500 billed annually), you get full brand control, 100 GB of storage, 3rd party reseller rights, character lip-syncing, and more

Who is Powtoon best for?

Powtoon’s AI video generator is best for marketers, educators, and businesses looking for an easy-to-use tool to create high-quality videos without much video editing knowledge.

Generating an AI video with Powtoon

Refining your video in the Powtoon Studio

Powtoon’s Imagine Producer is paired with the Powtoon Studio, a comprehensive and user-friendly editing platform. This dynamic duo gives you the freedom to refine your video further with an array of advanced yet intuitive tools. In the Powtoon Studio, you can inject your own unique style by adding or changing media, adjusting text styles, and modifying other visual elements.

You’ll also have the option to enhance the audio-visual experience by adding background music or sound effects that set the right mood for your video. Another highlight is the ability to incorporate voiceovers, adding a personal touch to your video content. The platform also allows you to add animated characters to your video, offering an engaging way to present information or tell a story.

2. Synthesia

Synthesia - best AI video generators

Pros

  • Easy to use without much technical expertise
  • Access to more than 140 AI avatars
  • Voiceover in over 130 languages and accents
  • Room for scalability

Cons

  • Poor quality on bigger screens
  • Users report some imperfections and unnatural movements on a full screen

Key features

Synthesia’s AI-generated avatars are one the most impressive features of Synthesia. You can even personalize your avatars to act as digital twins. The platform also allows you to upload your own footage and superimpose the AI avatar, delivering a dual-layered presentation. And let’s not forget the ability to generate realistic voiceovers in over 130 languages and accents. 

Pricing

  • Free plan: You get six AI avatars, 36 minutes of video a year, over 120 languages and voices, over 60 video templates, and more
  • Starter plan: For $22 a month, you get over 70 AI avatars, 120 minutes of video a year, the avatar builder, an AI video assistant, a custom webcam avatar, and more
  • Creator plan: For $67 a month, you get over 90 avatars, 360 minutes of video a year, custom fonts, and much more
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing): You get over 140 AI avatars, unlimited minutes of video, 1-click translations, and much more

Who is Synthsia best for?

Synthesia is one of the best AI video software programs for businesses looking to create marketing, educational, or corporate training videos.

3. Descript

Descript - best AI video generators

Pros

  • Text-based video and audio editing
  • Eye Contact feature allowing you to read from a script
  • Automatic filler words and silence removal

Cons

  • Free plan only allows for one transcription hour per month
  • Doesn’t have a mobile application

Key features

One of the standout functionalities of Descript is the overdub feature, allowing you to create lifelike voiceovers simply by typing. Also, if you are uncomfortable speaking directly to the camera or want a more polished look with constant eye contact, the software allows you to record your audio while reading from a script. The AI engine adjusts the position of your eyes to make you seem to maintain eye contact with your audience throughout the video. 

Pricing

  • Free plan: You get up to 720p export quality, one transcription hour per month, one remote recording per month, and more
  • Creator plan: For $12 a month, you get watermark-free export, up to 4K quality, 10 transcription hours per month, 10 remote recording hours per month, automatic filler word removal, and more
  • Pro plan: For $24 a month, you get unlimited use of AI effects and AI voice cloning, full access to premium stock media, and much more
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing): You get a dedicated account representative, device service agreement, and more

Who is Descript best for?

Descript’s AI video generator is a great tool for content creators, podcasters, and businesses looking for an all-in-one platform that simplifies video creation.

4. Runway 

Runway - best AI video generators

Pros

  • Gen-2 text-to-video tool
  • Intuitive and easy-to-use interface for users of all skill levels
  • Integrates with popular tools like Photoshop
  • Strong community support 

Cons

  • Generated content can sometimes be inconsistent
  • Requires a powerful computer

Key features

With features like the Gen-2 text-to-video tool and AI image animation, Runway is a viable option for making videos. The platform also uses latent diffusion models to generate high-resolution images. Other standout functionalities include image stabilization, noise reduction, and the ability to erase and modify subjects in videos with simple text commands. 

Pricing

  • Basic plan (free): You get 125 credits and limited features like 5 GB assets and 720p exports
  • Standard plan: For $12 per month, you get 625 credits and extra features, including 100 GB assets, upscale resolution, and the ability to train AI generators
  • Pro plan: For $28 per month, you get 2250 credits and full access to features, including 500 GB assets, upscale resolution, and the ability to train AI generators and create custom voices for lip-sync and text-to-speech
  • Unlimited plan: For $76 per month, you get unlimited video generations and all the features in the Pro plan
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing): You get all the features in the Pro plan plus custom storage, model customizations, priority support, integration with internal tools, and more

Who is Runway best for?

Runway’s AI video editing tool is great for YouTubers, filmmakers, designers, and teams looking to enhance their video production efforts with AI capabilities.

5. Colossyan

Colossyan - best AI video generators

Pros

  • Ability to auto-translate the video into over 70 languages
  • Diverse range of customizable AI avatars with various accents
  • Multi-language support
  • High-quality output

Cons

  • No free plan (except for a free trial with limited features)
  • AI avatars sometimes appear unnatural

Key features

With intuitive features and the ability to translate videos into over 70 languages, Colossyan is another one of the best AI video maker platforms. It allows you to choose an AI avatar from a collection of options, each with its own distinct accent and speaking style. Converting PDFs and PPTs into interactive videos via AI is another useful feature of Colossyan. This approach to content repurposing makes it a great choice for users willing to incorporate AI into tutorial and training content creation.

Pricing

  • Starter plan: For $19 a month, you get one custom voice, 120 minutes of video a year, an AI script assistant, and much more
  • Pro plan: For $61 a month, you get one custom lite avatar and voice, 360 minutes of video creation a year, avatar conversation, and much more
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing): You get unlimited minutes, custom studio avatar and voice, collaboration features, and much more

Who is Colossyan best for?

Colossyan is excellent for educators, marketers, and businesses looking to produce professional videos quickly and easily.

6. HeyGen

HeyGen - best AI video generators

Pros

  • Integration with Zapier 
  • User-friendly interface
  • Wide variety of templates and avatars
  • More than 40 languages with over 300 automated voices
  • Voice cloning with minimal audio input

Cons

  • Limited to video generation with AI avatars
  • Limited customization options for advanced users

Key features

HeyGen offers AI avatars that represent various ethnicities, ages, and genders. This makes it easy for users to generate diverse and inclusive content. Getting started with HeyGen is a pretty straightforward process. You can either generate your video content with one of their ready-made templates or find an AI avatar and create your content from scratch. 

The platform also supports features like voice cloning and automated captions. And thanks to its Zapier integration, you can connect the tool with platforms like YouTube and Slack.

Pricing

  • Free plan: You get one seat, more than 60 base avatars, and over 300 voices
  • Creator plan: For $24 a month, you get everything in the Free plan plus three instant avatars, premium voices, and much more
  • Team plan: For $120 a month, you get everything in the Creator plan plus multiple seats, 4K resolution video exports, faster video processing, and much more
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing): You get everything in the Team plan plus API access, an account manager, general commercial terms, and more

Who is HeyGen best for?

HeyGen is an ideal AI video generator for freelancers, small business owners, and marketing professionals looking to create high-quality video content without the need for technical expertise.

7. VEED

Veed - best AI video generators

Pros

  • Easy to use for beginners and experts alike
  • Supports direct sharing to a range of platforms
  • Automatic subtitle generation and translation

Cons

  • Limited editing functionality in the mobile application
  • The free plan restricts video length to a maximum upload size of 1GB

Key features

Veed is not only an AI video making tool but a solid platform for live streaming as well. All you need is your browser, and you can stream across multiple channels, invite guests in real-time, and even record your stream. Once the live is over, the platform’s post-streaming functionality allows you to repurpose the content and turn it into clips for social media platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, or YouTube.

As for video making, Veed offers a range of tools like avatars and voiceovers. And unlike some other video generators, it is capable of automatically generating subtitles by transcribing your audio or video files to text with a simple click. The platform boasts an impressive 95% accuracy rate, making sure your transcriptions are as accurate as possible.

Pricing

  • Free plan: You get 2 GB of storage, 720p export quality, limited stock templates, and more
  • Basic plan: For $12 a month, you get unlimited upload size, full HD 1080p exports, 720 minutes of subtitles a year, and much more
  • Pro plan: For $24 a month, you get clean audio, eye contact correction, access to stock audio and video library, and much more
  • Business plan: For $59 a month, you get customizable video templates, 4K export quality, 3,600 minutes of text to speech, and much more
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing): You get personalized AI avatars, custom usage limits, multiple workspaces, an account manager, and more

Who is Veed.io best for?

Veed.io is a great choice for content creators, marketing teams, and businesses looking to produce high-quality videos with little effort.

8. Steve AI

Steve.AI - best AI video generators

Pros

  • Straightforward and easy-to-use interface 
  • Affordable pricing plans
  • Can produce high-quality videos up to 4K resolution.

Cons

  • Heavy reliance on templates 
  • Limited advanced features

Key features

Steve.AI offers a range of features designed to make video creation a breeze. These include tools for turning scripts into videos, streamlining the whole process. The platform supports multi-format video output, from 720p to 4K, guaranteeing quality for various distribution needs. Meanwhile, the intuitive animation maker and rich media asset library enhance creative possibilities. 

Pricing

  • Free plan: You get five voiceovers, five AI video generation credits per month, 10 image generation credits per month, and more
  • Basic plan: For $15 a month, you get 720p resolution, ChatGPT integration, podcast-friendly voice to video, and much more
  • Starter plan: For $45 a month, you get 1080p resolution, 80% human-like text to speech, 100 character actions, and much more
  • Pro plan: For $60 a month, you get 2K resolution, premium support, 100% human-like text to speech, over 200 character actions, and much more
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing): You get 4K resolution, full brand-kit setup, custom voices, custom character actions, and much more

Who is Steve AI best for?

Steve.AI is a great choice if you’re a small business owner, individual creator, or marketer looking to produce high-quality video content quickly and with little effort.

9. DeepBrain

DeepBrain - best AI video generators

Pros

  • Photorealistic avatars for human-like experience
  • Integration with ChatGPT 
  • Multi-language support

Cons

  • AI-generated content may seem unnatural in some cases
  • Some features have a learning curve

Key features

With the ability to create human-like avatars, DeepBrain is a no-brainer choice for an AI video generator. The platform has advanced text-to-speech capabilities and human-like speech, allowing you to create an interactive dialogue with your audience. Its innovative technology also integrates with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This combination means you can transform text into engaging conversations, adding a human touch to AI-generated video content.

Pricing

  • Personal plan: For $24 a month, you get five AI prompts per month, voice upload, over 60 AI avatars, and more
  • Team plan: For $72 a month, you get unlimited AI prompts, automated captions, gesture control, over 80 avatars, Shutterstock access, and more
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing): You get API access, custom studio AI avatars, 24/7 priority support, and more 

Who is DeepBrain best for?

DeepBrain AI’s video generator is a good option if you’re a content creator or a marketer looking to create high-quality, professional videos quickly and easily.

10. Hour One

Hour One - best AI video generators

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • High-quality output in various resolutions, including 4K
  • Collaboration tools

Cons

  • Learning curve for certain features
  • Requires a strong internet connection

Key features

Hour One’s AI video generator uses advanced algorithms to create realistic video content in minutes. You can choose from a variety of hyper-realistic AI avatars and pre-designed video templates. The platform also supports over 60 languages and 200 accents, making it ideal for creating multilingual content. And let’s not forget features like text-to-video generation, AI script assistants, voice cloning, and a comprehensive brand kit. 

Pricing

  • Lite plan: For $25 a month, you get all 2D templates, script and video wizard, and more
  • Business plan: For $95 a month, you get everything in the Lite plan and 3D and premium templates, translation wizard, improved rendering, and more
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing): You get everything in the Business plan and custom avatars, unlimited video minutes, API access, and more

Who is Hour One best for?

Hour One AI is an ideal tool for a wide range of users, including startups, freelancers, small to large enterprises, and professionals in learning and development, human resources, news, e-learning, real estate, and e-commerce.

11. Elai

Elai - best AI video generators

Pros

  • Diverse range of features
  • Supports over 120 languages
  • Requires no technical expertise

Cons

  • Some users have reported that the editor can be laggy at times
  • Limited customization options for individual elements 

Key features

One of Elai’s standout features would have to be the customizable AI avatars and voice cloning functionality that you can use to personalize your videos. The avatars come in various forms, including selfie, studio, photo, and animated mascots. You can also benefit from a huge collection of professional video templates and collaboration tools. Besides video generation, there’s even a screen recording feature that you can use to create tutorials, demos, and presentations. 

Pricing

  • Free plan: You get over 80 AI avatars, interactivity, and much more
  • Basic plan: For $23 a month, you get everything in the Free plan plus API access and more 
  • Advanced plan: For $100 a month, you get everything in the Basic plan plus premium voices, brand kit, and more
  • Corporate plan (custom pricing): You get everything in the Advanced plan plus SCORM export, free voice cloning per seat, and more

Who is Elai best for?

Elai.io is a good choice for small business owners, marketers, and content creators who need to produce high-quality content as quickly as possible.

Choose the best AI video generator today!

AI video generators are revolutionizing how we create and consume content, making the process more user-friendly, efficient, and versatile.

From Steve AI’s team-based collaboration feature to DeepBrain’s human-like avatars, Hour One’s API integration, and Elai’s idea-to-video feature, we’ve seen a range of unique capabilities designed to cater to different user needs and preferences.

However, each tool has limitations, whether a lack of advanced capabilities or additional customization options. It’s essential to carefully consider these aspects when choosing the best AI video generator for your specific needs.

Now, it’s time to put these insights into action! Why not start your video creation journey with Powtoon?

With various capabilities and 12-year industry leadership that allows for creating professional-grade, engaging video content, Powtoon is one of the best AI video generators to explore.

Moreover, from animated presentations to explainer videos, the platform extends our understanding of AI beyond just generating videos but also into creating interactive and visually appealing content.

So, try out Powtoon today and experience the power of AI in video creation!

Generate an AI video

Best AI video generator FAQ

What is an AI video generator?

An AI video generator is a software tool that uses artificial intelligence to automate the video creation process. These tools can analyze content, such as text scripts or raw video footage, and apply intelligent editing techniques to produce professional-quality videos. AI video generators typically offer features like automated scene detection, smart trimming, and text-to-speech conversion. 

How do you generate an AI video?

To generate an AI video, you start by providing the AI video generator with the necessary content, which could be a script, text, or raw video footage. The AI analyzes this input and uses predefined templates or custom settings to generate the video. This may include choosing visuals, adding background music, generating voiceovers, and applying effects. Once the AI has completed its analysis and editing, you can review the video, make any necessary adjustments, and then export the final product in your preferred format.

What is the best AI video generator?

To determine the best AI video making tool for you, consider factors like your budget and specific needs. Some popular AI video generators include tools like Powtoon, known for its user-friendly interface and versatile templates, and Synthesia, which offers realistic avatars and multi-language support. Each of these tools has its own strengths, catering to different aspects of video creation. 

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6 Ways to Monetize Your TikTok: Simple Marketing Strategies for Success https://www.powtoon.com/blog/6-ways-to-monetize-your-tiktok-simple-marketing-strategies-for-success/ Thu, 09 Nov 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=16009 TikTok has grown to become one of the most successful social media platforms on the planet in just a few short years. This may be due to the nature of TikTok’s content. Research shows that video content on social media...

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Read Time: 4 minutes

TikTok has grown to become one of the most successful social media platforms on the planet in just a few short years. This may be due to the nature of TikTok’s content. Research shows that video content on social media drives higher levels of engagement than other forms of content. Thus, it’s no surprise that a video-centric platform would attract a large audience.

If you have a TikTok presence, you could potentially monetize it through the following TikTok marketing strategies. Whether you’re promoting a growing brand or simply looking for ways to make money off a hobby, this guide to TikTok marketing ideas will help.

Understanding TikTok’s Monetization Potential

TikTok currently has over 1.7 billion users and content creators worldwide. That’s a very large potential audience to tap into.

As the examples below illustrate, there are various ways to monetize your TikTok presence. What’s critical, though, is that you first prioritize developing a loyal following. Once you’ve done so, monetization is much easier.

Leveraging Influencer Marketing

To monetize your TikTok account, you need to attract viewers. One of the easiest ways to achieve this goal is to partner with someone who already has a large audience.

Influencer marketing involves popular social media personalities promoting certain brands, products, and services. Influencers make arrangements with their partners, agreeing to either promote their businesses for a set fee or collect a certain percentage of earnings based on the results their content yields.

Consider researching TikTok social media influencers in your niche. If you find any whose audiences overlap with your target audience, approach them to discuss a partnership. Along with promoting your products and services, an influencer could promote your channel in general, helping you grow your audience.

Participating in Brand Partnerships and Sponsorships

Once you have a reasonably large audience on TikTok, monetizing your TikTok presence becomes even easier. If your audience is fairly substantial, like an influencer, you could partner with other brands to promote them via your channel. 

You simply need to find brands that align with your values and content. For example, maybe you’re using TikTok to promote a line of sustainable kitchen tools. If so, you might partner with a brand of ethically sourced food ingredients, generating videos in which you use your own products to create meals with the products of the brand with whom you’re partnering. 

This example highlights the importance of adopting a long-term perspective when developing a TikTok marketing strategy. The more your audience grows, the more opportunities you will have to monetize your TikTok presence further.

Creating and Selling Your Own Products

Naturally, you can use TikTok to promote your own products. Tips to keep in mind when doing so include the following:

  • Create a Business or Pro TikTok account, as doing so allows you to not only sell products but also to access more tools to help you monitor engagement and other such important metrics.
  • Research how to connect all the platforms on which you already sell your products (such as Shopify, social media, etc.) with TikTok.
  • Use promotions to get more eyes on your videos.
  • Post videos that clearly show how your products can deliver value for your audience members
  • Analyze engagement data to determine what types of videos yield the highest sales, and modify your content creation strategy accordingly.

Utilizing TikTok’s Creator Fund

TikTok’s Creator Fund serves to reward TikTok content creators whose content attracts large viewerships and boosts overall engagement on the platform. To attempt to join the Creator Fund, follow these steps:

  • Create a Pro account if you haven’t already done so
  • Choose Creator Tools under Settings in your account
  • Click the TikTok Creator Fund button

TikTok will then review various details of your account to determine whether you meet the qualifications necessary to join the Creator Fund. You can try to join the Creator Fund again after 30 days if TikTok initially denies your application.

The Creator Fund is new, so it’s not yet clear how much money you may expect to earn from it. However, it’s already clear that TikTok isn’t using this feature to offer large one-time payments to content creators with successful channels. Instead, TikTok’s Creator Fund appears to offer multiple small payments to successful creators as a means of encouraging them to continue using the platform.

Collect Live Gifts and Donations

TikTok LIVE is another feature you can apply to as a way to further monetize your TikTok account. Through TikTok LIVE, when you livestream content on TikTok, you can ask viewers to send “gifts” indicating your content is popular.

On the basis of these gifts, TikTok may award you a certain number of Diamonds, which can be exchanged for real money. While live streaming on TikTok, you may also ask viewers to donate to your channel directly.

It’s very important to focus on building a strong rapport with your audience. If viewers feel a connection with you and your content, they may be more inclined to make donations.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting another company’s services or products on your channel, and earning a percentage of every sale your content results in. Research TikTok affiliate marketing programs that appear to align with your brand and goals, the same way you would research influencers to partner with.

Bonus Tips: Maximizing Engagement

Engagement plays a critical role in monetizing a TikTok account. Ways to maximize engagement on TikTok include:

  • Consistently releasing high-quality content according to a regular schedule
  • Reviewing the content of other popular creators in your niche for inspiration
  • Asking your audience to engage with your content, share it on social media, and generally support your page
  • Make sure your TikTok videos are the right size

As always, it’s also important to be authentic. That’s a key factor in the success of TikTok. If audience members feel you’re being “real” with them, historically, they’ll be more likely to remain loyal.

Enhance Your Content With Powtoon 

You don’t need a film degree or a studio’s budget to generate impressive, dynamic, high-quality content for TikTok. Powtoon’s online video maker allows users of any experience level to easily and affordably create strong video content. Sign up today to get started!

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Vlogging Over Time: Then, Now, and the Ultimate Best Practices  https://www.powtoon.com/blog/vlogging-over-time-then-now-and-the-ultimate-best-practices/ Tue, 07 Nov 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=16007 Video content is dynamic. There’s a reason studies show that video content drives more engagement than many other forms of content on social media. Thus, if you’re promoting a brand online, you may consider doing so with a vlog. The...

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Read Time: 4 minutes

Video content is dynamic. There’s a reason studies show that video content drives more engagement than many other forms of content on social media.

Thus, if you’re promoting a brand online, you may consider doing so with a vlog. The following overview will explain what you need to know, covering vlogging through history and into the future, while also offering tips on how you can use a vlog to drive engagement with your audience.

What is Vlogging?

Vlogging, as the name implies, is similar to blogging, in that it involves regularly posting content providing audience members with updates or thoughts regarding a particular subject. The key difference is that a blog consists primarily of written words. Although blog entries might also occasionally include pictures, videos, and other such content, these elements supplement a blog. A vlog, on the other other hand, consists of video content.

Vlogging Through History: Then and Now

Adam Kontras is a YouTuber who has also been recognized as the first vlogger. He began recording a video diary in 1999 and started uploading its content to the internet in 2000. 

Thus, vlogging isn’t necessarily as new as some might think. This form of content creation has, in fact, existed for more than two decades now.

Another early vlogger is Luuk Bouwman. While recording his post-college experiences and posting the videos online, Bouwman referred to his content as a vlog, making him potentially the first content creator to adopt this label.

However, it was in 2005 that vlogging truly took off, thanks to the emergence of YouTube. The platform offered vloggers the opportunity to reach a wide audience, essentially bringing vlogging to the masses.

The future of blogging remains bright as well. Thanks to smartphones, creating and uploading vlog content is easier than ever. Vlog trends to be aware of now include:

  • Creating both traditional vlog content and live video content
  • Using a vlog as a form of social media to maintain a relationship with followers
  • Partnering with influencers to help a vlog attract an audience
  • Generating short vlog content for platforms like TikTok and YouTube shorts

How to Create a Vlog: Steps and Considerations

To begin vlogging, follow these steps:

  • Develop a concept and audience: Determine the specific reasons you have for starting a vlog, such as increasing sales or growing your social media audience. Then, determine who your audience members are, and develop a vlog concept that will serve their needs.
  • Planning: Make key decisions about your vlog content, such as whether it will be animated or live-action, what types of sets and settings you will need, and whether you will need to hire actors. Then, you can start outlining and scripting your vlogs.
  • Consider visuals: Visuals are what distinguish a vlog from a blog. Every step of the way, as you plan your content, think of what types of visuals could help your videos make an impression on audience members.
  • Gather elements: Gather any elements you might include in your video, such as audio files, stock footage, and more, and keep them in a dedicated folder for each video.
  • Produce: You may film and/or animate your video once you’ve completed all necessary pre-production steps.
  • Narrate: You may need to record additional audio, such as narration. This is best done after filming.
  • Editing: Finally, you can edit your video content and upload it to your preferred platform. Be aware that you can post a vlog to multiple platforms, such as YouTube, your social media accounts, and your own website.

You must also account for certain practical factors to ensure your vlogging efforts deliver a strong return on investment. For example, for SEO purposes, you must ensure your video files are the right size so that the quality makes the right impression while the video plays reliably and consistently. Check our guide on how to make video files smaller for more information.

Increasing Engagement: Tips and Tricks

There’s no shortage of video content available on the internet. On YouTube alone, content creators upload approximately 500 hours of video content every minute.

Consider this when developing content for your vlog. Tips to boost engagement with your vlogging content include:

  • Stay consistent: Stick to a fairly regular video upload schedule. If your audience members know they can depend on you to provide them with valuable content regularly, they will be more likely to engage with it.
  • Use strong thumbnails: Research indicates that 90% of the top performing videos on platforms like YouTube have custom thumbnails. A video’s thumbnail is the image that tells a potential viewer what a video is about. Instead of using the default thumbnail that YouTube automatically generates for your video, use a custom thumbnail, selecting an image that’s visually dynamic while accurately and honestly conveying what your video may offer.
  • Add interactivity: You can include interactive elements and features (such as links) in your YouTube videos to capture and keep the attention of audience members. Interactivity may also boost retention of the information presented in educational videos.
  • Know your brand: Your brand is the “personality” your videos embody. It represents your values and speaks to your audience in a language they recognize. Elements that affect branding in videos include the colors you use, the words and tone of your characters, the music you might add to your vlogs, and more. By taking the time to cultivate an authentic brand, you’ll boost your odds of finding a loyal audience.

Creating Impactful Vlogs: Key Takeaways

Vlogging can be a very effective way to grow your business and brand. You simply need to remain authentic to yourself and your audience, while also researching vlogging trends and modifying your style accordingly. If you strike this balance, your vlog could yield a strong return on investment over time.

Increase video views and drive subscriptions with Powtoon

You don’t need years of video production experience or a large video production budget to generate strong vlog content. Powtoon is an online video maker that allows you to create videos easily and affordably, regardless of your budget or experience level. Sign up today to get started!

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How to Create Engaging and Interactive YouTube Videos: A Step-by-Step Guide https://www.powtoon.com/blog/how-to-create-engaging-and-interactive-youtube-videos-a-step-by-step-guide/ Sun, 05 Nov 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=16005 Interactive videos have emerged as a powerful tool for engaging audiences. As viewership on YouTube continues to soar, harnessing the potential of interactive videos becomes increasingly essential. YouTube remains the premier social media platform for sharing video content. As of...

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Read Time: 4 minutes

Interactive videos have emerged as a powerful tool for engaging audiences. As viewership on YouTube continues to soar, harnessing the potential of interactive videos becomes increasingly essential. YouTube remains the premier social media platform for sharing video content. As of 2022, statistics indicate that approximately 2.56 billion people throughout the world access YouTube and watch videos on the platform. Additionally, every minute, 500 hours of content is uploaded to YouTube.

On the one hand, if you’re marketing a business or brand, YouTube’s large user base means that posting content on the platform theoretically provides you with the opportunity to cast a wide net and reach leads you might never have reached before. On the other hand, because tens of thousands of hours of content are uploaded to YouTube every hour of the day, competing for attention may prove challenging.

There are various ways you can get more eyes on your videos. Our guide on the factors that influence whether a video goes viral may help you come up with ideas for content that viewers will find naturally.

One effective way to boost engagement with your videos is to add a degree of interactivity to them. A video is more likely to capture and keep the attention of a social media user if the video allows them to “participate” in the content to some degree.

Not sure how to create interactive YouTube videos? Don’t worry. The following guide will help you begin generating ideas that could help you improve the return on investment of your YouTube and social media video marketing efforts.

What Is An Interactive Video?

An interactive video is simply a piece of video content that viewers can actively engage with in some capacity while the video is playing. For example, a video may include links that viewers can follow to enrich the material being presented. Or, a video may pause so that viewers have the chance to answer quiz questions before moving on to the next section of the video.

Those are just two examples. The specific ways a piece of video content may become interactive can vary depending on the nature of the content.

Types of Interactive Videos

Interactive videos can take many forms. The following are just a few examples:

  • Assessments: Research has shown that video can be a very powerful tool in an educational setting. Animated video, in particular, has been determined to help educators explain potentially complex topics or concepts with greater clarity than they otherwise could. To determine exactly how effective an educational video is, you might include quizzes or tests in the video itself. Doing so allows you to create interactive video content while also measuring the degree to which said content serves its intended purpose.
  • Choose the next step: “Choose Your Own Adventure” books appeal to young readers who might otherwise struggle to pay attention to novels they’re reading for a simple reason: they make the experience of reading one in which a reader plays an active role. A YouTube video could do the same. Instead of creating one long video on a topic, you can create several short videos. At the end of every video, a viewer can make a choice to watch one of several potential videos in the sequence next. For example, maybe you’re promoting your brand through a sequence of videos that demonstrate how to use your products. At the end of every short video in the sequence, the viewer can choose the next video based on what they assume to be the next step in the process of using a particular tool or item. The video they choose can then illustrate what would happen if they were to use the product in this way in real life.
  • Hotspots: Hotspots are clickable links or features within videos that viewers can click on to access other pieces of relevant content. For example, during a product demonstration video, you could include hotspots that direct viewers to pages where they can buy the products being demonstrated.

This isn’t an exhaustive list. As you experiment and learn more about how to create interactive YouTube videos, you may come up with your own ideas for interactive content.

What are the Benefits of Interactive Videos? 

The benefits of interactive YouTube videos aren’t merely theoretical. Research shows that interactive videos yield higher click-through rates than other types of video content on YouTube.

When viewers interact with your videos, you can also gather more data about user habits and behaviors. You may analyze this data to learn more about your customer base, gauge the effectiveness of certain video marketing strategies, and generally refine your approach to developing YouTube content.

How Can You Create An Interactive Video For Youtube

Again, the specifics of the video creation process may vary somewhat depending on the exact type of interactive YouTube video you’re creating. You can also use one of the best AI video generators. Generally, though, the process involves these steps:

  • Determine what type of interactive video you wish to generate
  • Make a list of interactive features your videos may include (such as Hotspots) and research how to include those specific features in a video.
  • Outline all the content you will need to film or animate to ensure maximum interactivity.
  • Write your scripts, generate storyboards, cast roles, and complete other such pre-production steps.
  • Film your video content
  • Edit and finalize your video
  • Upload your video content to your YouTube account
  • In the Video Manager page of your YouTube account, find the video you want to edit, click on the downward arrow next to the Edit button, and choose Annotations from the drop-down menu.
  • Now, you can add annotations in the form of links, questions, and other such content that may result in a more interactive experience for a viewer.

As always, it’s also very important to monitor the performance of your videos. As this guide has hopefully demonstrated, generating interactive video content is an effective way to get noticed on a busy platform. You’ll further maximize engagement with your videos if you consistently analyze engagement data and modify your approach accordingly.

(Tip: For more information on creating video content, check our guide on the stages of video production.)

Easily Create Interactive Videos With Powtoon 

Even if you now feel you know how to create interactive YouTube videos, you might still worry you don’t have the experience (or budget) necessary to generate impressive and dynamic video content in the first place. 

That’s where Powtoon comes in. With tools like the AI video maker, Powtoon makes the process of generating video content easy and affordable for everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros. Sign up today to get started!

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How to Rebrand Your Social Media Marketing After a Company Change  https://www.powtoon.com/blog/how-to-rebrand-your-social-media-marketing-after-a-company-change/ Sun, 29 Oct 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=15997 Social media marketing is among the most effective ways to promote your brand. However, due to various potential changes at your company, it may one day be necessary to rebrand. This will naturally influence your brand strategy in regard to...

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Read Time: 4 minutes

Social media marketing is among the most effective ways to promote your brand. However, due to various potential changes at your company, it may one day be necessary to rebrand. This will naturally influence your brand strategy in regard to social media.

Are you not sure how to properly rebrand social media marketing after a company change? Keep reading if so. The following brand marketing and strategy ideas will help you better understand how you can maintain your current social media audience while still adjusting your social media presence to match brand changes.

Identify the Elements of Your Brand on Social Media

Before adjusting your brand on social media, you must first identify what aspects of your social media presence already represent your brand. Potential examples include:

  • The overall tone and language of your posts
  • The color schemes of any visual content you share
  • Logos and other such proprietary material
  • The music and other such elements that might be featured in videos you share on social media
  • What types of cultural references your social media presence makes
  • What type of audience do you believe you’re speaking to via social media

Once you know which aspects of your social media presence currently reflect your company’s branded identity, you’ll have a better sense of what specific changes you might need to make to ensure your social media marketing efforts align with your new brand strategy.

Set Goals

Knowing how to rebrand social media marketing after a company change is important, but knowing why you’re rebranding is also vital. The time and effort you devote to cultivating a new brand on social media will be more likely to yield a strong return on investment if you establish clear and measurable goals from the start.

For example, monitoring engagement on social media is fairly easy. You might, therefore, decide that one of your goals when developing a new brand across your social media channels is to boost engagement.

Another goal may be to attract more followers. After you implement a social media rebranding strategy, you can compare how many new monthly followers you’re attracting now and how many you have attracted in the past. If you tend to attract more new monthly followers after a rebrand, you can be confident your rebranding strategy has served its intended purpose.

These examples aren’t the only goals you can set when adopting a new brand strategy on social media. The main point to understand is that setting such goals is key to determining whether a strategy is effective.

Assemble a Team and Assign Tasks

Your next step involves gathering all team members who you think should be involved in your rebranding efforts. Once you’ve assembled your team, you can establish what specific tasks each team member needs to complete.

For example, your graphic design team members may need to generate new visual content that you can share on social media to introduce audience members to your new brand. Your copywriters may be tasked with developing a new style guide to ensure that the language and tone of all your posts correspond with your new brand. 

Those are just two examples. The specific tasks you assign to different team members can vary depending on the nature of your rebrand.

Establish a Timeline and Schedule

Keep in mind that your current audience may be accustomed to your current brand. Attempting to introduce audience members to a new brand all of a sudden could backfire on you if you don’t make thorough plans ahead of time. Even if your new brand is generally more appealing than your current one, a jarring shift in branded messaging on social media could make the wrong impression on your followers.

After you and your team members have developed at least one month’s worth of new social media content that reflects your new brand, start working on a timeline to embrace the new brand across your various social media accounts.

There is no universally correct way to go about this process. For instance, you might begin with a few vague posts on your social media accounts encouraging followers to watch the space for a big announcement in the coming days or weeks. Next, that announcement could take the form of a post in which you officially announce your new brand.

The content through which you make this announcement need not be as dry as a generic press release. For example, a unique way to introduce followers to a new brand would be to create a character who represents this brand and share a video introducing followers to that character. 

You can begin making other changes to your social media presence once you’ve made this initial introduction. Perhaps you can start removing images that embody your old brand and replace them with images and visual content that align with your new brand marketing strategy. If you were to apply the tactic above, using a new character to embody a new brand, you could also start posting in the voice of that character, indicating to social media followers that your social media pages, in general, will have a new voice.

Rebranding on Social Media After a Company Change: The Importance of Monitoring

Remember, one of the first steps you took in the process of adjusting your social media brand marketing strategy was to establish clear and measurable goals. Be sure to monitor your success once you’ve begun implementing your strategy.

Doing so will help you determine whether you should continue with a plan, or whether making adjustments is necessary. The more you study your results and make tweaks, the greater your long-term ROI will be.

Easily Create Video Content for Your Rebranding With Powtoon

When generating video content for a rebranding on social media, you don’t need to spend more than you can afford, nor do you need to invest much time into the process of creating video content. Powtoon’s online video maker allows you to easily create video content even if your video production experience is minimal. Sign up today to get started!

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7 Ways Screen Recordings Can Enhance Your Social Media Content https://www.powtoon.com/blog/7-ways-screen-recordings-can-enhance-your-social-media-content/ Thu, 26 Oct 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=15995 There are many types of content you can share on social media to promote your brand and engage your followers. However, one theoretically valuable form of social media content is one that often goes overlooked: screen recordings. Regardless of the...

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Read Time: 4 minutes

There are many types of content you can share on social media to promote your brand and engage your followers. However, one theoretically valuable form of social media content is one that often goes overlooked: screen recordings.

Regardless of the specific nature of your business and services, sharing screen recordings on social media can help you provide your followers with content that drives engagement. Consider the following examples.

The Power of Screen Recordings in Marketing

Many of us complete various processes while interfacing with digital devices in our tech-driven world. Thus, a screen recording can convey information to an audience in a format with which they are already very familiar. 

In addition, screen recording content is often fairly brief and to the point. That’s a vital quality when other pieces of content are cluttering your followers’ social media feeds.

Studies actually suggest the average attention span now is only eight seconds. Because you can’t count on a viewer paying attention to a piece of video content for a long time now, it’s wise to share content that makes its point fast. A screen recording can serve this purpose.

Specific ways to use screen recordings for social media include the following:

Ways To Use Screen Recordings For Social Media

  1. Bite-Sized Demos for Products

To convince a customer that one of your products is worth their money, you need to demonstrate to said customer how your product can deliver value for them. One way to achieve this goal is to post screen recordings on social media in which you quickly show off the features of a product.

Depending on how complex a product is, a quick screen recording may not be able to illustrate all its functions and capacities thoroughly. That’s not a problem. The purpose of such a video is to generate initial interest in a product. Other pieces of content can provide more detailed information about a product if a potential customer wishes to investigate it more. 

  1. Quick Tutorials for Step-by-Step Guides

A customer might have a general understanding of the value that one of your products can offer them. Nevertheless, they may still be reluctant to make a purchase for various reasons.

For instance, maybe a customer isn’t willing to spend their money on one of your products because they don’t fully understand how to use it yet. This is another instance in which posting a screen recording to social media could help you boost sales. By posting a video demonstrating how to use your product in clear visual steps, you may help a customer better appreciate the way said product could benefit them.

  1. Seamless Product Walkthroughs

A product walkthrough is a piece of content in which a company introduces potential customers to a new product and its various features. If you’re planning on launching a new product in the near future, a screen recording could help generate enthusiasm for it.

Social media in general, offers you the opportunity to “tease” your followers with announcements about new products, services, and other such new offerings from your company. Through social media, you can release information about new products slowly and strategically, cultivating interest and maintaining it over the course of weeks or months. 

Video can help in this capacity due to its naturally dynamic nature. Research actually shows that video content on social media attracts more engagement than other types of content. By announcing a new product with a video-based product walkthrough, you can improve your odds of capturing the attention of your audience when many other pieces of social media content may be vying for their attention.

  1. Explaining Software and Apps

Screen recordings can be particularly effective when used to highlight the features and functionality of an app or piece of software. Because a screen recording can show exactly how to use a given app, it can quickly but clearly demonstrate to a potential customer how the app can serve a genuinely useful purpose. 

  1. Visual Testimonials and Case Studies

Studies and surveys consistently show that testimonials can play a major role in the success of a given product or business. Many consumers are savvy, knowing that a company itself is certainly likely to count the benefits of its products and services. These consumers also know that they can’t necessarily trust a company to represent these products and services in all marketing materials accurately.

However, if past customers are willing to say positive things about a product, a consumer may be more likely to purchase it themselves. True, testimonials can simply take the form of text, but a video testimonial in the form of a screen recording gives a customer the opportunity to include more emotion in their words when describing their positive reaction to a product of yours.

  1. Short How-Tos for Quick Learning

Are you selling a product with many different features that customers might use? If so, you may choose to post screen recordings on social media quickly, covering how to take advantage of these various features and functionalities. For customers in the digital age, these videos could offer a welcome alternative to traditional written instruction guides. 

  1. Screen-Recorded Webinars and Podcast Segments

Webinars and podcasts often serve as valuable pieces of social media marketing content because they allow a brand to share potentially valuable information with customers. With screen recordings, you can share snippets from webinars or podcasts to generate interest in your content, or you can simply post quick mini podcasts and webinars to provide your followers with useful information in a short and efficient format. 

  1. Screen Recordings: Perfect for Short Ads and YouTube Shorts

Short-form video content is growing increasingly popular across a range of social media platforms. For instance, YouTube has introduced YouTube Shorts to compete with TikTok.

It’s clear that demand for shorter videos is growing. Luckily, screen recordings may be ideal for such types of videos. With a screen recording, you can quickly convey a message to your audience, something which is often critical in an age when your audience members are likely bombarded with distractions.

Best Practices for Creating Engaging Screen Recordings

To ensure your screen recordings deliver results, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Use a quality microphone for ideal audio quality
  • Record in a space where background noise won’t interfere
  • Turn off as many background processes as possible (such as other apps that you may have open), as these can potentially result in lag and other such issues
  • Use headphones to ensure you can hear yourself clearly when recording narration

Additionally, it’s wise to use dedicated screen recording software. Powtoon can help. Along with offering screen recording software, Powtoon offers a range of tools for creating dynamic live-action and animated video content. Sign up today to get started!

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Starting Your Own Business in 2023: Essential Steps and Key Statistics https://www.powtoon.com/blog/starting-your-own-business-in-2023-essential-steps-and-key-statistics/ Sun, 15 Oct 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=15985 Starting a business can be very exciting. It can also be very intimidating. Many aspiring entrepreneurs never actually pursue their business goals simply because they don’t know how to get started. That doesn’t need to happen to you. The following...

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Read Time: 4 minutes

Starting a business can be very exciting. It can also be very intimidating. Many aspiring entrepreneurs never actually pursue their business goals simply because they don’t know how to get started.

That doesn’t need to happen to you. The following guide offers essential tips for starting a business in 2023. In addition, it shares relevant business statistics. Familiarizing yourself with these statistics and general business trends can help you position your business for success.

How to Start Your Own Business in 2023: What You Need to Know

Know Why You’re Starting a Small Business

More specifically, strive to identify two reasons why you want to start a business of your own. The first reason can be your personal reason for going down this path.

For example, you might want the experience of being your own boss. Defining your personal motivation for starting a business can help you remain focused and committed when you encounter challenges during the early days of growth.

You also need to determine why your particular idea for a business can offer value to customers. You must identify how your business will fulfill a need the marketplace has not yet fulfilled.

If you can’t come up with this reason for starting a business, it could indicate that your business idea isn’t strong enough to succeed. On the other hand, if you can determine why your business idea has the potential to improve the lives of customers, you may be more confident that your business can stay afloat in the long run. 

Study the Competition

It’s possible that no other business offers the exact same products and services that you plan on offering. This is a good thing. A business is typically more likely to succeed if it can differentiate itself from the competition.

Regardless, even if no other business is offering exactly what you intend to offer, it’s likely other businesses are offering similar products and services. Research those businesses to learn more about their target customers. This may help you more clearly determine who your target customers should be. Additionally, by studying the competition, you may be able to describe what makes your business unique more thoroughly.

Set a Budget

To the best of your ability, calculate how much money you will need to invest into your business during the early days when you likely won’t be bringing much money in. Consider what you will need to spend on equipment, travel, advertising, and other such Investments to arrive at a realistic budget.

Now is also a good time to set up a separate business bank account. Managing your money will be much easier if you separate your personal finances and your business finances.

Seek Investors

Odds are good that you will need outside funding to grow your business. You should thus begin researching potential business investors from the start.

Develop business pitches that will allow you to effectively demonstrate to potential investors why your idea is worth taking a financial chance on. to improve the effectiveness of a business pitch, consider incorporating video and multimedia elements. Doing so could help you pitch your business idea to investors in a more dynamic manner.

Plan Your Online Presence

A business needs an online presence to attract customers in the digital age. To ensure your business hits the ground running, start a website and create social media accounts sooner rather than later.

Generate Valuable Marketing Content

Bill Gates famously predicted that content would play a very significant role in marketing in the digital age when he penned his essay “Content is King” back in 1996. That prediction proved correct.

Surveys indicate that customers across all demographics dislike being blatantly advertised to. Luckily, you can promote your business without coming across as too salesy. Instead of running traditional ads, you can offer valuable content to your potential customers in the form of a blog, podcast, and other such content. 

Think about the types of content that would appeal to your target customer. For example, if you’re selling a line of kitchen tools, content offering cooking tips would naturally provide your customers with value.

Take the time to generate this content early as you begin growing your business. Doing so can help you attract leads from the start.

(Bonus tip: Prioritize creating video content. Research shows that potential customers engage with video content to a greater degree than other types of content, like blogs.)

Business Statistics for 2023: Key Information:

Business statistics to be aware of as you throw your hat into the entrepreneurial ring include:

  • Small businesses account for about 90% of companies worldwide. If you automatically assume a small business is at a disadvantage, keep in mind that the vast majority of businesses are small.
  • Approximately 50% of small businesses begin as home businesses. You don’t need a professional space to start a professional operation.
  • About 44% of small business owners are between the ages of 39 and 54 years. In other words, you can start a successful small business even if you assume you’re too old.
  • Most (81%) of small business owners work overtime. You’re not alone if you’re devoting a little more time than expected to starting and running your business.

It’s also critical to remember that starting a business takes time. Many of history’s most iconic entrepreneurs faced struggles when they began developing their ideas. However, they didn’t quit.

Of course, you should have a reasonable exit strategy so you’re not stuck running a business that isn’t delivering the rewards you imagined. That said, you also shouldn’t get discouraged if your growth is slow at first. If you remain focused, you could one day turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a reality.

Generate Video Content for Your Business With Powtoon

Once more, video content can help you attract and engage potential customers effectively. Luckily, with Powtoon, generating high-quality video content is easy, even if you have no video production experience and a small video production budget. Get started by signing up today!

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