Tech Archives - Powtoon Blog https://www.powtoon.com/blog/category/tech/ Make Awesome Videos and Presentations Mon, 22 Jul 2024 10:09:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.7 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/favicon.ico Tech Archives - Powtoon Blog https://www.powtoon.com/blog/category/tech/ 32 32 13+ best AI video editors to try in 2024 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/best-ai-video-editor/ Thu, 22 Feb 2024 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=16108 Looking for an AI video editing tool that takes your content creation to another level? You’ve landed in the right place! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the best AI video editor platforms available today, with a special...

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Looking for an AI video editing tool that takes your content creation to another level? You’ve landed in the right place!

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some of the best AI video editor platforms available today, with a special emphasis on productivity, efficiency, and quality. From basic cut-and-trim features to sophisticated AI-driven effects, these tools are transforming how we create and consume video content.

The best AI video software shortlist

  1. Powtoon Imagine for ideation and time efficiency.
  2. Invideo for creating with text prompts.
  3. Adobe Premiere Pro for advanced video editing.
  4. Runway for combining art and AI.
  5. Synthesia for human-like AI avatars.
  6. Fliki for content repurposing.
  7. Veed for rich stock footage.
  8. Wondershare Filmora for advanced tools.
  9. Movavi for great tutorials and customer support.
  10. Lumen5 for incorporating your branding elements.
  11. Descript for video and podcast making.
  12. Colossyan for multilingual AI avatars.
  13. HeyGen for voice cloning.
  14. DeepBrain AI for multipurpose video editing.

*Note: The tool reviews we present here are based on the collective experience of users and their shared opinions from publicly available sources. Be aware that these reviews may change over time due to ongoing user feedback. The primary objective of this article is to accumulate and present user feedback regarding AI video editing tools/software cohesively. This is intended to aid readers in making informed decisions when selecting the video editing tool that best suits their needs. Now, let’s move on to the reviews!

What is an AI video editor?

An AI video editor is basically a software tool that uses artificial intelligence to automate the video editing process. It simplifies tasks like rimming footage, adding effects, and generating subtitles or voiceovers. With the help of AI algorithms, these programs can analyze video content to make smart editing decisions, saving users a great deal of time and effort. 

Features like text-to-video conversion, automatic captioning, and real-time editing allow both beginners and professionals to easily create videos of the highest quality. AI video editors are especially valuable for streamlining workflows, reducing manual input, and the production of creative projects without the need for technical expertise.

What makes the best AI video editing tool?

There are several factors to account for when deciding what the best AI video editor is. Here are key aspects you should consider when choosing an AI platform:

  • User-friendly interface: The tool should ideally have an intuitive interface that caters to both beginners and experienced editors. 
  • Advanced AI features: AI capabilities like automatic scene detection, smart trimming, and AI-driven effects can do wonders for the editing process. Features like automatic captioning and voiceover generation can also add to the tool’s versatility.
  • Customization options: You should be able to fine-tune AI-generated edits, adjust settings, and add personal touches to make the final product meet your expectations.
  • Quality of output: The tool should support high-resolution outputs, including HD and 4K, to guarantee the final video is of professional quality.
  • Media library: Make sure you have access to a large enough library of stock images, videos, and music.
  • Multi-language support: For global reach, the tool should support multiple languages, both for text and voiceover capabilities.
  • Collaboration features: Real-time collaboration tools are essential for teams working together on projects. This includes features like shared workspaces and the ability to leave comments and suggestions.
  • Affordability and pricing plans: The tool should have a range of pricing tiers that cater to various budgets and needs. This should include a free option with permanent access to basic features. 
  • Customer support and resources: Reliable customer support and access to tutorials, FAQs, and user communities can help you get the most out of the tool and troubleshoot any issues you come across.
Edit a video with AI

Best AI video editors of 2024

1. Powtoon Imagine

Pros 

  • Intuitive and user-friendly interface
  • Variety of visuals and animations to create animated videos and more
  • Integration with recorded videos, allowing for a mix of animation and live-action content​​​​
  • Extensive music library

Cons

  • Limited video duration for imported clips
  • Limited sound effects

Key features

Powtoon Imagine offers a suite of features designed to streamline the workflow, allowing you to move from concept to completed video with very little effort. The tool boasts over 100 built-in video editing templates tailored for various purposes, which you can customize as you like.

With shared media libraries and asynchronous editing capabilities, team members can easily work together on projects. For enterprise users, Powtoon Imagine provides high-level security compliance with ISO-27001 standards, 24/7 technical support, and scalable solutions to accommodate large teams. These features make Powtoon Imagine a great tool for creating a professional-quality video, be it for personal use or large-scale corporate projects​​​​​​. The platform also features one of the best AI video generators

Pricing

Lite plan:

  • $15 a month ($180 billed annually)
  • You can remove Powtoon branding
  • You get five premium exports a month
  • You get 2 GB of storage
  • You can create videos up to 10 minutes long

Professional plan:

  • $70 a month ($840 billed annually)
  • Everything in the Lite plan
  • You can use the AI script writer and the AI video assistant
  • You get unlimited premium exports 
  • You get full access to all content and templates
  • You get 10 GB of storage
  • You can create videos up to 20 minutes long

Business plan:

  • $125 a month ($1,500 billed annually)
  • Everything in the Professional plan
  • You can fully customize characters
  • You can do character lip-syncing
  • You get full brand control
  • You can use the camera movement feature
  • You get 3rd party reseller rights
  • You get 100 GB of storage
  • You can create videos up to 30 minutes long

Who is Powtoon best for?

Powtoon Imagine is the best AI video editing app for marketers, content creators, educators, small business owners, and larger enterprises looking to ideate content and produce professional-quality videos as quickly as possible.

How Powtoon Imagine works

Creating a captivating video with Powtoon Imagine is a simple, intuitive process that unfolds across a few key steps:

Step 1: Share your needs

The journey begins by outlining your distinctive video requirements. Be it a product explainer, a corporate training video, or a personalized message, the flexibility of Powtoon Imagine caters to your needs.

Step 2: Choose from ideas

Based on your specifications, Powtoon Imagine presents an array of AI-generated video concepts. You can browse these suggestions and select the one that resonates with your vision.

Step 3: Customize

Powtoon Imagine doesn’t stop at providing a first draft of your video. It offers you the opportunity to inject your unique touch into the video. Highlight key points, set your tone and style, and even integrate your brand name into the video.

Step 4: Generate and preview

Upon finalizing your customizations, Powtoon Imagine swiftly generates your video. You can now preview the video, ensuring it meets your standards and fulfills your objectives.

Step 5: Edit in Powtoon Studio
Editing AI video in Powtoon

For those desiring an extra layer of refinement, Powtoon Imagine provides access to the Powtoon Studio, a user-friendly advanced editing platform. Here, you can add or modify media, edit text, change style elements, and tweak audio effects and voiceover. And that’s not all – the Studio also allows you to add voiceovers, animated characters, and so much more, propelling your video to the next tier of excellence.

Next-level AI video maker

Meet Ridley, your personal video production assistant who embodies a blend of precision and creativity. Whether you are looking for an AI video generator or tools for advanced video editing, Powtoon Imagine’s artificial intelligence algorithms and Ridley’s expertise have you covered. 

Ridley serves as your trusted companion, offering unwavering support and inspiration as you bring your ideas to life through visual masterpieces. With Ridley, the process of video creation becomes a seamless and elegant endeavor, expertly synchronized with your individual rhythm.

Ridley

Ridley serves as your trusted sidekick, offering unwavering support and inspiration as you bring your ideas to life through visual masterpieces. With Ridley, the process of video creation becomes a seamless and elegant endeavor, expertly synchronized with your individual rhythm.

The result?

A video that is not just a mere combination of clips and sounds but a captivating narrative that resonates with your audience, holding them in rapt attention from beginning to end.

2. Invideo

Invideo AI video editor

Pros

  • Intuitive AI features
  • Massive template library with over 6000 professionally-designed templates,
  • Free access to millions of royalty-free stock images, videos, and music tracks
  • User-friendly drag-and-drop functionality
  • Realistic AI voiceover options 

Cons

  • AI-generated content occasionally needs additional tweaks​​.
  • Some users feel that customization options are limited compared to more professional-grade editing software

Key features

InVideo comes with a range of powerful features that make the video creation process effortless. The AI text-to-video functionality allows you to input text prompts and receive a complete video draft with visuals and scripts. Standout elements include the simple drag-and-drop editor, voiceover capabilities with realistic AI voices, and advanced editing tools like effects, transitions, animations, and motion graphics. InVideo also supports team collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on a project at the same time with features like timestamp comments and admin controls.

Pricing

  • Free plan: You get 10 minutes of AI generation per week plus 10 GB of storage, over 2.5 million standard media, and four exports per week with InVideo watermark
  • Plus plan: For $20 per month ($240 billed annually), you get 50 minutes of AI generation per month, 80 iStock media per month, 100 GB of storage, unlimited exports, and two voice clones
  • Max plan: For $48 per month ($576 billed annually), you get 200 minutes of AI generation per month, 320 iStock media per month, 400 GB of storage, unlimited exports, and five voice clones

Who is Invideo best for?

InVideo’s AI video editor is a great tool for content creators, marketers, and anyone who needs to produce polished videos quickly and easily.

3. Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro AI video editor

Pros

  • Task automation with Adobe Sensei’s AI capabilities
  • Seamless integration without the need for rendering​​
  • Access to a huge library of motion graphics templates and stock media through Adobe Stock
  • Integration with Frame.io for real-time feedback and collaboration
  • Audio tools like the Essential Sound panel for noise reduction and audio enhancement​​.

Cons

  • Steep learning curve
  • On the expensive side, especially if you need full access to the Creative Cloud suite
  • Requires a powerful computer to run smoothly, especially with large or complex projects

Key features

Adobe Premiere Pro (with Adobe Sensei as the AI assistant) features advanced AI tools like automated object selection, content-aware fill, and intelligent auto-adjustments for color, contrast, and exposure. The platform also offers smart enhancements, scene detection, and tagging for efficient organization and editing. And with the dynamic link feature, you can easily integrate projects with After Effects for advanced motion graphics. 

Pricing

  • Monthly: $34.49 per month 
  • Annual (paid monthly): $22.99 per month
  • Annual (prepaid): $263.88

Who is Adobe Premiere Pro best for?

If you’re a professional video editor or creative professional looking for advanced features and seamless integration across multiple Adobe applications, the Adobe Premiere Pro is for you.

4. Runway

Runway AI video editor

Pros

  • User-friendly interface 
  • Integration with popular tools like Photoshop, Blender, and Unity
  • Strong community support and comprehensive learning resources
  • Versatile text-to-video and image-to-video capabilities

Cons

  • Requires powerful computing resources
  • Potential for inconsistencies in generated content due to vague or contradictory prompts
  • Complicated tasks and high-resolution outputs can be time-consuming

Key features

Runway’s AI video editing tool offers a variety of powerful features that can do wonders for your creative workflows. With real-time collaboration capabilities, users can work on projects together at the same time. The platform also supports high-resolution image generation using latent diffusion models. This is perfect for tasks that involve fine details. Other features include noise reduction, image stabilization, and the ability to cut out 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 additional features like 100 GB assets, upscale resolution, and the ability to train AI generators
  • Pro plan: For $28 per month, you get 2250 credits and full feature access, 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 everything in the Pro plan
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing): You get everything included 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 ideal for creators, designers, and teams looking to incorporate advanced AI capabilities into their video production workflows.

5. Synthesia

Synthesia AI video editor

Pros

  • Easy to use without extensive technical knowledge
  • Access to over 160 AI avatars
  • Ability to generate voiceovers in more than 130 languages and accents
  • Highly scalable 
  • The platform automatically updates video content whenever changes are made

Cons

  • AI avatars sometimes make slightly unnatural movements
  • Limited customization options

Key features

The standout feature of Synthesia would have to be the platform’s AI avatars, which can be personalized to act as digital twins. Users can also generate realistic voiceovers in over 130 languages and accents. And let’s not forget the text-to-video functionality. Other customization options include backgrounds, images, text overlays, and music. The easy editing capabilities allow you to update videos without the need for reshoots. This helps to keep the content fresh and relevant. For teams, built-in collaboration features can streamline workflows.

Pricing

  • Free plan: You get six AI avatars, 36 minutes of video a year, and features like over 120 languages and voices, more than 60 video templates, and more
  • Starter plan: For $22 per month, you get more than 70 AI avatars, 120 minutes of video a year, and everything in the Free plan plus the AI avatar builder, AI video assistant, custom web cam avatar, and more
  • Creator plan: For $67 per month, you get over 90 AI avatars, 360 minutes of video a year, and everything in the Starter plan plus custom fonts, branded share page, and more
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing): You get over 140 ASI avatars, unlimited minutes of video, and everything in the Creator plan plus 1-click translations, priority support, and more

Who is Synthesia best for?

As one of the best AI software for video editing, Synthesia is mainly beneficial for businesses looking to create corporate training videos, marketing content, or educational materials.

6. Fliki

Fliki AI video editor

Pros

  • Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
  • Impressive AI voice quality
  • Great value for your money

Cons

  • Potential cost accumulation with frequent usage
  • AI-generated content may sometimes need manual fine-tuning

Key features

When it comes to converting various text formats into video, Fliki is one of the best AI video editing software programs. The platform offers features such as “Text to Video,” “Idea to Video,” “Blog to Video,” “PPT to Video,” and even “Tweet to Video.” It boasts over 2000 AI voices across more than 75 languages and dialects, so you know high-quality voice overs are guaranteed. 

Other features include lifelike AI avatars and advanced voice cloning technology, which can mimic your voice for future recordings. Fliki also supports content translation in over 75 languages, making it easy to produce multilingual videos.

Pricing

  • Free plan: You get five minutes of credits per month and limited features, including the ability to generate images and the option to create videos from ideas, blog articles, PowerPoint presentations, and Tweets
  • Standard plan: For $21 a month, you get 2,160 minutes of monthly credits and features like watermark removal, commercial rights, access to over 1,000 voices, and more
  • Premium plan: For $66 a month, you get 7,200 minutes of monthly credits and features like voice cloning, priority support, access to over 2,000 voices, and more
  • Team plan: For $144 a month, you get 8,640 minutes of monthly credits and features like the multiple users, a dedicated account manager, and more
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing): You get API access, personalized avatars, branded templates, and more

Who is Fliki best for?

Fliki is the best AI video editing tool for content creators, marketers, and businesses looking to convey their message to their audiences.

7. Veed

Veed AI video editor

Pros

  • Easy to use for users of all skill levels
  • Automatically generates subtitles and translates them to multiple languages.
  • Allows direct sharing to various platforms

Cons

  • Requires a strong internet connection
  • Some users report slow server speeds and lag

Key features

Veed.io’s top feature is the drag-and-drop functionality that simplifies the editing process, allowing you to add, remove, or rearrange elements easily. The platform also offers advanced editing capabilities like noise removal, brightness adjustment, and color grading. Its library of professionally shot stock videos and customizable templates is another feature that often comes in handy. And with AI tools for avatars, music, and voiceovers, you can add unique elements to your videos, boosting creativity and engagement.

Pricing

  • Basic plan: For $12 a month, you get watermark removal, unlimited upload size, full HD 1080p exports, 720 minutes of subtitles a year, and more
  • Pro plan: For $24 a month, you get clean audio, eye contact correction, access to stock audio and video library, 1,440 minutes of subtitles a year, and more
  • Business plan: For $59 a month, you get customizable video templates, 4K export quality, 3,600 minutes of text to speech, 8,000 minutes of subtitles a year, and more
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing): You get personalized AI avatars, custom usage limits, creator training, and an account manager

Who is Veed.io best for?

Veed.io is ideal for content creators, marketing teams, educators, and businesses looking to create professional videos without much effort.

8. Wondershare Filmora

Wondershare AI video editor

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • Fast video rendering
  • Extensive library of effects and transitions
  • Intuitive split screen functionality
  • Ability to export in multiple formats

Cons

  • Limited customer service with reliance on chatbots
  • Some features require additional subscriptions
  • Simplistic screen grab features compared to free alternatives

Key features

With AI Copilot as the AI assistant, Wondershare Filmora has a number of impressive capabilities designed to enhance the editing experience. AI Copilot analyzes the content and style of your footage to suggest the best edits, transitions, and effects. The AI-powered tool guarantees high-quality results by offering tips and solutions tailored to your editing needs. It also streamlines the workflow with real-time assistance, making decisions on the spot and saving a great deal of time during the editing process​​​​.

Pricing

  • Free plan: basic features and a watermark on exports
  • Annual plan: $49.99 per year
  • Perpetual plan (one-time payment): $69.99
  • Monthly plan: $7.99 per month

Who is Wondershare Filmora best for?

Filmora’s AI video editing tool is ideal for casual users and content creators looking for an easy-to-use, feature-rich editing platform without needing professional-level skills.

9. Movavi

Movavi AI video editor

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • Wide range of built-in effects and transitions
  • Supports various file formats including AVI, MP4, MOV, and more
  • Available for both Windows and Mac

Cons

  • Rendering can be slow, especially with large video files
  • Some transitions and effects may appear too cartoonish for professional use
  • Limited advanced features compared to higher-end software

Key features

One of the main highlights of Movavi is the Movavi Effects Store, which offers an huge library of video and audio effects, filters, stickers, and templates. With the audio effects tool, users can easily customize soundtracks, voice-overs, and other audio elements. As for titles feature, it allows for the inclusion of various text elements such as titles, subtitles, and captions, with a range of customization options. Other options include overlay effects and filters that you can use to boost the visual appeal of videos. Movavi also offers an import tool for easy media addition, and an advanced video capture utility for recording from cameras or webcams.

Pricing

  • Monthly subscription: $16.95 a month
  • Yearly subscription: $39.95 a year
  • Lifetime license: $79.95

Who is Movavi best for?

Movavi’s AI tool is a viable option for beginners and intermediate users looking for an affordable, easy-to-use platform with a wide range of features for creating professional-looking videos.

10. Lumen5

Lumen5 AI video editor

Pros

  • Simple and user-friendly interface
  • Extensive media library with millions of free assets
  • Easy to create and reuse video templates
  • Automated workflows

Cons

  • Limited customization options, such as adjusting text size and music volume
  • Issues with audio and video synchronization

Key features

With a text-to-video capability, Lumen5 allows users to easily turn written content into videos by entering a link or pasting text directly. It offers an extensive media library with millions of free photos, videos, and music tracks. The AI-driven scene length and text positioning features intelligently adjust to fit the video’s layout. You can also customize your videos with branding options, including brand colors, logos, and watermarks. Lumen5 supports multiple video resolutions and aspect ratios, making it versatile for different social media platforms.

Pricing

  • Community plan (free): You get 720p video resolution, two minutes of AI voiceover, and up to five videos a month
  • Basic plan: For $29 a month, you get advanced AI Script Composer features, longer AI voiceover videos, and more
  • Starter plan: For $79 a month, you get 1080p video resolution, access to more than 50 million stock photos and videos, and more
  • Professional plan: For $199 per month, you get custom watermarks, access to more than 500 million stock photos and videos, and more
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing): You get bespoke branded templates, enterprise-level security, and more

Who is Lumen5 best for?

Lumen5 is a great choice for marketers, content creators, and businesses looking to quickly and easily create engaging videos without the need for much video editing skills

11. Descript

Descript AI video editor

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • Accurate and fast transcription 
  • All-in-one tool (video editing, screen recording, transcription, and podcast editing)

Cons

  • Learning curve for advanced features
  • Can be expensive for freelancers and small businesses
  • Users have reported minor bugs 

Key features

The star feature of Descript is the overdub feature, allowing users to create lifelike voiceovers simply by typing. Descript also includes comprehensive video editing tools, such as cutting, trimming, and adding transitions. Screen recording and podcast editing functionalities make it a versatile tool for content creators. Meanwhile, real-time collaboration features allow multiple users to work on a project at the same time.

Pricing

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

Who is Descript best for?

Descript is perfect for content creators, podcasters, and businesses looking for an all-in-one tool that simplifies video and audio editing with AI capabilities.

12. Colossyan

Colossyan AI video editor

Pros

  • Easy to use for beginners
  • Diverse range of customizable AI avatars
  • Multi-language support
  • High-quality output

Cons

  • Some users might find the customization options limited
  • AI avatars might sometimes appear less natural

Key features

One of the key features of Colossyan is the AI avatars, which you can personalize to fit your content needs. The platform supports multi-language voiceovers, allowing you to produce videos in various languages with high-quality AI-generated voices. The text-to-video feature makes it easy to convert scripts into videos in no time, with the AI suggesting suitable visuals and transitions. Colossyan also offers a media library full of stock images, videos, and music. And with real-time editing and rendering capabilities, you can see changes on the spot.

Pricing

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

Who is Colossyan best for?

Educators, marketers, and businesses looking to create professional videos quickly and efficiently can find a great solution in Colossyan.

13. HeyGen

HeyGen AI video editor

Pros

  • Easy to use with a user-friendly interface
  • Wide range of templates and avatars
  • Supports more than 40 languages and over 300 voices
  • Allows for voice cloning with minimal audio input

Cons

  • Limited customization options for advanced users
  • Learning curve for new users to fully grasp all features
  • Some users may find the templates too generic

Key features

HeyGen simplifies video production with avatars and text-to-speech capabilities. You can choose from over 120 AI avatars and 300 voices in multiple languages. The platform provides over 300 customizable templates and supports features like voice cloning, high-resolution video output, and automated captions. Its AI avatars can come in handy for various purposes, including marketing, education, and corporate training.

Pricing

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

Who is HeyGen best for?

HeyGen is ideal for freelancers, small business owners, marketing professionals, and educators looking to create high-quality video content without the need for advanced technical skills​​​​​​​​.

14. DeepBrain AI

DeepBrain AI video editor

Pros

  • User-friendly interface
  • Wide variety of customizable AI avatars
  • Multi-language support

Cons

  • Some advanced features may take time to master.
  • AI-generated content can sometimes appear less natural.

Key features

DeepBrain AI’s video editing tool comes with advanced AI avatars that you can customize to fit various themes and styles. It supports text-to-video conversion, so you can easily turn scripts into videos. The tool also features multi-language voiceover capabilities, allowing you to produce content for diverse audiences. DeepBrain AI also offers a library of stock images, videos, and music. And to improve the workflow, real-time editing, and rendering features make it possible for you to see the changes instantly.

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, auto captions, one-click translation, gesture control, over 80 avatars, and more
  • Enterprise plan (custom pricing): You get AP access, custom studio AI avatars, 24/7 priority support, and more 

Who is DeepBrain AI for?

DeepBrain AI’s video editing tool is designed for content creators, marketers, and businesses looking to produce high-quality, professional videos quickly and easily.

The best AI video editing tools of 2024

Choosing one ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a platform that can convert text into video, Powtoon Imagine, Runway, or HeyGen may be the best options for you. If you need advanced features like auto-translation and custom AI avatars, Colossyan and Synthesia offer plenty of options with multilingual customization.

Yet, considering factors such as ease of use, advanced features, and flexibility, Powtoon Imagine stands out as an excellent choice. It’s a versatile tool that caters to a variety of video editing needs, from simple animations to sophisticated presentations. 

Coming with a personal AI video production assistant Ridley, the software’s expansive set of features and intuitive interface empower even non-tech-savvy users to create professional-quality videos. Whether you’re a marketer, educator, or content creator, Powtoon Imagine has the potential to elevate your video editing game and help you stand out in today’s digital landscape. Let’s not forget about the AI script writer which drafts a script for you—no need to be an expert to know how to use AI to write a script.

So, why wait? Give Powtoon Imagine a try and see the difference for yourself!

Edit a video with AI

Best AI video editor FAQ

What is the best AI video editor?

The best AI to edit video depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some popular options include Powtoon Imagine for efficient video production and Adobe Premiere Pro for professional-level editing. Each of these tools offers unique features, so the best choice will vary based on factors like budget, the features you need, and your skill level.

What is AI video editing?

AI video editing involves using artificial intelligence technology to automate and improve various aspects of the video editing process. AI can help with tasks like cutting and trimming footage, adding effects and transitions, generating subtitles, and even creating voiceovers. This technology streamlines the editing process, making it faster and more efficient. It also requires less manual input from the user.

How do you edit a video with AI?

First, you need a platform like Powtoon. Open the editor and import your footage by uploading the video clips, images, and audio files you want to use in your project. Next, use the tool’s AI capabilities to automate tasks like cutting and trimming, applying effects, and adding transitions. 

Many AI video editors also offer features such as text-to-video conversion, automatic captioning, and voiceover generation. After the AI has processed your video, customize and fine-tune the edits to match your vision. This may include adjusting transitions, adding text or graphics, and refining audio levels. Once you’re satisfied with the results, export your video in the format and resolution you prefer.

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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. 

The post 10+ best AI video generators of 2024 appeared first on Powtoon Blog.

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Why You Need a Digital Business Card in 2023 and How to Create One https://www.powtoon.com/blog/why-you-need-a-digital-business-card-in-2023-and-how-to-create-one/ Tue, 24 Oct 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=15993 The business card has long served as a popular way to share contact information with leads, potential employers, and others with whom a professional might network. However, a traditional paper business card may one day be a thing of the...

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Read Time: 4 minutes

The business card has long served as a popular way to share contact information with leads, potential employers, and others with whom a professional might network. However, a traditional paper business card may one day be a thing of the past.

Digital business cards have been growing increasingly popular in recent years. The following guide will explain why you need one and how you can create one if you haven’t already done so.

What is a Digital Business Card?

A digital business card serves the same essential purpose as a traditional business card. It shares information regarding how to contact you, where you work, and what your role may be at a company. However, while a traditional business card is a solid paper object, a digital business card typically consists of a file or QR code you can store in the cloud and share with others through the internet.

The main difference between digital business cards and traditional paper business cards is that digital business cards leverage technology to offer greater convenience to both the person giving someone their business card and the person receiving it. For example, with a digital business card, all it takes is a few taps for someone to save your contact information on their phone or other such device. This allows the individual receiving the card to more easily keep track of your info while giving you the peace of mind that comes from knowing they’re unlikely to lose your information.

What Are the Benefits of Digital Business Cards?

Greater convenience is just one of the benefits that a digital business card can offer. Additional benefits to be aware of include the following:

  • Going green: A digital business card is naturally more eco-friendly than a traditional paper one. Be aware that research shows that consumers today are more likely to give a company their business if they know said company prioritizes sustainability. Thus, opting for a digital business card instead of a paper one could be a simple but effective way to make the right impression on potential customers.
  • Saving money: Paper business cards may not be prohibitively expensive, but you do need to order more every time you run out. The cost of ordering more business cards can add up over time. This isn’t an issue when you exclusively use digital business cards.
  • Always have a business card on hand: You need to remember to bring physical business cards with you virtually wherever you go for them to serve their purpose. If you don’t have a business card on hand at a critical moment, you may be unable to share your contact information in a professional manner. Again, this isn’t a concern when you have a digital business card you can share through your phone.
  • They’re designed for today’s workers: Remote work was already becoming increasingly common in the days before the COVID-19 pandemic. Post-pandemic, with many companies being forced to embrace remote work at least temporarily, it’s becoming even more popular. As such, sharing a digital card instead of a physical one may quickly become normal in the coming years.
  • They update easily: Your contact information can change for various reasons. Additionally, if you get a promotion, you may no longer have the same job title. With a traditional paper business card, you need to order more cards every time your contact information or job title changes. With a digital business card, you can make updates easily, saving yourself both time and money.

Digital business cards may also have added features that paper business cards don’t have, depending on the digital business card solution you use when generating your card. For example, some digital business cards allow users to share videos and other such files along with their cards, something that’s impossible to do with a paper business card.

Creating Digital Business Cards: What You Need to Know

The specific steps involved in the process of creating a digital business card can vary depending on which digital business card solution you choose. Generally, though, the process involves the following:

Researching Options

You may theoretically create a digital business card on your own if you’re very tech-savvy. However, for most, it will likely be more convenient to use a digital business card solution. Popular options to be aware of include the following:

Those are just a few examples. If you find any other potentially appealing digital business card solutions in your research, consider investigating them as well.

Learn About Features and Pricing

Different digital business card solutions offer different features. Examples of extra features that some digital business card solutions offer include (but aren’t limited to) the following:

  • Capturing leads and exporting them to your chosen customer relationship management (CRM) tool
  • Customizing a digital business card to feature your company logo, color scheme, and other such branded visuals
  • The option to track when prospects view your business card
  • Setting up reminders to follow up with contacts

That’s by no means an exhaustive list. It’s wise to thoroughly research the digital business card solutions providers you’re considering, learning which ones offer the features you’re looking for at the price you can afford.

Prioritize Security

Before choosing a digital business card solution, research its security measures. You want to be confident your information will be safe.

Of course, you can always switch to a different provider if you’re not completely satisfied with your first digital business card. Regardless, once you make the switch, you’ll likely understand why more and more professionals are opting for digital business cards over traditional paper cards. The convenience and dynamic features they offer (all at an affordable price) simply can’t be matched.

Create Digital Business Card Video Content With Powtoon

Remember, with some digital business cards, you may have the option of sharing videos about your business. Powtoon can help you create these types of videos (both animated and live-action) easily and affordably, even if you don’t have much video production experience or a large video production budget. Get started by signing up today!

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10 Software Tools Every Small Business Owner Should Know About https://www.powtoon.com/blog/10-software-tools-every-small-business-owner-should-know-about/ Thu, 14 Sep 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=15920 Software tools are essential for running a successful small business, as it’s not just about providing quality goods and services. To thrive as a small business owner, you need to leverage the right tools to streamline your operations and maximize...

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Read Time: 4 minutes

Software tools are essential for running a successful small business, as it’s not just about providing quality goods and services. To thrive as a small business owner, you need to leverage the right tools to streamline your operations and maximize your efficiency.

Not sure how to evaluate the software for a small business? No worries if so. The following guide covers some of the software you should know about if you run your own company. The software you may want to experiment with includes:

CRM Software

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, as the name implies, facilitates managing your relationships with existing customers and potential new ones, helping you secure and grow a loyal customer base.

HubSpot

HubSpot’s CRM platform is easy-to-use and free. This makes it an ideal option for a small business owner. The CRM tool stores data relating to virtually every interaction with a lead, making the process of maintaining customer data and information fairly simple.

Workplace Communication Software

Remaining in communication with your team members by using the right software is more critical than ever at a time when remote work is becoming increasingly common.

Flock

Some communication tools for small businesses are messaging apps. Some are collaboration tools.

Flock stands out for a critical reason: it’s both. With Flock’s messaging features, creating channels to discuss specific topics and reduce clutter is easy. Additionally, Flock lets users video conference, securely share files, manage projects, and more. It’s a software worth giving a try if your team is dispersed.

Neo Mail

Neo Mail earns a spot on this list because it offers a unique feature that may particularly appeal to a small business owner. With Neo, you can create a professional branded email address without having to purchase a branded domain name. It may not seem like much, but having a branded email address can lend your business a sense of legitimacy during the early stages when convincing customers to take your business seriously is critical.

HR Software

If you’re not sure how to evaluate software for a small business, be aware that your goal is simply to find tools that are effective and make your job easier. This is particularly true when evaluating HR software.

Deel

Deel frequently receives praise due to offering an affordable (many of the new HR features are free) HR software that combines various features, preventing a user from needing to buy multiple products to achieve various HR tasks. With Deel, a small business owner can pay both employees and contractors, manage onboarding, and address numerous other HR responsibilities.

Deel also isn’t exclusively for small businesses. As your business grows, Deel will still be able to serve your needs, ensuring you don’t have to buy additional software.

Workforce Management Tools

A strong workforce management tool should help you optimize what is any business’ most valuable asset: its employees.

BambooHR

BambooHR collects and organizes information and data about an employee throughout all stages of the employee lifecycle. This helps you evaluate and make informed decisions regarding employee performance.

In addition, BambooHR automates a range of HR tasks, allowing you to focus on other priorities. Several packages are available to suit your budget.

Work Reporting Tools

Work reporting tools allow you to get a picture of how your employees are devoting their time. 

MeisterTask

MeisterTask is a useful work reporting tool because it doesn’t just allow a team leader to monitor what tasks their team members are working on—it also allows them to establish workflows that break projects down into individual tasks. In doing so, it gives you the ability to envision how your team will complete a given project.

This helps all team members remain aligned. It may also boost engagement, as employees are more likely to be engaged when they know their work is helping their employer achieve a significant goal.

Cashflow Software

Managing your cashflow is essential as a small business owner. The right tool can simplify this otherwise daunting task.

Jirav

Jirav integrates with your existing sources of financial data to easily establish a foundation for financial planning. Along with helping you monitor cashflow, it also offers impressive forecasting tools, helping you pay attention to both the day-to-day details and the big picture.

Invoicing Software

Invoicing can be a time-consuming process, but that doesn’t mean it has to be!

Xero

Xero is an invoicing software that allows you to collect payments from a variety of sources, including credit cards and direct deposit. It offers a package specifically for growing businesses, making it an option a small business owner may consider.

Document Management Tools

Gone are the days of managing hard copies of documents with file folders. Now, it’s far more common to manage digital documents in the cloud.

Google Drive

All small business owners need to identify effective ways to save time without cutting corners. When evaluating softwares for your small business, consider how long it will take you to learn how to use it.

Sometimes, the right product for your needs is one you’re already familiar with. For example, you may already use Google Drive in some capacity. It may thus be the perfect document management tool.

Calendar

Your time is a vital resource as a small business owner. The right software can help you optimize it.

Calendly

Calendly easily allows you to set appointments, establish when you’re available, customize reminders, and generally clear up your schedule so you’re not wasting mental energy trying to track a schedule and calendar in your head.

The Software a Small Business Owner Needs

Good intentions don’t always result in good business. To thrive as a business owner, you also need to leverage helpful tools. These are just a few examples to keep in mind. Use them to build a strong foundation for success!

Create Stunning Small Business Videos With Powtoon

Small business videos can serve a range of purposes, from marketing your business to onboarding new employees. Even if you have a limited video production budget and no video production experience, Powtoon makes generating quality video content easy—especially with access to tools like the best AI script generator. Sign up today for more information!

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Visual Communication & Digital Transformation: What Every Enterprise Needs to Know https://www.powtoon.com/blog/visual-communication-digital-transformation-what-every-enterprise-needs-to-know/ https://www.powtoon.com/blog/visual-communication-digital-transformation-what-every-enterprise-needs-to-know/#respond Thu, 12 Aug 2021 15:20:58 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=14194 Synopsis: This post is part of a wider interview conducted with Digital Transformation consultant and author Erik Van Haaren from QualityTransformation.com. The interview is centered on the significance of communication, its cost to businesses, and the power of visuals in...

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Synopsis: This post is part of a wider interview conducted with Digital Transformation consultant and author Erik Van Haaren from QualityTransformation.com. The interview is centered on the significance of communication, its cost to businesses, and the power of visuals in today’s workplace. Erik has advised clients all around the world and primarily in the DACH region. He has experience in working at a senior level for companies like Deloitte and InfoSys and enjoys speaking about how organizations can implement best practices, from Chief Innovation, Communications, and Digital Officers. 

Out with the old and in with the new

Historically the role that communication has played both internally across organizations and externally towards customers has always been an integral part of brands and company cultures’ success. 

The Old Print Houses in the 1940s

Whether initially through large corporate gatherings, internal posters, and billboards or externally via radio and magazines, the optimal choice of medium has often meant the difference between success or failure in trying to get one’s message across. 

Fast forward to 2021 where we find ourselves witnessing firsthand how quickly communication has evolved in our personal lives – from letters to email, texts to instant messaging, and of course now towards video (Facetime, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok…). 

Why visual communication is now integral to the digital workplace

Today’s video centricity and visual revolution have become part of our business world, too. And if you’re only just waking up to that now, one might say, “better late than never.” In fact, from a communication standpoint, the average enterprise is losing over $42 million a year due to poorly managed communication challenges and their impact on productivity. This is no small problem to have. 

What does the notion of video centricity” mean in terms of tools to equip the organization with? 

The answer is, in fact, all types of visual aids and video content – whether quick video recorded messages, eye-catching motion graphic videos, animated presentations, email GIFs, infographics, and the list goes on…

Today’s up and coming workforce, whether Gen-Zs or Geriatric Millennials, demand the ability to express themselves quickly and creatively – and video is the tool that enables them to do so with ease. 

From video and voice instant messages shared with colleagues on channels such as Slack and Microsoft Teams, to microlearning clips made at the peer-to-peer employee level, everyone has the propensity to be a creator. 

Moreover, being on the receiving end of a bite-sized video message, a marketing or training clip is undoubtedly the most effective method for absorbing information that a content consumer could wish for.

As put nicely by Erik Vas Haaren of QualityTransformation.com (ex Deloitte and InfoSys Digital Transformation Consultant),

“Whether communications stick is in the hands of the recipient not the sender, too many communicators assume they know how to deliver their message, but actually getting into the minds of the recipients would be the best way to procure your approach.”

Here’s a short excerpt video from the interview: 

Both engaging and crystal clear, visual communication offers today’s digital workforce something colorful and personal at ten times the consumption rate of the more traditional means. And that’s powerful. 

Video collaboration is the medium to unite our disbanded teams in a remote and hybrid world 

As the corporate and enterprise world learns to adjust towards the remote and hybrid culture, there is an evident need to fill that void once filled by the office water cooler or company canteen. 

Whilst working from home may come with its many pros, some of its acclaimed cons include issues of disengagement from the company culture and a lack of community. This now falls on c-level business leaders and digital applications to resolve through a mixture of intranets, internal communication platforms, and learning management and experience platforms like SuccessFactors and Microsoft Viva. This is no small issue – especially since Future of Work spending is said to be at 659 billion USD globally, and it’s predicted that only 13% of the workforce will be primarily in a physical office onwards of 2022.

Enter visual and video communication

With platforms and solutions such as Zoom, Loom, Hopin, and Miro, the central pain point and remedy lies at the heart of creativity and collaboration – a basic human need. 

At Powtoon, we’ve enabled new leaders from Digital Transformation Consultants, Chief Innovation Officers, Chief Digital Officers, Operations and Internal Communications Leaders, and more. We’ve given them the means to bring creativity and visual engagement to their various teams, ranging from HR onboarding videos, employee introduction clips, L&D training content, and ongoing professional development. 

But it doesn’t stop there….

From IT video updates on new software or cyber threats, sales development teams using video and dynamic presentations for demos and email follow-ups, marketing, and more… there really is no limit once you empower your teams with the ability to get creative, together. 

As phrased quite well by an article on nature.com

“Even in difficult situations, the desire for cooperation would appear to often be nascent and the evidence suggests that we are naturals at it, given the opportunity.”

And if this wasn’t enough, nobody enjoys receiving enriching content more than one’s beloved customers, and even – dare I say it – prospects welcoming a break from the norm. 

So next time your executive committee meets to discuss company culture and ways to remove barriers towards better collaboration and communication, get creative and get visual. 

You can watch the full 25-minute interview with Erik here:

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Secure Video Creation, Certified! https://www.powtoon.com/blog/secure-video-creation-certified/ https://www.powtoon.com/blog/secure-video-creation-certified/#respond Tue, 12 Nov 2019 11:40:51 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=11901 See Why You Need an ISO/IEC 27001 Certified Video Solution Anyone working in an enterprise or large organization likely has serious security and compliance standards to meet. That includes secure video creation. We made compliance an essential feature as we...

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See Why You Need an ISO/IEC 27001 Certified Video Solution

Anyone working in an enterprise or large organization likely has serious security and compliance standards to meet. That includes secure video creation. We made compliance an essential feature as we developed our Secure Enterprise Cloud last year for precisely this reason. 

After all, it doesn’t matter how awesome your video maker is. If your customers aren’t even allowed to use it, you can’t help anybody! So Powtoon has continued to shore up our enterprise-grade security and compliance standards. 

For instance, we recently earned a Certificate of Compliance with the internationally recognized Security Standard, ISO/IEC 27001. The standard covers processes and controls for an effective Information Security Management System, which protects the data of our customers and employees. 

Ok, that’s a mouthful… Let’s break it all down.

What Is ISO/IEC 27001?

ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization, headquartered in Switzerland. Here’s how they introduce themselves on their about us page, “The ISO story began in 1946 when delegates from 25 countries met at the Institute of Civil Engineers in London and decided to create a new international organization ‘to facilitate the international coordination and unification of industrial standards’.”

Since their founding, ISO has published over 20,000 international standards, covering almost every aspect of technology and manufacturing.

ISO/IEC 27001 is simply one of ISO’s international standards. This one is specifically about Information technology, security techniques, information security management systems, and their requirements. 

Why Do You Need an ISO Compliant Solution?

I think PwC puts it best, “Information security is a business problem, not an IT problem… so a good standard like ISO 27001 puts formalities in place to ensure the right thought processes were followed…”

It’s important, as you and your business strive to keep your data secure, that you have partners who have taken this seriously at the highest levels. 

Put simply, a company with ISO 27001 certification is a company that puts a priority on protecting data and minimizing risk, even in a worst-case scenario. 

This means your, and your clients’ information remains safe. And you can worry about more important things, like delighting your customers, training your team, or building a strong company culture.

Some Thoughts From Powtoon’s CTO, Sven Hoffmann

I got a moment to sit with Powtoon’s superstar CTO, Sven Hoffmann, to ask him what all this certification stuff means from Powtoon’s perspective. Here’s what he had to say…

“Achieving certification is proof of how seriously we take security here at Powtoon. Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability are core concerns for Powtoon that we consider and protect with every step we take. As our ISO 27001 certification shows, we are committed to ongoing risk management, a carefully designed, security-aware, change-management process, and continuous improvement.”

Certified Compliance in Action — Powtoon Business

While ISO certification is a benefit for every Powtoon user, it’s especially important if you’re using Powtoon for work. That’s why we’ve built a solution just for you: Powtoon Business

Set your team up with Powtoon’s certifiable awesomeness! Learn more about Powtoon Business.

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The Cutting Edge of Streaming Video — 5 Questions with Amir Shevat from Twitch https://www.powtoon.com/blog/the-cutting-edge-of-streaming-video/ https://www.powtoon.com/blog/the-cutting-edge-of-streaming-video/#respond Mon, 22 Apr 2019 07:55:23 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=10683 Streaming video is fast becoming ubiquitous. In fact, the technology is spreading so fast, there are entire communities of professional gamers you’ve never heard of, streaming their gameplay to millions of followers. Let me take that back! With over 434...

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Streaming video is fast becoming ubiquitous. In fact, the technology is spreading so fast, there are entire communities of professional gamers you’ve never heard of, streaming their gameplay to millions of followers.

Let me take that back! With over 434 billion minutes of streaming video viewed in 2018 on Twitch, you probably HAVE heard about this amazing phenomenon.

Something this awesome always has awesome people behind it, and Twitch is no exception. I got to steal a few moments with Amir Shevat, VP of Developer Experience at Twitch, and I asked him five (actually, six) questions to get a glimpse at what makes Twitch so game-changing, and how Amir thinks about video, communication, and the future of the industry.

Question 1: Tell me about yourself! How you got to where you are today?

How did I get here? By car! No, just kidding. I’m a startup guy and a software engineer. I’ve worked in small startups; I’ve worked in big organizations. No matter what project I’m working on, I have fun — and I really love to innovate and work on developer platforms.

Question 2: Your title at Twitch is VP of Developer Experience. What does that mean?

Yes, the title might be a little confusing, but what I do it very simple.

Basically, I’m a VP of Product. Twitch has multiple product pillars. There’s the streamer-facing, the viewer-facing product, and I’m responsible for the developer-facing product.

That includes working on the tools and services that developers need to build on top of our product. I’m responsible for all the APIs that Twitch has. I’m responsible for the identity service that connects between the Twitch identity and the game identity, for example. And I’m responsible for apps like our marketplace (our apps are called Extensions), which helps developers extend Twitch by adding more functionality.

The majority of my team are engineering and product people. I also have developer relations and data science, and a lot of other functions.

Question 3: How do you use video to communicate internally or externally at Twitch?

In the end, I truly believe that a company that uses its own product is a better company.

Amir Shevat, Twitch

On my team, we use video to engage with our developers. Once a week, we release our own developer outreach content, and we have a Twitch channel where we show developers how to build on our platform, and interview developers who have built on the platform.

It’s definitely an intentional move to use Twitch to communicate about Twitch. I think the key is that you want to use your own tool to engage if possible. I’ve taken that along with me in all my work. For instance, at Slack, we had a Slack channel for talking to our top developers. Working like this makes the value of your product clear through experience.

In the end, I truly believe that a company that uses its own product is a better company. I’ve seen instances where that is not the case, and that’s bad.

Question 4: What is your top prediction for streaming video in the year ahead?

My top prediction for the year is that streaming entertainment is going to grow even beyond what it is today. And it will be a common thing that everyone uses all the time. Basically, all of us will be experiencing streaming video every day, and I think games and the experience of community and online streaming will be a major part of our everyday life.

Question 5: Being a more effective communicator is high on the list for all of us. What are your top communication tips?

Tell a story to a person in a way that they empathize with it.

Amir Shevat, Twitch

What I really prefer is clear and concise communication. I think a lot of people try to add more — and more is actually less. I think if you are clear and concise, that is one of the most useful traits you can have.

The other advice that I have is to tell a story to a person in a way that they empathize with it. Start with the “what’s in it for me?” perspective from the other person’s side. Startups will often come to an enterprise and say, “Hey, you should use our product, it’s awesome because of one, two, and three.” And that is not the right way to communicate. The right way to communicate is, “Hey, we think you have these three problems, and we can help you with your problems. Let’s start the discussion and see if that’s true.”

Bonus Question: If you had to restart your career from scratch, what’s the first thing you would do?

What’s the first thing I would do? I would do the same thing again. I would go to a startup and try to innovate as fast and as fun as I can. I would learn how to code and learn other professional skills I need… and enjoy the ride!

Thanks, Amir!

A huge and awesome thanks to Amir for taking the time to answer these humble questions. Whether we’re looking ahead to the coming ubiquity of streaming communities, or just thinking about the best way to connect with people through empathetic communication, these are the ideas floating around at the cutting edge of technology and culture.

Want more? Keep up with Amir on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Medium.

What’s YOUR communication philosophy? How about predictions for the year ahead in your industry? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay awesome!

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Presentation Summit Sweepstakes — Turn Your Presentation into a FREE PASS! https://www.powtoon.com/blog/presentation-summit-sweepstakes/ https://www.powtoon.com/blog/presentation-summit-sweepstakes/#respond Mon, 15 Apr 2019 10:14:26 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=10663 We all know that creating an outstanding presentation is part art, part science. And just like actual scientists and artists, presentation pros take time to get together, share their newest discoveries, and help strengthen their industry. I’m talking about none...

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We all know that creating an outstanding presentation is part art, part science. And just like actual scientists and artists, presentation pros take time to get together, share their newest discoveries, and help strengthen their industry.

I’m talking about none other than the Presentation Summit. And here’s a question: How would you like a pass to this year’s Presentation Summit (a $1,600 value) for FREE?

Context Is Key

For a little context, I sat down with Rick Altman, the host of the Presentation Summit, and author of Why Most PowerPoint Presentations Suck – And How You Can Make Them Better, to learn why video is making a big splash this year at the summit.

Video is so incredibly evocative to a storyteller and PowerPoint’s improved handling of multimedia has brought it within reach of all of us.

It is with great excitement and pride that we are teaming up with the folks from Powtoon for this contest, as they are as passionate about making movies than just about anyone I know.

I can’t wait to see what contest entrants send us and I am equally excited to show off the finest efforts at the Presentation Summit this Fall.

Rick Altman, Conference Host, The Presentation Summit

Make a Powtoon from your PowerPoint & Get a Free Pass to the Summit

Yes, friends! This year’s Presentation Summit Sweepstakes is commin’ at you! Create a Powtoon video, up to 90 seconds in length, from a PowerPoint presentation using our PowerPoint-to-video solution.

You can check out the webinar below to get details about how our PowerPoint integration works. But if you’re already a PowerPoint to Powtoon pro, you’re ready for the sweepstakes!

How to Enter the Sweepstakes

Here’s all you need to do:

First, if you don’t have a Powtoon account, sign up today. (it’s totally free to get started!).

Next, take a PowerPoint presentation, convert it to a Powtoon video, and enhance it with characters, props, video backgrounds, a soundtrack and voiceover. You can import right into Powtoon, or use the Powtoon Microsoft Add-in.

Once you export your perfect video, enter the sweepstakes using the form (be sure to include the URL to your Powtoon player page). Then just sit back and let our judges crown you the winner!

Enter by May 31 to Win!

Don’t put this off, ladies and gentlemen! The final day to submit entries is Friday, May 31. We’ll announce the winners in June.

Check out the sweepstakes page for all the details, including contest rules, grand prize and runner-up prizes, a full webinar replay to teach you how to transform your presentations into amazing videos, and the entry form to complete by May 31st.

Winner Announcements and More…

The winners will be announced in June. Details about the grand prize, and runner up prizes can be found on the sweepstakes website.

We can’t wait to see your superior presentations… powtoonified!

Enter the Presentation Summit Sweepstakes today… and we’ll see you in San Antonio!

Stay awesome!

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10 Executives Who Are Using Video to Rock Thought Leadership https://www.powtoon.com/blog/10-executives-using-video-to-rock-thought-leadership/ https://www.powtoon.com/blog/10-executives-using-video-to-rock-thought-leadership/#respond Thu, 04 Apr 2019 11:30:34 +0000 https://www.powtoon.com/blog/?p=10526 Is it really worth it to use video to rock thought leadership? All executives know that they need a strong personal brand to help give a personal spin on the thought leadership they offer to their industries. But with so...

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Is it really worth it to use video to rock thought leadership? All executives know that they need a strong personal brand to help give a personal spin on the thought leadership they offer to their industries. But with so many hats to wear — meeting investors, managing budgets, and creating a vision and strategy for the future — it can be hard for C-Suiters to set aside even more time to create awesome content.

Believe me: The payoff for creating original and engaging video content is massive. I compiled this master list of people who are about to inspire your socks off! Across channels, these business pros are using video in their own way, and I hope these get you thinking about how to grow your audience with video!

Let’s meet our incredible video-crushing execs, shall we?

Mark Kilens — VP of Content and Community at Drift

Pulling people from all corners of the Drift HQ, Mark Kilens goes face-to-camera, offering tips on how best to use their conversational marketing tool, company announcements, and sharing new job openings.

Seemingly unscripted and set to a casual backdrop of employees working in their open space, the videos feel authentic and Mark elevates “co-host” employees as thought leaders. Quick takeaways, company culture, no fuss videos — check, check, and check!

Lessons for Execs: Native LinkedIn Upload is your friend! Be sure to add captions to your videos though, so that viewers can enjoy your insight both with their sound on and switched off. Lastly, people crave authenticity! By offering some face-to-camera time and showing a behind-the-scenes glance at your office, you can invite people into your comfort zone.

Susan Wojcicki — CEO at YouTube

Susan Wojcicki is no video creating typhoon, but she has put out a few awesome “Creator Letters” over the past few quarters. These videos offer her take on what’s most recently gone down at YouTube and where the company is heading next.

While she’s not stepping in front of the camera, Wojcicki uses her own voice to narrate the videos and give it that personal touch. She uses colorful animation to tell the story of where YouTube and its creator community have been, opportunities the YouTube team has noticed, and what they’re planning to build in the future.

Lessons for Execs: Transparency from the top is such a valuable practice for executives to exercise. It shows users that feedback is shaping the product you’re working to build every day. But of course, you don’t need a professional animator to draw your company updates from scratch. Use CEO company announcement templates from video creation tools like Powtoon and add your own voiceover to accomplish the same effect in minutes!   

Nicolas Beique — Founder of Helcim

Unlike the first two picks that claimed their video thought leadership on their personal channels, Nic Beique, founder of Helcim, uses the company’s YouTube channel as his stage. He’s got a series on there called The Helcim Vlog that I’ve recently discovered and am totally digging. He covers everything from financial advice for small business, to company culture, and more.

The small-yet-mighty FinTech company, based in Calgary, has gone all-out on this YouTube video series. They’ve got an adorable and ever-changing intro snippet, groovy background soundtracks, multiple camera angles to catch the perfect shots, and they aren’t afraid to use text overlays and merged media to keep viewers on their toes.

Lessons for Execs: If you want to invest in a video thought leadership strategy that straddles polished edits, down-to-earth humor, and unforgettable content, make Nic and his team your North Star. Keep in mind though that no video series of this caliber can be built in a day. Do your homework to see what players you’d need to pull off a campaign like this.

Caterina Fake — Serial Entrepreneur

Shifting gears, it’s important not to forget about videos that take a minimum amount of effort. Caterina Fake, a serial entrepreneur at companies like Flickr and Etsy, started using Facebook video, not to publish new content, but to repurpose and distribute her podcast content.

Fake’s new podcast, Should This Exist?, explores the commonly overlooked human side effects of AI. To help get the word out about new episodes, she marries soundbites of herself and her guests with simple visuals into videos. The goal? Rope viewers in and get them to click and listen to full episodes.

Lessons for Execs: By far the simplest of video examples we’ve given so far, this kind of video content can inspire people to repurpose and redistribute their other content (be it audio or text) as a video to engage more potential viewers. As Caterina shows, a little effort can make a great impact.

Utopia or Dystopia: Should This Exist?

On this episode of Should This Exist?:✔Fascinating new tech with a cool inventor😎✔A star-studded roster of guests 👏✔A vision of a brighter future🌈✔…with kind of scary undertones😱🎧Listen up (and tell us…#ShouldThisExist?): https://bit.ly/2HkpOoR

Posted by Should This Exist? on Thursday, March 21, 2019

Melinda and Bill Gates — Co-chairs of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

You’ve really Rip Van Winkled the past 40 years if you don’t know who Bill Gates is. That being said, not everyone is as familiar with the Microsoft founder’s wife Melinda Gates and their joint foundation, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of the foundation is to improve healthcare and reduce extreme poverty around the world.

Bill and Malinda don’t shy away from sharing videos natively on their LinkedIn accounts. What makes their videos stand out is the diversity in types of videos they produce.

One day one will post a video on female goat nurses that are empowering women in India.

Up next? An adorably prop-filled face-to-camera and stop motion video on the future of civilization.

After that? A technicolor animation video about the power of phones and reproductive education.

What’s more? A good old thought leadership interview with merged media.

You get the idea.

Lessons for Execs: Don’t feel like you’re tied down to a single form for video content. Creating a diverse tapestry of videos can help keep your audience engaged — never knowing what will come next. This approach also allows you to best exercise your creativity and storytelling techniques — which will shine through and be greatly appreciated by your viewers.

Nicholas Thompson — Editor in Chief of Wired

Nicholas Thompson uses LinkedIn for his weekly segment “#MostInterestingThinginTech”. No shocker of a title and topic from the Editor in Chief of Wired, Nicholas talks face-to-camera about what tech news makes him excited, curious, and edgy.

This no-frills video approach helps us step away from some of the more hi-tech (and high priced) videos we’ve seen in the past few listers. It’s super stripped down: one camera, one take, no words or objects zooming around the screen. Pretty approachable.

What makes Nicholas’s series great is his consistency. He posts about twice a week, no matter what. Whether he’s sitting comfortably in his office at sunset or using his AirPods on the go, he makes sure that his take on the tech scene is shared.

Lessons for Execs: You don’t need serious equipment to make videos with a serious following. Above all else, people crave consistency that builds trust and loyalty. As long as you can work up the nerve to talk passionately about what’s on your mind and do it on a regular basis, the people who appreciate what you have to say will find you.

Sallie Krawcheck — CEO and Co-Founder of Ellevest

Known as one of the most senior women on Wall Street, there’s no doubt that Sallie Krawcheck’s video topic would be her specialty — finance. What makes Sally’s LinkedIn video series stand out is the countdown timer in the top left-hand corner of her screen. That’s because Sally’s thought leadership is part of a segment she does for GZERO Media’s 60 Seconds.

Lessons for Execs: While you might not get a fancy sponsor or big distribution partner, it’s a good idea to think ahead of how you will distribute your content if you want it to extend beyond your reach. Think about potential partners who will want to help share your video content with their audiences.

Satya Nadella — CEO of Microsoft

We’ve been seeing a lot of funky video creators on this list, but Satya Nadella’s straight-shooter interviews are nothing to scoff at. As the CEO of Microsoft, Nadella can get any thought leader he wants to sit down with him.

Nadella interviews top trailblazers who are moving the needle in spaces like education, automobiles, and healthcare. Focused on the cutting edge of innovation, Nadella doesn’t mess around with fancy swooshes and zooming effects, and gets straight to the point with his futuristic all-star roster of guests.

Lessons for Execs: If you’re in a field that deserves video content that’s a little more straitlaced, respect the topics you’re addressing and the people who will be watching. If you’re looking to do an interview, regardless of the field, do your research to see who not only is leading in your space now, but those addressing some of the greatest challenges your audience will face in the years to come.

Brené Brown — CEO, Professor, Author

Speaking of making the world a better place, Brené Brown, the CEO and founder of The Daring Way™ is using her platform to train helping professionals everywhere.

What’s cool about Brené is her ability to create video content that can be posted both on her Instagram and her LinkedIn. Brown is uniquely charming due to her warmth and approachability, not to mention the serene backdrops she’s always taking center stage in front of.

And what’s even more heartwarming is the types of videos she makes. Many of her videos are Q&As of helping professionals; reading off challenges they’re facing and her offering kind and thoughtful answers to take away.

Lessons for Execs: So often as executives, it can be easy to “understand” the challenges of your customers based on market research and fancy buyer personas. But why not ask your audience what challenges them? Create a simple face-to-camera video answering their questions, and they’ll be floored that you actually listened.

Sara Blakely — CEO and founder of Spanx

Coming to Blakely’s Instagram page, she rocks showing off the balance between work, family, and fun that exemplified her brand. Her videos are consistently authentic and candid — fiercely modeling in her own life what it means to be a self-empowered woman. Needless to say, female fans watching want in on her vibes, with the help of some Spanx of course.

Lessons for Execs: Some C-Suiters like to keep their business persona and personal persona as separate as possible. For the faces and brains behind more consumer-based products though, it might be worth considering how you can merge the two to tell a seamless lifestyle brand. Of course, if you don’t like sharing your life publicly, don’t! Be true to yourself, and your audience will thank you.  

 
 

 

 
 
 
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Different Strokes for Different Folks

As a primetime millennial, my mouth always watered as a kid sitting in front of the TV and seeing Reese’s commercials. At the end of each ad, came the punchline you couldn’t help to say aloud along with the voiceover, “there’s no wrong way to eat a Reese’s.” The same goes for video creation.

Know yourself. Know your audience. Know your industry. If we’ve learned anything from this post, it’s that there are a million ways to slice a video to showcase your thought leadership and your company, so follow your heart and get shooting!

Are there any executives you know that are making videos that we missed? Let me know in the comments below who you think should be lucky #11 and why they’re a video making inspiration to you!

The post 10 Executives Who Are Using Video to Rock Thought Leadership appeared first on Powtoon Blog.

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