In the competitive landscape of small business marketing, video has become an essential medium for engagement and communication. With advances in artificial intelligence, creating high-quality videos has never been easier. AI video tools enable small businesses to craft professional content without extensive resources or technical expertise. Whether you need promotional videos, explainer animations, or social media clips, selecting the right AI video software can significantly impact your brand’s visibility and reach. This guide reviews the best AI video tools available in 2023, highlighting their features, pricing, and specific use cases tailored to help you make an informed decision for your business.
At-a-glance comparison
| Tool | Best for | Highlights | Considerations | Pricing | Free Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| InVideo | Small businesses looking for quick, templated video production | 5000+ templates, user-friendly, great for marketing campaigns. | Free plan has limited features and includes watermarks. | $15/month (Billed annually), or $30/month (Monthly plan) | Free plan with 60 exports/month, templates, but videos have a watermark. |
| Synthesia | Businesses wanting AI-generated presentations or training videos | Realistic avatars, multilingual support, no filming needed. | Monthly subscription is higher; make sure to evaluate ROI. | Starting from $30/video, enterprise plans available. | No free plan available. |
| Pictory | Content marketers needing to convert long content into videos | Transcripts to videos, quick editing and summary capabilities. | Limited features on free plan; check character limits. | $19/month (Paid annually), or $39/month (Paid monthly) | Free plan allows 3 videos and limited features. |
| Veed.io | Small businesses needing input subtitle and accessibility features | Easy subtitle generation, intuitive with strong editing features. | Limited options in the free version. | $12/month (Billed annually) or $24/month (Monthly plan) | Free plan with basic editing features; videos have a watermark. |
| Descript | Businesses creating webinars and podcasts needing text editing | Text-based editing, collaborative tools, allows for easy transcription. | Higher cost can be intimidating for start-ups. | $15/month (Creator plan) or $30/month (Pro plan). | Free plan includes up to 3 hours of transcription. |
| Renderforest | Entrepreneurs seeking high-quality animations and promotional content | Large template library, easy to use, and no extra costs. | Watermark on free plan outputs. | $9.99/month (Billed annually), $30/month (Pay-as-you-go) | Free plan with watermarked exports and limited options. |
| OpenShot | Small businesses with technical skills and keen to control their edits | Open-source, no cost, professional features available. | A steeper learning curve for beginners. | Completely free. | Full feature set available for free. |
| HitFilm Express | Content creators requiring advanced effects for free | Comprehensive editing features; no watermarks on exports. | Requires a powerful computer for best results. | Free, with paid add-ons for more features. | Free with extensive features. |
Detailed Pricing Comparison
Below is a detailed breakdown of pricing for each tool featured in this comparison:
InVideo
Pricing: $15/month (Billed annually), or $30/month (Monthly plan)
Free Plan: Free plan with 60 exports/month, templates, but videos have a watermark.
Synthesia
Pricing: Starting from $30/video, enterprise plans available.
Free Plan: No free plan available.
Pictory
Pricing: $19/month (Paid annually), or $39/month (Paid monthly)
Free Plan: Free plan allows 3 videos and limited features.
Veed.io
Pricing: $12/month (Billed annually) or $24/month (Monthly plan)
Free Plan: Free plan with basic editing features; videos have a watermark.
Descript
Pricing: $15/month (Creator plan) or $30/month (Pro plan).
Free Plan: Free plan includes up to 3 hours of transcription.
Renderforest
Pricing: $9.99/month (Billed annually), $30/month (Pay-as-you-go)
Free Plan: Free plan with watermarked exports and limited options.
HitFilm Express
Pricing: Free, with paid add-ons for more features.
Free Plan: Free with extensive features.
Top picks, with pros and cons
InVideo Try Now
InVideo offers an intuitive platform aimed at making video creation accessible for small businesses. With over 5000 templates, it provides versatility for a variety of industries. Users can quickly transform scripts into videos, perfect for promotional content and social media. Its collaboration features also enable teams to work together efficiently, making it ideal for small businesses.
- Wide selection of templates for diverse needs
- Easy drag-and-drop editor
- Advanced text-to-video capabilities
- Collaboration tools for team projects
- Affordable pricing options
- Limited free plan features
- Some templates may feel generic
- Watermark on videos for free users
- Audio library is somewhat restrictive
Synthesia Try Now
Synthesia stands out with its AI avatars that can deliver your messages visually. This is particularly beneficial for small businesses looking to create personalised training or marketing videos. Its platform allows users to generate realistic videos without needing extensive film production resources, making it a cost-effective option for internal communications and personal branding.
- Realistic AI avatars
- Easy input for scripts
- Multilingual support for broader reach
- No filming required
- Customisable avatar options
- Higher cost compared to others
- Limited options for non-AI generated content
- Less suitable for traditional video styles
- Lack of detailed editing features
Pictory Try Now
Pictory is designed for marketers and small businesses to create impactful videos from long-form content. By summarising articles and blog posts into engaging video snippets, it enhances content marketing strategies. Pictory’s user-friendly interface allows for rapid video creation, making it a valuable tool for social media use.
- Converts text to video in minutes
- Library of built-in music and stock footage
- Easy editing features
- AI-assisted summarising capabilities
- User-friendly interface for quick learning
- Limited customisation on the free version
- Quality varies based on original content
- Some users may prefer more editing tools
- Not ideal for complex video needs
Veed.io Try Now
Veed.io is an all-in-one video editing platform that combines simplicity with powerful features tailored for small businesses. Offering both video editing and subtitle generation tools, it helps creation, translation, and sharing processes streamline, making it an excellent choice for businesses that prioritise accessibility and multi-language support.
- Comprehensive editing tools
- User-friendly interface
- Subtitle generation and translation
- Flexible audio editing options
- Cloud-based access advantageous for teams
- Free version has many limitations
- No advanced editing features in the free plan
- Requires internet connection for all functionalities
- Prioritises functionality over high-end design
Descript Try Now
Descript offers unique features like video transcription and text-based video editing, enabling small business owners to make changes to videos by simply editing text. This innovative feature reduces the time spent on video projects, making it highly beneficial for those creating tutorials, podcasts, and other informative content.
- Text-based video editing
- Audio transcription for easy editing
- Multi-layer audio manipulation
- Collaborative editing tools
- Rich integrations with other platforms
- Monthly subscription can be costly for startups
- Requires learning curve for full utilization
- Limited template library for video creation
- Some advanced features can be resource-intensive
Renderforest Try Now
Renderforest provides a plethora of animated templates, helping small businesses create eye-catching videos quickly. Its straightforward interface allows businesses to produce promotional videos, logos, and slideshows with minimal technical skills. This tool appeals especially to entrepreneurs and freelancers looking for affordable professional-grade results.
- Vast library of templates
- Animated logos options available
- High-resolution downloads on paid plans
- Quick video rendering times
- User-friendly design suitable for all skill levels
- Free plan exports with watermark
- Limited editing options in some templates
- Annual subscription required for best pricing
- Rendering can be slow during peak hours
OpenShot Try Now
OpenShot is an open-source video editor that provides robust features for small businesses at zero cost. Despite being free, it offers powerful tools for video transitions, audio mixing, and key frame animations, making it apt for small teams looking to create engaging content without the constraints of paid subscriptions.
- Completely free with no hidden costs
- Wide range of features suitable for professional use
- Cross-platform availability
- Good community support and tutorials
- No watermark on exported videos
- Institutional support can be lacking
- Higher learning curve for beginners
- Performance issues on lower-end devices
- Limited advanced features compared to paid tools
HitFilm Express Try Now
HitFilm Express is a powerful, free video editing software that provides extensive tools for both editing and special effects. For small businesses looking to produce high-quality video content without the budget for expensive programs, HitFilm Express can deliver professional results and advanced features popular among YouTubers and content creators.
- Professional-grade editing features
- Wide selection of special effects and transitions
- Extensive online tutorials and support
- No watermarks on output videos
- Compatible with various file formats
- Requires a powerful computer to run smoothly
- Learning curve for beginners can be steep
- Advanced features require additional plugins
- No built-in stock assets
How to choose the right tool
When selecting the best AI video tool for your small business, consider your needs: Do you need easy-to-use templates or advanced editing capabilities? Assess the volume of video content you plan to create—tools like InVideo are great for rapid production, while Descript excels in transcription and edits for narrative content. Evaluate your budget as pricing varies significantly; tools like OpenShot and HitFilm Express offer free options, while others may incur a monthly fee. Also, consider whether you require collaborative features for team involvement in video production. Last but not least, trial the free versions to understand which interface suits your workflow best before making a commitment.
FAQs
Can I use these tools for social media marketing?
Absolutely! Most of the tools mentioned, such as InVideo and Pictory, are ideal for creating engaging content specifically for social media platforms, making your marketing efforts stand out.
What features should I focus on if I want to create high-quality videos?
Look for tools that offer extensive template libraries, easy editing capabilities, and features like audio editing and subtitle generation. Tools like Descript and Veed.io excel in these areas.
Are there free options available for small businesses?
Yes, tools like OpenShot and HitFilm Express are completely free, while others like InVideo or Pictory have limited free plans that allow you to explore their functionality before committing to a subscription.
What if I don’t have technical skills?
Many AI video tools, such as Renderforest and InVideo, are designed with user-friendliness in mind, making them accessible for individuals without technical expertise.
Choosing the right AI video tool can greatly enhance your marketing strategy and operational efficiency. For small businesses focused on producing quality video content without significant investments, platforms like OpenShot and HitFilm Express offer powerful features for free. On the other hand, if you’re leaning towards quick production with professional aesthetics, InVideo and Pictory provide affordable subscriptions to get you started. Always consider your specific needs, budget, and the types of videos you’ll be creating to streamline your choice. Begin with free trials when possible to find the perfect match for your business.