In today’s digital landscape, creating engaging video content is paramount for small businesses looking to stand out. AI video tools have revolutionised the way we produce and edit videos, making it easier and more affordable than ever for companies to create professional-quality content. From automated video editing to text-to-speech features, these tools provide invaluable resources to enhance your marketing strategy, engage your audience, and illustrate your brand story effectively. In this article, we delve into the top AI video tools tailored specifically for small businesses. With a detailed comparison of their features and pricing plans, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision on which tool best suits your needs.
At-a-glance comparison
| Tool | Best for | Highlights | Considerations | Pricing | Free Plan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| InVideo | Businesses needing versatile video templates for marketing | Extensive templates and AI tools for quick video creation. | Limited features in free plan; video length restrictions. | $15/month (annual plan) or $30/month (monthly plan) | Free plan available with watermark and limited templates. |
| Synthesia | Creating multilingual avatar-led training videos. | AI avatars deliver content in multiple languages easily. | Higher pricing compared to other tools; limited to avatar videos. | Starting at £25/month per video. | No free plan; trial available upon request. |
| Pictory | Repurposing long-form content into engaging videos. | AI-driven short video snippets from longer content. | Limited features in the free plan; lacks complex editing options. | $19/month (annual) or $29/month (monthly). | Free trial available for 3 videos/month with restrictions. |
| Veed.io | Their excellent online editing capabilities and templates. | Comprehensive video editing with collaborative features. | Limited export quality in free version; interface might confuse beginners. | Starting at $12/month (billed annually). | Free plan available, but limited features and watermark. |
| Descript | Creating seamless audio and video productions. | Text-based editing combined with audio editing features. | Cost can be prohibitive for larger teams; learning curve involved. | $15/month for creators; $30/month for teams. | Free plan includes limited features but allows full editing. |
| Renderforest | Businesses needing quick video creation with great visuals. | Fast video generation with numerous templates and animations. | Watermark in free version; limited customisation options. | Starting at $9.99/month. | Free plan available with limited features and watermark. |
| OpenShot | Budget-conscious users comfortable with open-source software. | Powerful features without any costs. | Harder for beginners to learn; performance may lag in complex edits. | Free with no limits. | Free to use with all features included. |
| HitFilm Express | Advanced users needing high-end editing on a budget. | Strong VFX capabilities and an extensive toolset. | Overwhelming for novices; heavy application. | Free with optional paid features. | Free version with substantial features available. |
Detailed Pricing Comparison
Below is a detailed breakdown of pricing for each tool featured in this comparison:
InVideo
Pricing: $15/month (annual plan) or $30/month (monthly plan)
Free Plan: Free plan available with watermark and limited templates.
Synthesia
Pricing: Starting at £25/month per video.
Free Plan: No free plan; trial available upon request.
Pictory
Pricing: $19/month (annual) or $29/month (monthly).
Free Plan: Free trial available for 3 videos/month with restrictions.
Veed.io
Pricing: Starting at $12/month (billed annually).
Free Plan: Free plan available, but limited features and watermark.
Descript
Pricing: $15/month for creators; $30/month for teams.
Free Plan: Free plan includes limited features but allows full editing.
Renderforest
Pricing: Starting at $9.99/month.
Free Plan: Free plan available with limited features and watermark.
HitFilm Express
Pricing: Free with optional paid features.
Free Plan: Free version with substantial features available.
Top picks, with pros and cons
InVideo Try Now
InVideo is an excellent choice for small businesses needing a versatile video creation tool. With its extensive template library and AI-driven features, users can create videos for social media, marketing, and more without prior video editing experience. The user-friendly interface allows for easy customisation, while the extensive stock library provides ample content to enhance your projects.
- Wide range of templates and tools for various video types
- AI-powered text-to-video features streamline content creation
- High-quality stock media library available
- Collaborative features for team projects
- Affordable pricing plans suitable for small businesses
- Free plan has limited features and watermark
- Video length restrictions on lower-tier plans
- Advanced editing features may seem overwhelming for beginners
- Occasional lag during video rendering at high quality
Synthesia Try Now
Synthesia allows small businesses to create professional video presentations with AI avatars speaking in multiple languages. This tool is perfect for training, marketing, or internal communications. With customisable avatars and a user-friendly interface, creating compelling content is straightforward, making it ideal for teams without extensive video production experience.
- AI avatars can deliver messages in multiple languages
- Quick video production with a simple text input
- No need for cameras or other complicated equipment
- Personalisation options for branding
- Widely recognised for professional-grade output
- Limited to avatar-led videos
- Pricing may be high for startups on a tight budget
- Less suitable for creative video types like vlogs or documentaries
- Text limitation can restrict lengthy scripts
Pictory Try Now
Pictory is designed for marketers and content creators looking to repurpose long-form content into short, shareable videos. Its AI-driven editing capabilities transform transcripts into engaging video snippets, making it ideal for small businesses focusing on social media engagement. Pictory simplifies the editing process and allows for quick publishing across platforms.
- AI-driven summarisation of long videos
- Easy integration with social platforms
- Automatic subtitle generation
- Templates tailored for various marketing needs
- User-friendly interface for fast learning
- Lacks advanced editing features for detailed customisation
- Free plan has restrictions on video length and editing tools
- Can be less versatile for complex video projects
- Cost may deter some small enterprises
Veed.io Try Now
Veed.io stands out with its comprehensive online video editing capabilities, allowing users to create, edit, and host videos seamlessly. Perfect for social media managers and marketers, Veed.io offers course creators and businesses a slew of tools, including subtitle generation and branding options, enhancing their video marketing experience.
- Online-based with no downloads required
- Robust editing tools, including audio restoration
- Collaboration features support multiple users
- Comprehensive range of templates available
- Affordable plans tailored to small businesses
- Limited capabilities in the free plan
- Export quality capped in lower-priced tiers
- Website interface may be overwhelming for newcomers
- Processing speed can slow during peak usage times
Descript Try Now
Descript is ideal for small businesses looking for an all-in-one video and audio editing solution. It excels in transforming audio transcripts into engaging video content and offers unique features like overdub for voice replacement. This tool is perfect for businesses creating podcasts or video lessons, as it simplifies editing and enhances storytelling.
- Integrated audio and video editing
- Overdub feature allows for seamless voice replacement
- Strong collaboration tools for team projects
- Text-based editing simplifies the workflow
- Offers powerful screen recording capabilities
- Learning curve for new users
- Some advanced features might require time to master
- Pricing can be higher for teams needing multiple users
- Free plan is limited on export quality and editing tools
Renderforest Try Now
Renderforest is an intuitive tool ideal for creating explainer videos, promotional content, and educational presentations. Its vast library of templates and animations caters to various business needs, making it perfect for small businesses aiming to deliver visually appealing marketing videos quickly and efficiently.
- Extensive library of templates and animations
- Fast video creation process
- User-friendly interface for non-editors
- Affordable pricing, especially for smaller creators
- Integrations with other marketing tools
- Watermark present on free and lower-tier plans
- Limited customisation options in some templates
- Video quality may not meet professional standards on lower plans
- Expectations may vary based on template use
OpenShot Try Now
OpenShot is an open-source video editing software that offers a strong mix of features for small businesses looking to edit videos at no cost. Although less intuitive than some paid tools, its robust capabilities provide excellent editing features for budget-conscious companies wanting to produce high-quality video content.
- Completely free to use with no hidden costs
- Rich feature set, including animations and effects
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Active community support for troubleshooting
- Ideal for users experienced with video editing
- Steeper learning curve for beginners
- Limited to what the software offers out of the box
- Performance issues in complex projects
- Lacks some advanced features found in paid tools
HitFilm Express Try Now
HitFilm Express offers small businesses a powerful video editing suite for free, featuring advanced tools such as visual effects and 3D compositing. While it might be complex for beginners, dedicated users can utilise its full potential to create high-end videos for marketing and branding.
- High-quality CG effects and advanced VFX tools
- Comprehensive tutorials available
- Free version includes substantial features
- Strong editing capabilities for professional outcomes
- Active user community for support
- Overwhelming interface for newbies
- Can be resource-heavy on older systems
- Advanced features may require purchasing add-ons
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
How to choose the right tool
When selecting the best video tool for your small business, consider the following factors: 1. **Specific Use Case**: Identify the type of videos you plan to create (e.g., social media, training, marketing). Different tools excel at different styles, so align your choice with your primary video goals. 2. **Ease of Use**: If you have a team with varying skill levels, opt for tools with user-friendly interfaces and ample tutorials. This helps reduce the learning curve and allows your team to produce videos more efficiently. 3. **Customisation Options**: Evaluate how much customisation you require. If your brand relies heavily on specific design elements or templates, select a tool that offers those options. 4. **Pricing Structure**: Review the pricing plans carefully. Ensure the tool fits within your budget while providing the necessary features. Look for free trials or plans to test the software before making a financial commitment. 5. **Customer Support**: Access to reliable customer support and community forums can be invaluable, especially during the initial stages of tool adoption. Verify what support options the software provider offers. By considering these criteria, you can choose a video tool that not only meets your current needs but also scales with your growing business.
FAQs
What is the pricing range for these AI video tools?
Pricing for AI video tools varies widely, ranging from free options like OpenShot and HitFilm Express to subscription plans starting around £9.99/month for Renderforest to £30/month for more advanced platforms like Synthesia. It’s advisable to assess your needs and select the right plan that fits your budget.
Do I need video editing experience to use these tools?
Most of the tools mentioned cater to users with varying experience levels, with many offering intuitive interfaces and drag-and-drop features. Tools like Descript, InVideo, and Renderforest are particularly well-suited for beginners, while advanced tools may require some familiarity with video editing.
Are there free plans available for these tools?
Yes, several options provide free plans or trials, including tools like Pictory (limited features) and OpenShot (completely free). However, note that free plans often contain usage limitations, watermarks, or fewer features compared to paid subscriptions.
Finding the right video tool for your small business involves balancing functionality, ease of use, and budget. Each of the AI video tools listed has its advantages: InVideo and Veed.io excel in versatility, while tools like Synthesia and Pictory focus on specific use cases for training and marketing. Consider reviewing the pricing models and free plans available to identify which best aligns with your business goals. With the right tool, you’ll be well-equipped to create stunning video content that drives engagement and grows your brand.