AI video tools compared: which kind do you need?
"AI video tool" covers very different products. Picking the right one is mostly about knowing which kind you need. Here are the main kinds, in each tool's own words where possible.
AI avatars and presenters
These make videos of a person speaking, without filming. Synthesia describes itself as an "AI Video and Avatar platform for business", creating videos "with AI avatars and voiceovers in 140+ languages" (Synthesia). HeyGen's pitch is "AI videos starring you, made in minutes" (HeyGen).
Good for: training, internal updates, localized explainers where a presenter matters.
Generative video models
These create new footage from a text or image prompt. They're powerful for creative shots and visual effects, but you direct them shot by shot, and they don't know what your product looks like unless you show it.
Good for: creative footage, concept visuals, effects.
AI-assisted editors
These help you edit footage you already have. Descript, for example, lets you edit video "as easy as typing" by working on the transcript (Descript).
Good for: podcasts, interviews, talking-head videos, cleaning up recordings.
Screen recorders with automatic polish
These record your app and make the recording look good. Screen Studio describes itself as "the screen recorder for Mac that handles the hard parts: zooms, motion, sound, and framing" (Screen Studio).
Good for: click-by-click demos and tutorials.
Website to product video
This is what Teasr does: you give it your website, and it designs a short motion graphics video of your product in your brand, with music, in about 10 minutes. There's no presenter, no prompting shot by shot and no recording.
Good for: launch videos, product overviews, SaaS promos and social posts, especially when you need one for every release. It starts at €39.
Which one do you need?
| You want | Use |
|---|---|
| A person explaining something, without filming | An avatar tool |
| Original cinematic footage | A generative video model |
| To edit a recording or interview | An AI-assisted editor |
| A click-by-click walkthrough of your app | A screen recorder |
| A branded product or launch video, fast | Website to video, like Teasr |