Make a short video with AI tools
Plan it with AI, edit faster by editing the words, and add captions in minutes. Here’s a practical workflow, plus the rules on faces, voices, music and labels.
In 30 seconds
- Plan with AI first: one idea, a short script and a Jargon busterShot list: A list of every shot you plan to film, in order, with what’s on screen and roughly how long it lasts. before you film.
- Edit by editing the Jargon busterTranscript: A written, word-for-word record of what was said in a recording, a call or a meeting., then add captions and export in the shape the platform wants.
- Get consent for any face or voice, label realistic AI content and check your music rights.
A one-minute video for the shop’s social media, a how-to for the club website, a montage for a leaving do. Editing used to take hours. AI now helps at every stage, from the script to the captions, so you can spend your time on what you’re actually saying.
Plan it before you press record
A clear plan saves more time than any editing trick. Ask an assistant to help you pin down one idea, who the video is for and what they should do afterwards. Then ask it to turn that into a short script and a Jargon busterShot list: A list of every shot you plan to film, in order, with what’s on screen and roughly how long it lasts., so you know exactly what to film.
Help me plan a [60-second] video for [platform] about [topic]. It’s for [audience], and afterwards I want them to [action]. Write a script with a strong first line and short spoken sentences. Then give me a shot list as a table: shot number, what’s on screen, the words spoken and roughly how many seconds. I’m filming on [a phone], so keep the shots simple.
Edit faster with AI
- Edit the wordsTools such as Descript turn your recording into a Jargon busterTranscript: A written, word-for-word record of what was said in a recording, a call or a meeting.. Delete a sentence from the text and it’s cut from the video.
- Tidy the umsSome editors find filler words such as “um” and “uh” for you. Review each cut, so the speech doesn’t sound clipped.
- Add captionsCapCut and similar apps caption your video automatically. Check names and specialist words, which speech recognition can get wrong.
- Use a templateTemplates set the text style, timing and transitions for popular formats. Swap in your own colours and fonts.
- Export for the platformShort-video apps want tall, vertical video, while a standard YouTube video is usually wide. Check the length each platform allows.
Captions are worth the small effort. They help people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and anyone watching on a quiet train.
AI presenters and voices: consent first
Tools such as HeyGen and Synthesia make videos with AI presenters, and ElevenLabs turns a script into a natural-sounding voice-over. They’re handy for training videos, translations, or when you’d rather not be on camera yourself.
Label it, and use music you’re allowed to use
Platforms want to know when realistic content is AI-made. YouTube asks creators to disclose realistic content that’s been meaningfully altered or generated, such as a real person seeming to say something they didn’t, and may add a label itself if you don’t. TikTok asks you to label AI-generated content with realistic images, audio or video.
Music is the other trap: a hit song in the background can get your video muted or removed. Use your editor’s licensed music library or Jargon busterRoyalty-free: Licensed so you can use it without paying each time it’s played. It isn’t always free, and some licences rule out adverts or business use. tracks, and check the licence covers business use if you’re selling something. The same goes for clips and photos: use only what you shot, licensed or have permission to use.
Need pictures to go with it? See make images with AI. And for who owns what you make, read AI and copyright.
Check yourself
3 quick questions nothing is savedTools in this guide
- DDescriptEdit video and podcasts by editing the transcript, with AI clean-up tools.
- CCapCutVideo editor with automatic captions, templates and AI effects.
- HHeyGenPresenter-style videos with AI avatars, and video translation.
- SSynthesiaAI avatar videos for training, onboarding and internal communications.
- EElevenLabsRealistic AI voices for voice-overs, audiobooks and dubbing.
Spotted a mistake? Tell us and an editor will check it.
