Essential AI Video Tools You Need to Know Before Starting

Part of 📘 MODULE 1: Foundations & Mindset (Articles 1–5) in Crash Course: Starting an AI Video Generation Business from Scratch

Alright, picture this: you’re sitting at your desk, coffee in one hand, probably a half-eaten snack in the other (don’t worry, this is a judgment-free zone), and you’re thinking… “I’m ready to do this AI video thing. But, uh… which tools do I actually need?”

Cue the panic scroll through endless YouTube reviews, Reddit threads, and tech bros trying to convince you that their sponsored tool is “the future.” Ugh.

Let’s take a deep breath together. 🍃

Because today, we’re breaking it down in plain English—with no jargon, no fluff, and definitely no gatekeeping. This isn’t some affiliate-ridden roundup. This is the real talk version: the essential AI video tools you need to know before you dive head-first into building your solo agency or side hustle.

🎬 First Things First: You Don’t Need Everything

Let’s get this out of the way right now. You do not need to use every tool out there to be successful.

Actually, trying to master too many tools is like trying to learn six languages at once while juggling flaming bowling pins. It looks cool in theory, but you’re gonna drop something—or set your eyebrows on fire.

Here’s the golden rule: Start with a small stack of reliable tools. Ones that vibe with you, not just the internet hype.

That said, here are the core categories (and my go-to tools) you should know about. You can mix, match, and build your dream setup from there.

🗣️ 1. AI Avatar & Talking Head Video Creators

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to make professional videos, but without getting dressed or putting on actual pants,”—these tools are for you.

Top Tools:

• HeyGen – Honestly, this one’s slick. Clean interface, lots of avatar options, and multi-language support that actually sounds decent. Great for explainers, client pitches, or social content when you don’t want to record your face for the 34th time that week.
• Synthesia – The OG of this space. Super polished. Pricey, yeah, but rock-solid if you’re working with more corporate clients or need consistent quality for training videos.
• D-ID – A bit more experimental, sometimes uncanny, but it’s super fun for more “creative” projects. Think TikTok, entertainment, or just making your cat read your emails out loud (you know, hypothetically).

⚡ Pro tip: Avatars are tools, not replacements for your personality. Use them to support your message, not erase yourself.

📝 2. AI Script Writers & Content Generators

Okay, okay—yes, I know what you’re thinking: “Aren’t you AI, telling me to use AI to write scripts?” Yes, but hear me out.

Scriptwriting is hard when you’re starting out. Blank-page syndrome is real. These tools can help you get over the hump and give you a rough draft to polish.

Top Tools:

• ChatGPT (👋) – You already know. But did you know you can prompt it like a collaborator? Try:
  “Act like a quirky YouTube host. Write me a 60-second script about eco-friendly phone cases.” Boom. Instant vibe.
• Jasper AI – Geared more toward marketers and content creators. It’s got structure and templates galore. Expensive? Kinda. But efficient.
• Notion AI – Lightweight, clean, and perfect if you’re already planning your content in Notion (which, let’s be real, half the internet is doing now).

🧠 Real talk: These tools are co-writers. You bring the ideas, energy, and weird jokes. They help you stay out of creative quicksand.

🎥 3. AI Video Editors & Visual Storytellers

This is where the magic happens: turning raw content into something people actually want to watch. And no, you don’t need Final Cut Pro or 300 YouTube transitions to make it look good.

Top Tools:

• Runway ML – Imagine if Adobe Premiere had a baby with an AI wizard. You can remove backgrounds, generate visuals, or even create entire scenes from prompts. It’s honestly bonkers.
• Pictory – Want to turn blog posts into videos without lifting more than a few fingers? This tool’s for you. It’s especially great for faceless content, reels, and explainer-type stuff.
• Descript – Editing audio/video like a doc? Yes, please. You can remove “ums” and “uhs” automatically, and even clone your voice (creepy but cool). Podcasters swear by it. I do too.

✂️ Hot take: Clean edits + clear message > flashy effects. Keep it simple, especially when you’re starting out.

🎨 4. AI Image & B-Roll Generators

Sometimes you just need visuals—backgrounds, cutaways, or that perfect shot of a happy golden retriever eating a burrito. You know, the usual.

Top Tools:

• Pexels / Pixabay + AI Upscalers – Start with free stock, then use tools like Let’s Enhance or Remini to make them pop.
• Midjourney / DALL·E – For custom AI-generated visuals. Honestly, I’ve used these to create backdrops, character stills, and even thumbnail images. Once you get the hang of prompting, it’s kind of addicting.

🎨 Tip from experience: Don’t go overboard. Visuals should support your story, not distract from it.

🔊 5. AI Voiceover Tools

If your voice sounds like a squirrel on helium after three cups of coffee (just me?), AI voice tools are your best friend.

Top Tools:

• ElevenLabs – Super realistic. You can even clone your own voice. Or create characters! (Think: sultry British narrator or overexcited robot dad.)
• Murf – A little more polished for business content. Great for presentations or client-facing stuff.
• LOVO – Surprisingly emotional. Yes, robots have feelings now. Kind of.

🎤 Anecdote: One time, I made a voiceover with a New Zealand accent just to see if a client noticed. They didn’t. I consider that a win.

🧰 Wait—Do You Need ALL of These?

Nope. Definitely not. Here’s a sample starter stack if you’re feeling overwhelmed:

1. HeyGen or Synthesia (for avatar videos)
2. ChatGPT (for script ideas and outlines)
3. Descript (for editing)
4. Pexels + Canva (for visuals + graphics)
5. ElevenLabs (for voiceovers if needed)

That’s it. That’s more than enough to get rolling.

As you grow, you’ll find your rhythm and build your own toolkit. Like a digital Batman utility belt, but with fewer explosions.

💬 Final Thoughts: The Tools Are Just the Beginning

Look, having the right tools helps. But let me say this as clearly as possible: tools don’t make the creator—you do.

It’s your perspective, your humor, your weird little quirks, and your storytelling instincts that bring AI content to life.

The tools? They’re just there to take the grunt work off your plate. So you can focus on doing what actually matters: making cool stuff, solving problems, and—let’s be honest—hopefully making some money while wearing pajama pants.

Coming up next: We’ll talk about how to choose your first services and set up a simple portfolio (even if you’ve never had a paying client). And yes, we’ll walk through it step-by-step. Promise.

Got questions? Confused about which tool to pick? Want to nerd out over voice clones or vent about video export fails? You’re in the right place. Drop it in the discussion — I’ll be hanging out there too.

You’ve got this. For real.