Step-by-Step: Creating a Text-to-Video with Pictory AI

Part of 🎥 MODULE 3: Video Creation Tools in Action (Articles 10–13) in Crash Course: Starting an AI Video Generation Business from Scratch

Turning Words into Video Without Crying Over Editing Software

So, here’s the deal.

You’ve got an idea. Maybe it’s a blog post you poured your soul into, or maybe it’s just a few lines of script sitting in your Notes app that you wrote at 2AM after watching a “How I made $10k with AI” YouTube short. Either way, you’re wondering:
“How the heck do I turn this into a video… without selling my soul to Adobe Premiere?”

Spoiler alert: You don’t need to.
Pictory AI has got your back. Think of it like your nerdy but brilliant friend who just gets what you want, turns your text into something visual, and doesn’t complain when you change your mind halfway through.

And yes—we’re diving deep here. Step-by-step. No jargon, no fluff. Just the good stuff. You in?

🎬 First Off… What Is Pictory AI?

Pictory is a cloud-based AI tool that takes your scripts, blogs, or even Zoom recordings (yep) and magically converts them into short, punchy videos. Think of it like the bridge between “I can write” and “I can create content people will actually watch.”

It’s not trying to be Hollywood. It’s trying to be helpful. Fast. Friendly. And actually usable for people who aren’t technical wizards or editing junkies.

🛠️ What You’ll Need Before You Start

Let’s prep. You don’t want to dive in mid-sentence and realize you’ve forgotten your script. (Been there, it’s not cute.)

Here’s your Pictory prep checklist:

✅ A solid script or article (we’ll talk about writing that elsewhere in the course)
✅ A rough idea of your target audience (are we talking CEOs or Gen Z meme-lords?)
✅ Your Pictory login (no, they don’t accept vibes as a password)
✅ A cup of coffee, tea, or something bubbly — trust me, it helps

🚀 Step-by-Step: From Text to Video Magic

Let’s make this hands-on. I’m walking you through like we’re on a Zoom call together and your cat is sitting on your keyboard.

Step 1: Log In & Choose “Script to Video”

You’ll land on the Pictory dashboard. Ignore the other shiny buttons for now and click “Script to Video.”
This is the mode where you give it your words, and it gives you visuals. Fair trade, right?

Pro Tip: You can also use “Article to Video” if you’re repurposing blog content. But for now, let’s stick with script mode for more control.

Step 2: Paste Your Script (Keep It Conversational)

Copy + paste your script into the text box. Break it up into natural scenes. Each paragraph becomes a new scene.

And hey—don’t be afraid to throw in some personality. AI loves that. So does your audience.

Bad example:

“AI is transforming industries.”

Better example:

“Let’s be honest—AI is doing more multitasking than a mom of three on a Monday morning. It’s changing everything.”

See the difference?

Step 3: Choose a Template (Don’t Stress Too Much)

This part can feel like picking an outfit for your video. You’ll be tempted to overthink it.

“Is this too corporate?”
“Does this scream ‘I’m cool and relatable’?”
“What even is ‘modern typography’?”

Relax. Choose a style that feels right for your audience. You can always tweak fonts and colors later. If you’re stuck, go clean and simple. It never fails.

Step 4: Let the AI Do Its Thing (a.k.a. Magic Time)

Pictory now takes your script and matches each scene with relevant video clips or images. Automatically. Like a mind-reading intern who doesn’t ask for coffee breaks.

This is the part where you lean back and go, “Wait, it’s already doing it?”

Yes. It is.

Step 5: Tweak, Edit, Add Sass

Here’s where the real fun starts.

🔧 Edit text: Fix typos, punch up bland lines, or add scene headers
📸 Change visuals: If Pictory picked a stock clip of someone high-fiving a stranger on a beach and you were talking about accounting software, swap it
🎙️ Voiceovers: You can add your own or use AI-generated voices (some are surprisingly good, others sound like robots trying too hard)
🎵 Music: Pick a track that doesn’t sound like elevator hold music unless that’s ironically your thing

Honest moment: The visuals won’t always be perfect. That’s normal. Don’t throw your laptop. Just swap the clip or image and move on. You’re still making a full video in under 30 minutes, and that’s kind of amazing.

Step 6: Preview & Download

Hit “Preview.” Watch it through once, ideally without multitasking. Yes, I know TikTok is calling.

Ask yourself:

• Does this feel like me or my brand?
• Will my audience get it?
• Would I watch this all the way through?

If it checks those boxes (or even gets close), download that baby. MP4 format, HD quality. Ready to roll on social media, your website, or even the family group chat (hey, proud moment).

💬 Real Talk: What If I Mess It Up?

You won’t.

Okay, maybe your first try will have a clip of a dancing llama where you meant to show a business graph. It happens. But that’s the beauty of AI—it’s fixable, fast, and low-pressure.

Honestly, the only real mistake is overthinking. Done is better than perfect. Especially when the algorithm wants consistency, not cinematic excellence.

🧠 Brainstorm Bonus: 5 Things You Can Turn into Videos TODAY

Just in case you’re staring at your screen like, “Okay but… what should I even make?”

1. A tip from a blog post you wrote two years ago (yes, recycle your gold!)
2. A script teaching your audience how to use a tool
3. A personal story or “fail to success” journey
4. A myth-busting “3 AI video myths you still believe” segment
5. A listicle: “Top 5 AI Tools You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should Totally Try)”

❤️ Final Thoughts: You Got This

Listen—I get it. Creating videos can feel intimidating at first. The blank screen stares at you. The voice in your head whispers, “Who am I to do this?”

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to be a video editor. You just have to be willing to start.

AI is here to make it easier, faster, and honestly… more fun. With tools like Pictory, you’ve got everything you need to turn your thoughts into content people actually want to watch.

Will your first video win an Emmy? Probably not. Will it get made and start building your confidence, audience, and creative muscle? Heck yes.

So go ahead—open Pictory, paste that script, and hit go. The world’s waiting for your voice, your ideas, your magic.

Let’s turn words into wow.