How to Create AI Videos (Step-by-Step Guide)
Learn how to create AI videos in minutes using text prompts. Step-by-step guide for beginners: best AI video generators, prompt tips, and how to use AI videos for TikTok, Reels & Shorts.
How to create AI videos: Describe what you want, AI generates a complete video in minutes. That's it.
This is the complete guide to creating AI videos. You'll learn how to create AI videos step-by-step, the best AI video generators to use, and how to create AI videos optimized for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. No filming or editing skills required.
Want to create AI videos and post them directly to social media? PostEverywhere's AI Content Generator creates videos, images, and captions—then schedules them to TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more in one workflow. Try it free →
TL;DR
- AI video generation creates videos from text prompts in minutes
- How it works: Describe your concept → AI generates video → Download or edit → Post
- Best for: TikTok, Reels, YouTube Shorts, social media ads, product demos
- Free tools: Pika (limited), Runway (limited), Canva (basic)
- Pro tools: Runway Gen-3, Pika, PostEverywhere (video + scheduling)
- Prompt tip: Be specific about motion, camera angles, and style
- Time saved: Hours of filming and editing replaced by minutes of prompting
Quick Jump Links
- What Is AI Video Generation?
- How to Create AI Videos (5 Steps)
- Best AI Video Generators (2026)
- How to Write AI Video Prompts
- AI Videos for Social Media
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- FAQs
What Is AI Video Generation?
AI video generation uses machine learning to create videos from text descriptions. You describe a scene—"a golden retriever running on a beach at sunset, slow motion"—and the AI produces that video in minutes.
Two types of AI video generation:
- Text-to-video: Describe a scene, AI generates it from scratch
- Image-to-video: Upload an image, AI animates it with motion
What you can create:
- Product demos and explainers
- Social media content (TikTok, Reels, Shorts)
- B-roll and background footage
- Animated graphics and logos
- Talking head videos with AI avatars
- Ad creatives and promotional clips
The technology has advanced dramatically. In 2026, AI video generators produce smooth, realistic motion that rivals stock footage—without the licensing costs.
How to Create AI Videos (5 Steps)
Here's exactly how to create AI videos, whether you're a complete beginner:
Step 1: Choose Your AI Video Generator
Pick a tool based on your needs. Here are our top video models:
- Veo 3.1 — Google's best, includes audio generation
- Sora 2 — OpenAI's cinematic video model
- Kling 2.6 — Great quality with audio support
- PixVerse 5.5 — Popular budget option
See all AI video models we support →
| Tool | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| PostEverywhere | Social media videos + scheduling | $19/mo |
| Runway Gen-3 | Highest quality, longest clips | $15/mo |
| Pika | Quick, stylized videos | Free tier |
| Kling AI | Realistic motion | Free tier |
| HeyGen | AI avatars & talking heads | $24/mo |
| Synthesia | Corporate training videos | $22/mo |
For social media creators, I recommend PostEverywhere because you can generate videos and schedule them to TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube in one workflow.
Want the full comparison? See our guide: Best AI Video Generators in 2026
Step 2: Write Your Video Prompt
Your prompt describes the scene, motion, and style. The more specific, the better.
Basic prompt structure:
[Subject] + [Action/Motion] + [Environment] + [Camera Movement] + [Style]
Examples:
| Weak Prompt | Strong Prompt |
|---|---|
| "dog running" | "golden retriever running on sandy beach, waves in background, slow motion, cinematic, sunset golden hour lighting" |
| "coffee being poured" | "espresso pouring into white ceramic cup, steam rising, macro close-up, smooth motion, café ambiance" |
| "city timelapse" | "aerial view of Tokyo at night, city lights, cars moving below, hyperlapse, 4K cinematic" |
Step 3: Generate Your Video
Click "Generate" and wait 1-5 minutes (depending on length and quality). Most tools produce 3-10 second clips per generation.
Pro tip: Generate multiple variations with different prompts. Your first attempt rarely produces the perfect video.
Step 4: Refine and Iterate
If the result isn't quite right:
- Adjust motion descriptions ("slow pan", "zoom in", "camera follows subject")
- Specify style more clearly ("cinematic", "animated", "documentary")
- Add negative prompts if supported ("no text", "no watermark")
- Try image-to-video if text-to-video isn't working—upload a reference image
Step 5: Export and Use
Once you have a video you love:
- Export in the highest resolution available (1080p or 4K)
- Ensure correct aspect ratio (9:16 for TikTok/Reels, 16:9 for YouTube)
- Add music, captions, or voiceover if needed
- Post to your social media channels
With PostEverywhere, step 5 is built-in—generate, add a caption, and schedule directly to TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and more.
Best AI Video Generators (2026)
Full comparison: Best AI Video Generators in 2026 (Tested & Ranked)
For Social Media Creators: PostEverywhere
PostEverywhere's AI Content Generator is built for social media video creation:
- Generate videos from text prompts
- Add AI-generated captions and hashtags
- Schedule directly to TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more
- No downloading/uploading between apps
For Highest Quality: Runway Gen-3
Runway's Gen-3 Alpha produces the most realistic, cinematic AI videos:
- 10+ second clips
- Excellent motion physics
- Film-quality output
- Advanced editing features
For Quick Results: Pika
Pika excels at fast, stylized video generation:
- Simple interface
- Quick 3-5 second clips
- Artistic/creative styles
- Generous free tier
How to Write AI Video Prompts
Video prompts are more complex than image prompts because you're describing motion over time.
The Video Prompt Formula
[Subject] + [Action] + [Environment] + [Camera] + [Motion Style] + [Mood/Lighting]
Example breakdown:
- Subject: "young woman"
- Action: "walking confidently"
- Environment: "through a modern office lobby"
- Camera: "tracking shot from the side"
- Motion: "smooth, cinematic movement"
- Mood: "bright natural light, professional atmosphere"
Full prompt: "young woman walking confidently through a modern office lobby, tracking shot from the side, smooth cinematic movement, bright natural light, professional atmosphere"
Motion Keywords That Work
| Motion Type | Keywords to Use |
|---|---|
| Slow motion | "slow motion", "slo-mo", "120fps", "time stretched" |
| Timelapse | "timelapse", "hyperlapse", "time-lapse", "sped up" |
| Smooth | "smooth motion", "fluid movement", "steady" |
| Dynamic | "dynamic camera", "action shot", "handheld" |
| Static | "locked off", "tripod shot", "no camera movement" |
Camera Movement Keywords
| Camera Move | Keywords to Use |
|---|---|
| Pan | "pan left/right", "horizontal pan", "sweeping pan" |
| Tilt | "tilt up/down", "vertical tilt" |
| Zoom | "zoom in", "zoom out", "dolly zoom" |
| Tracking | "tracking shot", "follow shot", "camera follows subject" |
| Aerial | "drone shot", "aerial view", "bird's eye view" |
AI Videos for Social Media
Here's how to create AI videos optimized for each platform:
TikTok & Instagram Reels
Best dimensions: 1080x1920 (9:16 vertical) Ideal length: 15-60 seconds
Prompt ideas:
- Satisfying product reveals
- Before/after transformations
- POV scenarios
- Trending aesthetic videos
Example prompt: "POV walking through a cozy bookstore, camera eye level moving forward, warm lamp lighting, books lining wooden shelves, cinematic, 9:16 vertical"
Learn more: How to Schedule TikToks
YouTube Shorts
Best dimensions: 1080x1920 (9:16 vertical) Ideal length: 15-60 seconds
Prompt ideas:
- Quick tutorials (with text overlay added after)
- Satisfying visuals and ASMR-style content
- Hook-driven content
Learn more: How to Schedule YouTube Shorts
LinkedIn & Facebook
Best dimensions: 1920x1080 (16:9 horizontal) or 1080x1080 (square) Ideal length: 30-90 seconds
Prompt ideas:
- Professional B-roll footage
- Abstract business concepts
- Data visualization animations
Creating Consistent Brand Videos
To maintain brand consistency:
- Save your best prompts as templates
- Specify color palette in prompts ("using blue and white brand colors")
- Use consistent style terms ("minimal motion graphics" or "cinematic product shots")
- Create a prompt library for different content types
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Expecting Too Much Length
Most AI video generators cap at 5-10 seconds. For longer videos, generate multiple clips and edit together, or use tools specifically designed for longer content.
2. Vague Motion Descriptions
❌ "person moving" ✅ "woman walking toward camera with confident stride, slow motion, tracking shot"
3. Ignoring Aspect Ratio
Always specify your target platform:
- TikTok/Reels: "9:16 vertical format"
- YouTube: "16:9 horizontal format"
- Instagram Feed: "1:1 square format"
4. Not Iterating Enough
Your first generation rarely produces the perfect video. Plan to generate 5-10 variations with different prompts.
5. Adding Text During Generation
AI struggles with readable text in videos. Generate the video first, then add text overlays in your editing tool or use AI captions.
FAQs: How to Create AI Videos
How to create AI videos for free?
To create AI videos for free, use Pika or Kling AI—both offer free tiers. Runway provides limited free credits. PostEverywhere offers a 7-day free trial to create AI videos with full access.
How to create AI videos from text?
To create AI videos from text:
- Choose an AI video generator
- Write a prompt describing your scene and motion
- Click "Generate"
- Wait 1-5 minutes
- Download your AI video or refine your prompt
What is the best AI to create videos?
The best AI to create videos for social media is PostEverywhere—create AI videos, captions, and images in one workflow. For quality: Runway Gen-3. See: Best AI Video Generators 2026.
Can you create AI videos for TikTok?
Yes. You can create AI videos for TikTok using any AI video generator. PostEverywhere is ideal because you can create AI videos and schedule them directly to TikTok.
How to create AI videos for Instagram Reels?
To create AI videos for Instagram Reels:
- Use an AI video generator like PostEverywhere
- Specify "9:16 vertical format" in your prompt
- Generate your AI video
- Schedule directly to Instagram Reels
How to create AI videos that look realistic?
To create AI videos that look realistic, use these prompt keywords:
- "photorealistic"
- "4K cinematic"
- "natural motion"
- "realistic physics"
- Camera references ("shot on RED camera", "anamorphic lens")
Can I create AI videos for commercial use?
Yes. Most paid AI video generators (PostEverywhere, Runway, Pika) allow you to create AI videos for commercial use. Check each tool's terms of service.
How long can AI videos be?
Most AI video generators create 3-10 second clips. To create longer AI videos, generate multiple clips and edit together.
Start Creating AI Videos Now
You now know how to create AI videos. No filming equipment, no editing software, no production budget—just describe what you want.
For social media creators, the fastest way to create AI videos is with a tool that generates AND schedules—so you can create AI videos and post them without switching apps.
Ready to create AI videos? PostEverywhere's AI Content Generator lets you create AI videos, images, and captions—then schedule them across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more. Start free trial →
Related Guides
- Best AI Video Generators in 2026 — Full comparison and rankings
- How to Create AI Images — Step-by-step image guide
- How to Generate AI Social Media Posts — Images, videos, and captions
- How to Schedule TikToks — TikTok scheduling guide
- How to Schedule YouTube Shorts — YouTube Shorts guide
Jamie Partridge
Founder & CEO of PostEverywhere
Jamie Partridge is the Founder & CEO of PostEverywhere. He writes about social media strategy, publishing workflows, and analytics that help brands grow faster with less effort.