May 15, 2023

Author: CryptoSherry

Introduction: The year 2023 has witnessed a surge in AI tools, with the emergence of OpenAI and the continuous development of GPT-based AI tools. In this article, we will evaluate and share the user experience of 4 AIGV tools from a novice perspective. These tools provide free trial versions with limited functionality or usage. The evaluations in this article are based on the assumption that the free trial versions offer sufficient opportunities to experience the basic functionality.

Tool 1: Reals.ai by Hour One

Reals.ai allows users to generate videos by uploading PPT or articles, with a maximum of 10 scenes. The editing process allows users to copy and split scenes or choose templates. Users can select an AI speaker, voice, and language, and then proceed to edit each scene. There is a minor bug related to the title feature, where there is a limit on the character count but no clear indication of the remaining characters. Exceeding the character limit results in the title not being displayed. Subtitles are automatically generated based on the script, and their display can be selected in the final video. It's worth noting that long scripts can affect the visual effects of a scene. Sharing or downloading the completed videos requires upgrading to a paid membership, which can be done on a monthly or annual basis. Cancelling the subscription requires contacting the support team via email, and the process for cancellation is yet to be determined.

After upgrading to the paid version and downloading the final output, there is a balance between the completeness of the end product and the rationality of the workflow. Overall, the workflow is straightforward, and the final output is usable. However, it should be noted that the available templates are relatively limited, and there is limited flexibility in choosing the AI speaker's appearance.

Tool 2: D-iD Studio

D-iD Studio allows users to generate videos directly from scripts or audio, offering the option to create AI presenters. The UI design of this tool is more mature. Users can create videos by selecting a speaker or creating one and modifying the available templates. However, the AI-generated images in D-iD Studio have room for improvement compared to similar tools like Midjourney. Users can select voice, language, and even adjust the voice style, although the changes in tone are not very pronounced. The synchronization of the AI-generated mouth movements can also be improved. The tool provides a satisfactory experience, and videos of approximately 5 minutes can be downloaded without upgrading to the paid version.

Overall, users are able to create a basic usable video without the need to upgrade to the paid version within a limited number of attempts. The process is simple, making it easy for new users to get started. However, the same issue persists: the selection of speaker templates is limited, and there is significant room for improvement in AI-speaker generation capabilities. Additionally, the synchronization of the speaker's lip movements with the audio is quite rigid. While the product is functional, its features do not currently demonstrate a competitive advantage.

  Tool 3: Pictory.ai

Pictory supports text-to-video, image-to-video, and video editing using text. The UI interface is clear and intuitive, allowing users to operate the tool without the need for video tutorials. Both the text-to-video and image-to-video functionalities were tested. Users can upload articles or images , then select templates and aspect ratios. The tool provides a draft for each scene, allowing users to edit individual scenes by adding background music, uploading voice-overs, previewing, and adding transitions, which are basic video editing function. Once satisfied, users can download the final video.

Pictory is a user-friendly tool suitable for entry-level users, but its simplicity may limit its appeal to users with video production experience. The tool's ability to understand and relate to the text content is limited, resulting in less relevance between the final video and the original content.

Tool 4: Opus Clip

Opus Clip specializes in generating short videos from existing videos with its one-click generation process. The UI and product design are mature, and the tool provides a seamless user experience. However, it lacks customization options for aspect ratios, limiting its compatibility with different screen sizes. Opus Clip targets the realm of TikTok or YouTube shorts, where this limitation may not be significant. The tool generates engaging shorts of around 1 minute, capturing the attention of short video enthusiasts. It also includes a rating feature that provides multiple versions of the video ranked by quality, along with corresponding video content evaluations. Opus Clip is an excellent choice for influencers or enthusiasts looking to generate a large number of short videos.

Although Opus Clip does not fully meet my video production needs, I am grateful to Opus Clip for giving me the opportunity to have my own YouTube Channel. This is something I had never considered before because creating and producing shorts used to require a significant amount of time and experience. However, with Opus Clip, it only took me 5 minutes.

In 2023, the availability of AI tools for video generation has seen a significant increase. Through the evaluation of various AI tools from a novice perspective, we have explored their functionalities and user experiences. Each tool has its strengths and limitations, and the choice of tool depends on individual requirements and preferences.

In conclusion, the AI tool landscape is continuously evolving, offering a range of options for video generation. It is recommended that users explore different tools, consider their specific needs, and weigh the pros and cons before investing in a particular AI tool for video production.