The Best AI Video Generators for Cinematic Video
In this article, we will show you the best AI video generators for creating incredibly cinematic AI videos.
If you've ever tried to create AI videos, then you know it can be a challenge to get realistic results. In this article, we want to show you a roundup of the best AI video generators on the market.
We will take a look at both the pros and the cons to help you determine the best AI video generator for you. Some of these options are free, while others are accessed through a paid video subscription.
If you're ready to learn what AI video tools are the best for creating beautiful footage, this is the right place.
Let’s hop in.
The Best AI Video Generators
Below is a collection of the top AI video generators available today. This information is our professional opinion based on the hundreds of hours our team has spent testing these tools. These tools are in no specific order.
If you would like to see our list of the best AI tools available, check out our recommended AI tools page here.
1. Runway
Runway is the leader in the AI video generator world. Based out of New York, Runway does a phenomenal job creating spectacular AI tools for filmmakers. From AI video generators to AI voice enhancement, Runway is nearly a one-stop-shop for those looking to utilize AI in their workflow.
The Pros of Using Runway for AI Video
Let’s take a look at some of the positive aspects of using Runway to create AI video.
Runway is Easy to Use
Similar to many other cloud-based tools, Runway’s AI Video generators are very easy to use. Not only that, but since the tool is one of (if not the) most popular AI Video generators available, it is easy to find tutorials explaining the tool’s best practices.
Runway Has Unique Features
Runway offers some incredibly unique features in its AI video generator. One of our favorite features is the multi-motion brush tool. Having features in your AI video generator such as this one gives you more access to controlling the movement in your scenes.
Runway can be Realistic
Of all the AI video generators available at the moment, Runway consistently does the best with generating realistic scenes. Whether it is people or landscapes, realism is no doubt one of Runway’s strengths.
The Cons of Using Runway for AI Video
Now we will dive into some cons when using Runway’s AI video generator.
Runway can be Expensive
Runway’s AI Video generator is a token-based tool which can be difficult. When using an AI Video generator, it is best to prompt an image multiple times to get what you are looking for. With that in mind, you will need to expect to use multiple generations for each scene you are prompting for.
Runway Struggles with Large Dynamic Movements
Similar to many other AI Video generators, Runway struggles with generating movement in animals. Trying to get an image of a horse running through a field would be extremely difficult using Runway as your AI video generator.
Runway Has Flickering Problems
Runway’s video generations consistently put out scenes that have an annoying flicker throughout. Though we have found workarounds for this, it definitely slows down the production process a tad.
Free Video Tutorial: How to Create Cinematic AI Videos Using Runway
Here is a video tutorial where we teach how to utilize Runway’s AI video generator to create the most cinematic visuals possible.
2. Pika
If you have been doing research on AI video generators, the you are most likely familiar with Pika Labs and how they launched their first AI video generator for free inside of discord. In 2023 they launched version 1.0, and began offering new features and pricing teirs.
The Pros of Using Pika for AI Video
Let’s take a look at the pros of Pika’s AI video generation tool.
Pika Excels in Generating Animated Scenes
If you have followed much of their marketing videos they release, you have probably seen how they have really pressed into generating fun animated scenes. One of our favorites is the raccoon in outer space, reaching for a burrito. Pika’s AI video generator is phenomenal for creating animated scenes like this one.
Pika has a Lively Discord Community
Pika has done well at having a very lively Discord community. They regularly host workshops and instructional sessions that are free to all of the members. We even had the opportunity to teach one and had a blast!
Pika is Easy to Learn
Pika is without a doubt one of the more popular AI video generators on the market today. That being said, if you need help learning the tool or navigating certain quirks, there is most likely a tutorial of some type out there for you to look into.
The Cons of Using Pika for AI Video
Even though PIka’s AI video generator does a phenomenal job, there are still some cons to using it. Here are a few listed below.
Pika can be Expensive
Similar to Runway’s AI video generator, using Pika costs money. Though they do have a free version, if you are looking to utilize this in your line of work, then there is a strong chance you will need more generations than the free plan provides.
Pika doesn’t Offer Many Unique Features
Unlike Runway, Pika has not often released many unique features. Most of the features found in their AI video generator can also be found in other tools or on places such as Hugging Face.
Pika Struggles Generating Realistic Scenes
We already mentioned that Pika’s AI video generator does a phenomenal job generating animated scenes, but if you are looking to create a scene that looks very realistic, Pika may not be the best tool for you to use.
Free Video Tutorial: How to Create Cinematic AI Videos Using Pika
In this video, we teach how to get the most cinematic visuals possible while using Pika’s AI video generator.
3. Haiper
Haiper is an AI video generator that often flies under the radar. This is a tool that offers free and unlimited video generation. Here we will highlight the pros and cons of the tool.
The Pros of Using Haiper for AI Video
Here is a rundown of a few benefits from utilizing Haiper’s AI video generator.
Haiper is Free
Free tools, like Haiper, go a long way towards helping to democratize creativity. Even though the quality might not be at the same level as a tool like Runway, Haiper gives everyone the ability to experiment with AI video generators.
Haiper Does Well Generating Detail and Establishing Shots
One strength that Haiper has is generating detail and establishing shots. This AI video generator would definitely be a great tool in your arsenal for specifically generating these types of shots.
The Cons of Using Pika for AI Video
With most free things there are downsides. Even though Haiper is a spectacular tool, we will talk about two negative sides of using their AI video generator.
Haiper can be Slow with Multiple Generations
One downside of Haiper is that if you try to generate multiple scenes at once, then it seems to slow down its output speed. This isn’t the most detrimental, but it can be annoying because you usually need to prompt for multiple generations at once in order to get your desired movement in a scene.
Haiper Struggles Generating Realistic Scenes
Haiper struggles with realism, specifically when generating scenes containing people’s faces. Facial features tend to come out looking more animated than realistic.
Free Video Tutorial: Learn to create Cinematic Visuals for free using Haiper’s AI video generator.
In this tutorial, we teach you our process for getting cinematic visuals while using Haiper’s AI video generator.
4. Pixverse
Pixverse is another free option to consider when looking for an AI video generator on a budget. Not only is it free, but they offer some features that take their tool up to the next level.
The Pros of Using Pixverse for AI Video
Here are two benefits to using Pixverse’s AI video generator.
Pixverse is Free
Pixverse is another free AI video generator. There are a handful of options when it comes to free tools, but many do not produce useful generations. This is not the case when it comes to Pixverse (and Haiper). Though it may not produce the same quality outputs as a tool like Runway, it is an incredible option for those looking to use a free AI video generator.
Pixverse Allows you to Upscale to 4K
The feature that sets Pixverse apart is the quality of its generations. Pixverse offers native 4K resolution. Having scenes of this quality inside of the generator is a game-changer. Often times we will utilize tools like Topaz Video AI for upscaling and interpolation, but it can be expensive for many on a budget. Pixverse offering free generations and native 4K resolution is extremely beneficial for many filmmakers' workflows.
The Cons of Using Pixverse for AI Video
Now, let’s take a look at some of the downsides to using Pixverse’s AI video generator.
Pixverse is Not as Established as Other Tools
With Pixverse not being as established as some of these other, larger tools, this can put them behind in terms of updating their features and further developing their tools. Not only that, but sometimes a tool like this can be built around one developer, meaning that if that one developer decides to leave the company then the tool becomes stagnant and will not excel.
Pixervse’s Results aren’t as good as other AI Video Generators
Even though Pixverse is free, it often struggles to produce scenes that compare to some of the larger AI video generators. This can sometimes slow down your workflow by having to double your generations.
Free Video Tutorial: Learn to use Pixverse for Generating AI videos
Each week we launch a webshow on YouTube highlighting the latest AI Film News. In the episode below, we show to how to get the most out of Pixverse’s AI video generator.
What AI Video Generators can we Expect to See Soon?
Though we will never know for sure the release dates of new AI video generators, there has been much speculation that we can expect potentially 3 to be released shortly.
Midjourney’s AI Video Generator
Midjourney has suggested that we can expect to see their AI video generator released sometime this year. In a Midjourney office hours early in 2024, the Midjourney CEO mentioned they are not happy with where the model is currently at so are planning to keep refining the tool before releasing it.
It makes us wonder if the delay was due to the phenomenal results that came from OpenAI’s AI video generator, SORA.
SORA, OpenAI’s AI Video Generator
There have been plenty of rumors about the release date of SORA, Open AI’s video generator. Initially, everyone was led to believe that we wouldn’t see the tool at all in 2024. More recently, we have seen that the release of the tool may not be as delayed as most first heard.
Adobe’s AI Video Generator
The week of NAB 2024, Adobe released knowledge of new tools coming near the end of the year. There was a plethora of tools, but the one you are likely most interest in is Firefly Video Model, Adobe’s AI video generator.
We haven’t seen many examples, so it is hard to speculate on the quality of the tool.
Learn to Utilize AI Video Generators in your Workflow
AI tools, specifically AI video generators, can often be intimidating. If you are interested in learning how to use AI video generators in your workflow, check out our courses.
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