Video formats and use cases
The kinds of videos creators and brands make with AI.
- AI cartoonAn AI cartoon is an animated video, in 2D or 3D, where the characters, scenes and often the voices are made with AI instead of being drawn or modelled by hand. Creators use AI cartoons for kids content, stories, comedy and explainers.
- AI music videoAn AI music video is a video for a song where the visuals are made with AI instead of being filmed. It can show characters acting out the lyrics, singers with lip sync, or an animated visualizer, timed to the music.
- AI short filmAn AI short film is a short story told on video where the visuals, and often the voices and music, are made with AI. It can be realistic or animated, in any genre. The hard part is keeping the characters the same from shot to shot.
- Audio visualizerAn audio visualizer is a video where animated graphics, like bars, waves or a spinning record, move in time with a song. Musicians use visualizers to put a track on YouTube or social media without making a full music video.
- Documentary-style videoA documentary-style video tells a true story or explores a real topic, like history, science or money, with narration over supporting visuals. On YouTube, these are often long-form videos that mix research, storytelling and a clear point of view.
- Explainer videoAn explainer video is a short video that explains one idea, product or process in simple terms. It usually pairs a clear voiceover with visuals that show what the narrator describes. Explainers are common in education, science, technology and business.
- Micro dramaA micro drama is a scripted series told in very short episodes, often one to three minutes each, made to be watched on a phone. Episodes are usually vertical and end on a cliffhanger, so viewers keep watching the next one.
- Vertical videoVertical video is video that is taller than it is wide, usually in a 9:16 aspect ratio, such as 1080 by 1920 pixels. It fills a phone screen held upright, and it is the standard format for YouTube Shorts, TikTok and Instagram Reels.
Other areas
- AI video generationHow AI turns text, images and songs into video.
- Characters and consistencyKeeping the same characters across scenes and episodes.
- Storytelling and film craftPlanning scenes, shots and stories before you generate.
- Creators, channels and growthRunning faceless channels and growing on YouTube.
- AI agents and developersMaking videos from AI agents, code and APIs.