How to Choose an AI Video Tool

Most "AI video tool" comparisons start from a list of products. Start from your task instead — the right tool depends entirely on what you're actually trying to produce. **Do you already have footage, or are you starting from nothing?** Some tools generate a complete video from a text prompt; others exist to edit or repurpose footage you already have. A tool built for one workflow often can't do the other well. **Do you need an on-camera presenter?** If your format calls for a talking-head or narrator and you don't want to appear on camera yourself, look specifically for AI avatar support — not every video generator offers it. **What's the output format?** Long-form YouTube content, short-form vertical clips for TikTok/Reels, and paid ad creative all have different export requirements (aspect ratio, length limits, captioning). Confirm a tool actually supports your target format before committing. **How much editing control do you actually want?** Fully automated generation is faster; timeline-based editing gives more control. Neither is objectively better — it depends on how much time you want to spend per video. **Check pricing against your real usage**, not just the cheapest sticker price: watch for watermarks on free plans, monthly video/minute caps, and whether commercial or advertising use is actually permitted on the plan you'd be paying for. We're building out full reviews and comparisons for individual AI video tools — see the AI Video category for the current catalog.