AI video tools

What it is

AI video tools fall into two groups. Generators such as HeyGen create a presenter or scene from a script. Editors such as Descript let you edit a recording by editing its transcript, remove filler words and add captions.

How it works

1. Write or paste a script, then pick an avatar and voice (generator), or upload your own recording (editor).
2. Edit by changing the transcript; cuts follow the text.
3. Export versions for each platform, or let an assistant drive the tool through its MCP server. HeyGen’s server uses OAuth and bills against your plan’s credits; Descript’s needs no API token, is scoped to one Drive and can use media minutes and AI credits.

Entry prices (checked 2026-10-17). HeyGen: Free, Creator $29 a month, Pro $49 a month. Descript: Free, then Hobbyist, Creator and Business from $16, $24 and $50 per person a month billed annually ($24, $35 and $65 monthly).

Benefits

• Faster production for explainers, onboarding videos and social clips.
• Translation and dubbing reach new markets without reshoots.
• Text-based editing makes video work feel like editing a document.

Limits and risks

• Likeness and consent. Use only your own likeness or people who have agreed in writing. HeyGen’s privacy policy says it processes face imagery to build avatars and points to a separate biometric notice. Label synthetic presenters where viewers could be misled.
• Generated scenes can contain visual errors; review every frame you publish.
• Render credits and plan limits vary widely.
• Plan names, prices and feature limits change often. This category page re-checks every 90 days; each tool page carries its own review date.