Today, we’ll turn ideas → scripts → polished videos in under 30 minutes, using AI tools that do the heavy lifting.
TL;DR (save this)
Best for explainer/training: Synthesia, HeyGen
Best for social clips: CapCut, OpusClip
Best for text → video summaries: Pictory, Lumen5
Best for advanced creative/AI effects: Runway
Best for editing like a doc + overdub: Descript
Best for brand-ready templates: Canva Video
Quick Workflow: Idea → Video in 5 steps (30 minutes)
Draft a 90–120 sec script (≈180–240 words).
Prompt:❝“Write a 120-second video script introducing [topic] to [audience]. Tone: friendly, practical. Include a hook, 3 key points, and a clear CTA.”
Choose a tool by outcome (explainer, social, promo).
Pick a template/scene style (avatar? B-roll? kinetic text?).
Generate & tweak: adjust timing, swap stock footage, fix captions.
Export in the right aspect ratio (16:9 YouTube, 1:1 IG/LinkedIn, 9:16 Reels/TikTok/Shorts).
Pro tip: Create once in 16:9, then auto-resize to 9:16 and 1:1 with CapCut/Canva in 2 clicks.
The Tools (what to use, when, and how)
1) Synthesia: Text → Avatar explainer videos
Best for: onboarding, training, quick explainers, HR comms, multilingual voiceovers
Why people love it: Realistic AI avatars, 120+ languages, on-brand templates
Watch out for: Can feel “corporate” if you don’t add B-roll and dynamic cuts
Try this prompt (paste into script box):
“You are an expert instructor. Explain [topic] to [audience] in 90 seconds. Use a strong hook, 3 concise points with examples, and a clear CTA: ‘Try it today’. Keep sentences short for subtitle readability.”
Speed run: Pick a template → Choose avatar & voice → Paste script → Auto-captions ON → Add 3–5 B-roll clips → Export.
Best for: turning blog posts, whitepapers, or transcripts into social snippets
Why people love it: Auto-storyboarding, subtitle-first approach, easy B-roll
Watch out for: Titles & captions do most of the work. Write punchy copy
Prompt (for input text):
“Summarize the following article into a 60-second video with scene titles that are curiosity-provoking, each scene ≤12 words, with matching stock footage suggestions.”
Speed run: Paste article → Auto storyboard → Edit scene text → Swap visuals → Brand kit → Export 9:16 + 1:1.
3) Runway (Gen-2): Advanced AI video creation & editing
Best for: creative marketing, product mockups, visual effects, background replacement
Why people love it: Text-to-video, image-to-video, motion tracking, green screen without green screen
Watch out for: Creative outputs vary. Use reference images and style anchors
Prompt (for a dynamic product shot):
“Create a 5-second hero shot of a sleek [product] on a rotating pedestal, soft studio lighting, shallow depth of field, cinematic look, 60fps, subtle camera dolly.”
Pro move: Export short clips and assemble in CapCut/Descript with text and music.
Best for: marketing teams needing on-brand, snackable videos fast
Why people love it: Templates stay consistent across campaigns, drag-and-drop
Watch out for: Feels templated unless you tweak fonts, colors, and transitions
Prompt (for blog-to-video):
“Turn this blog into a 45-second social video with a bold opener (≤8 words), 4 punchy scenes, and a benefit-focused closer. Use upbeat but non-distracting backing music.”
Speed run: Paste text → Select template → Edit scene pacing → Brand kit → Export.
5) Descript: Edit video like a doc + AI voice/overdub
Best for: product demos, tutorials, podcasts → video highlights
Why people love it: Edit by deleting text, ‘Remove Filler Words’, overdub fixes
Watch out for: Overdub needs voice training; keep ethics clear with voice consent
Mini-workflow: Screen-record demo → Auto-transcribe → Cut fluff by text → Add B-roll & titles → Studio Sound → Export.
6) CapCut (Desktop): Templates, resizing, captions, lots of “wow” for free
Best for: social-first videos, quick remixes, auto-subtitles, trend templates
Why people love it: Auto-captions, background remover, beat sync, TikTok-native
Watch out for: Default fonts/styles can feel “TikTok-y”. Swap to your brand
Quick recipe: Import clips → Auto-captions → “Text-to-speech” for VO or upload VO → Add “Dynamic captions” → Export 9:16.
7) Canva Video: Brand-safe templates + AI Script & Magic Design
Best for: teams that want consistent branding without a designer
Why people love it: Brand Kits, Magic Design (generate layouts), stock library
Watch out for: Don’t over-template. Swap a few scenes to avoid sameness
Prompt (in Magic Write):
“Write a 60-second product teaser script for [audience]. Tone: confident, helpful, modern. Include a hook, 3 benefits, and CTA: ‘Get started free’.”
Mini Use-Case Recipes (copy/paste + ship)
A) Product How-To (2 minutes, training)
Tool: Descript or Synthesia
Hook line: “Save 10 minutes every morning with this shortcut.”
Outline: Hook → 3 steps on-screen → recap + CTA
B-roll: screen captures, cursor highlights, close-up overlays
CTA: “Try it now. Link in description.”
Script starter:
❝“If you’ve ever wasted time doing [task] manually, this will help. In 3 steps, you’ll [benefit]. Step 1… Step 2… Step 3… That’s it. You just saved [time]. Go try it.”
B) Internal Training (onboarding)
Tool: Synthesia (avatar) + Pictory snippets for recaps
Structure: Welcome → why it matters → 3 golden rules → where to get help
Localization: Use multilingual voiceover for global teams
Prompt:
❝“Explain our [policy/process] for new hires in 90 seconds. Use clear examples, do/don’t list, friendly but authoritative tone. End with: ‘Bookmark the Knowledge Base.’”
Tool: Lumen5 or Canva
Hook: A contrarian statement or surprising stat
Script:
❝“Most people do [common mistake] when trying to [goal]. Here’s the 20-second fix. 1) [tip]. 2) [tip]. 3) [tip]. Try it today and comment ‘Guide’ for the full checklist.”
D) Repurpose Blog → Video (60–90 seconds)
Tool: Pictory
Steps: Paste blog → Auto scenes → Rewrite to punchier captions → Brand kit
CTA: “Full post link in comments.”
E) AI for Data Storytelling
Tool: Descript (screen capture) + CapCut (captions)
Flow: Hook with outcome → show 2 charts → explain the “so what” → action
Prompt (script):
❝“In 60 seconds, explain how this model reduces warranty claims. Show 2 charts: input drivers and impact. Use plain language, avoid jargon, end with: ‘DM me for the notebook.’”
Prompt Library (steal these)
Universal Script Prompt (90 sec):
“Write a 220-word script for a 90-second video for [audience] about [topic]. Use a magnetic first sentence, 3 crisp points with examples, and a call-to-action to [action]. Short sentences for subtitles. Reading level: Grade 7.”
B-Roll Planner Prompt:
“For each sentence in this script, suggest a matching visual (stock video or screen capture), and note whether to use a lower-third title, icon, or overlay.”
Kinetic Text Style Prompt (for CapCut/Canva):
“Turn these 8 lines into kinetic captions in a clean, bold style. Emphasize verbs and numbers. Max 7 words per line. Keep rhythm with a 120–130 bpm beat.”
Localization Prompt (multi-language VO):
“Translate this script into [language], keep sentences short, localize idioms, and provide a pronunciation guide for brand names.”
Hook Generator Prompt:
“Give me 10 hooks for [topic] that start with a surprising stat, myth-bust, or ‘you’re doing it wrong’ angle. Max 12 words each.”
YouTube Description + Chapters Prompt:
“Write a 2-paragraph YouTube description with keywords, 5 hashtags, and timestamps for these sections. Include a ‘Resources’ list and one-sentence bio.”
Tiny Decision Guide (choose your weapon)
Goal | Tool | Why |
|---|---|---|
Avatar explainer / training | Synthesia, HeyGen | Fast, multilingual, consistent look |
Blog → short video | Pictory, Lumen5 | Auto-storyboard from text |
Edit like a doc, fix VO | Descript | Text-based editing + overdub |
Social-first clips | CapCut | Auto-captions, resize, templates |
Artsy / effects / gen video | Runway | AI generative video + VFX |
Brand consistency | Canva Video | Brand kits, templates, teams |
Make It Look Pro (checklist)
Open hot: first 2 seconds = bold claim or visual
Captions ON: 80%+ watch muted on mobile
Pacing: new visual every 2–3 seconds
Brand touch: logo bug, colors, consistent fonts
CTA visible: on-screen and spoken
Export right: 1080p for social, 4K if product detail matters
Accessibility & Ethics (quick but important)
Always add captions (auto + quick proofread)
Disclose AI avatars/voices in public-facing content (“AI-generated narrator”)
Get consent for voice cloning and people’s footage
Check license terms for stock media and music
Avoid misleading “deepfake-y” outputs. Protect trust
30-Minute Challenge (do this today)
Pick one topic you answered in email this week.
Use Canva or Lumen5 to turn it into a 45–60 sec video.
Post on LinkedIn with this caption:
❝“Turning my most asked question this week into a 60-second video. Want the full checklist? Comment ‘checklist’ and I’ll send it.”
Repurpose to 9:16 with CapCut for Reels/Shorts.
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