The best AI tools to create and edit video in 2026
From generating a clip from scratch to pulling ten shorts out of a one-hour podcast: here's our pick by task type.
"AI video" means very different things depending on the task. That's why, instead of a single ranking, we grouped the tools by what each one is good for.
To generate video from text
Synthesia generates videos with talking avatars (ideal for corporate training or explainers); Runway generates cinematic clips with more creative freedom.
Synthesia
AI VideoGenerates videos with AI avatars from text. Used for corporate training, explainer videos and multilingual content.
Runway
AI VideoProfessional-grade AI video generator, for creating cinematic clips from text or images.
To edit already-recorded video
InVideo and VEED turn a video or script into something edited and publishable fast, with templates and automatic captions. CapCut does the same with an almost exclusive focus on vertical format for social media.
To repurpose long content into short clips
Upload a long podcast or stream and get back several short clips with captions, ready for social media.
Opus Clip
AI Clips for Social MediaTurns long videos (podcasts, streams) into short, viral clips for social media using AI.
To turn text or articles into video
Takes written content (or a long video) and turns it into short clips with automatic captions, built for repurposing existing content.
Pictory
AI VideoTurns articles, scripts or long videos into short clips ready for social media, with automatic captions included.
Frequently asked questions
Which tool should I use to generate a video from scratch, without recording anything?
Synthesia if you need a talking avatar (corporate training, explainers); Runway if you want a more cinematic clip with creative freedom.
Which one should I use to edit a video I already recorded?
VEED or InVideo for general use; CapCut if it's specifically for social media in vertical format.
How do I pull several short clips out of a long podcast?
Opus Clip is built exactly for that: upload the long audio or video and get back short clips with captions, ready for social media.
Can I turn a written article into a video?
Yes, with Pictory: it takes written content (or a long video) and turns it into short clips with automatic captions.