AI Tools That Create Short Videos: A Beginner's Guide to Making Money

By Boomer Digital Money8 min read
AI Tools That Create Short Videos for Beginners

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Discover the best AI tools for making short videos and learn practical ways to use them to earn money online, even as a complete beginner.

Creating short videos is one of the fastest ways to build an audience online. You don't need to be a video editor or a tech expert anymore. AI tools that create short videos can do the heavy lifting for you. This guide will show you how to use these tools to make money. We'll cover the best free options and simple methods you can start this week.

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Short-form video is huge on platforms like YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels. People watch them every day. You can use AI to make videos for your own channel or for other people. It's a skill you can learn. We'll walk you through everything step by step.

Table of Contents

Why Short Videos Are a Great Way to Start Top AI Video Creation Tools for Beginners How to Make Money with AI-Generated Short Videos Common Mistakes to Avoid How to Get Started Today Frequently Asked Questions

Tool NameBest ForFree Plan?Ease of UseKey Feature
CanvaComplete beginners, social media graphicsYes, with limitsVery EasyDrag-and-drop editor with AI video templates
InVideo AITurning ideas or articles into videosYes, with watermarkEasyType a prompt, get a full video with voiceover
PictoryMaking long blog posts or scripts into short clipsFree trialMediumAI summarizes text and finds matching video clips
Lumen5Creating videos from blog posts for social mediaYes, with watermarkEasyAutomatically turns text into a storyboard
Runway MLMore creative control, green screen effectsFree tier with creditsMedium-HardAdvanced AI for editing, object removal, and more

Why Short Videos Are a Great Way to Start

Short videos are perfect for beginners. They are quick to make and people love to watch them. Platforms push short videos to new viewers. This means you can grow an audience faster than with long blog posts or videos.

You also don't need expensive equipment. Your smartphone and a free AI tool are enough. The AI handles the editing, adding music, and even creating a voiceover. You focus on the idea. This lowers the barrier to starting your first online project.

Top AI Video Creation Tools for Beginners

Here are the best AI tools that create short videos. We focus on tools that are free to start and easy to learn.

Canva

Canva is more than a design tool. Its video editor has AI features that are incredibly simple. You can start with a blank page or use an "AI Video Generator" prompt.

How it works:

  • Choose a video template for YouTube Shorts or TikTok.
  • Use the "Magic Design" tool. Type what you want your video to be about.
  • Canva's AI will suggest a complete video with scenes, text, and music.
  • You can then drag and drop to change anything. It's very visual.

Why it's great for beginners: There's no complex timeline to learn. Everything is click and edit. The free plan has thousands of templates.

InVideo AI

This tool is powerful for turning a simple idea into a finished video. You type a text prompt, and InVideo AI writes a script, finds footage, adds a voiceover, and edits it together.

How it works:

  1. Go to the InVideo AI workspace.
  2. Type a prompt like, "Create a 30-second video about 3 easy houseplants for beginners."
  3. The AI generates a full video. You can change the visuals, voice, or music with one click.
  4. Export it. The free version includes a watermark.

Why it's great for beginners: It automates the entire process. You learn what makes a good video prompt, which is a valuable skill.

Pictory

Pictory excels at repurposing. Got a long blog post, webinar, or script? Pictory's AI can highlight the key points and create short video clips from it.

How it works:

  • Paste a blog post URL or a long script.
  • Pictory's AI summarizes the text and picks key sentences.
  • It then matches those sentences with relevant stock video clips.
  • You get a series of short videos perfect for social media promotion.

Why it's great for beginners: It helps you get more value from content you already have. The free trial lets you test it fully.

How to Make Money with AI-Generated Short Videos

You don't need millions of followers to make money. Here are three realistic methods.

Build a Niche Social Media Channel

Pick a topic you enjoy or know about. It could be cooking tips, book summaries, history facts, or gardening. Use AI tools to create short, helpful videos on that topic consistently.

How you earn money:

  • Platform Funds: YouTube Shorts and TikTok have creator funds that pay you based on views.
  • Affiliate Marketing: Recommend products you use. In your video description, include a special link to that product on Amazon or another store. If someone buys through your link, you earn a commission. Always disclose this.
  • Sponsorships: As your channel grows, small companies might pay you to make a video featuring their product.

Example: A channel about "Easy Piano Tutorials" uses AI to make catchy 60-second videos. They use affiliate links for recommended keyboards and sheet music books.

Offer a Video Creation Service

Many small businesses know they need short videos but don't have the time or skill to make them. You can use AI tools to create videos for them.

How to start:

  1. Create a few sample videos in a specific niche (like real estate agents or local restaurants).
  2. Offer your service on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, or contact local businesses directly.
  3. Charge a flat fee per video (e.g., $50-$100 for a 30-second social media ad).

Your skill is not in manual editing, but in using AI tools efficiently and understanding what makes an engaging short video.

Promote Your Own Blog or Digital Product

If you have a blog, newsletter, or an online store, short videos are the best advertisement. Use AI tools to create teaser videos that explain your product or highlight a blog post.

How it works:

  • Make a 15-second video summarizing your latest blog post using Pictory or InVideo AI.
  • Post it on social media with a link to read the full article.
  • This drives traffic to your site, where you can make money through ads, subscriptions, or product sales.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using AI without a plan. Typing random prompts gets random results. Before you open the tool, know your video's goal, audience, and key message.
  2. Ignoring the audio. AI voiceovers can sound robotic. Many tools let you upload your own voiceover or choose a better AI voice. Good audio is critical.
  3. Being inconsistent. Posting one video won't build an audience. Create a simple schedule, like two videos a week, and stick to it.
  4. Not checking the facts. AI can make mistakes. If your video gives advice or states facts, double-check them before posting.
  5. Using copyrighted music. AI tools often provide royalty-free music libraries. Stick to those. Using popular songs will get your video taken down.

How to Get Started Today

You can begin your first project in less than an hour. Follow these steps.

  1. Pick one tool. Sign up for the free plan of Canva or InVideo AI. Don't try to learn them all at once.
  2. Choose a simple topic. Think of one piece of advice, a fun fact, or a how-to step you can explain in 30 seconds.
  3. Create your first video. Use a template or type a prompt. Follow the tool's guide. Don't aim for perfection. Your goal is to finish and export a video.
  4. Upload it. Create a new YouTube or TikTok account for your niche. Upload your video with a clear title and description.
  5. Repeat. Plan your next video. Consistency is more important than going viral right away.

Tools Mentioned in This Guide

Hand-picked tools we recommend for beginners. Try them free.

InVideo logo

InVideo

Beginner Friendly

Create stunning videos in minutes with AI-powered templates and editing tools.

Try This Tool
Pictory logo

Pictory

Beginner Friendly

Turn text and articles into professional videos using AI. Perfect for YouTube and social media.

Try This Tool
Fiverr logo

Fiverr

Beginner Friendly

Offer your skills or hire freelancers for any project. Get 20% off your first order.

Try This Tool
Canva logo

Canva

Beginner Friendly

Create stunning graphics, presentations, social media posts, and more with easy drag-and-drop design.

Try This Tool
Pro Tip

If you want to start making money online today, one of the easiest tools for beginners is InVideo. Create stunning videos in minutes with AI-powered templates and editing tools.

Try InVideo Free

Top Tools to Get Started

Hand-picked tools we recommend for beginners. Try them free.

Galaxy AI logo

Galaxy AI

Beginner Friendly

All-in-one AI platform for content creation, automation, and business growth.

Try This Tool
Whispr Flow logo

Whispr Flow

Beginner Friendly

AI-powered voice-to-text tool that lets you dictate notes, emails, and documents hands-free.

Try This Tool
Poppy AI logo

Poppy AI

Beginner Friendly

AI assistant that helps you build websites, apps, and automate workflows without coding.

Try This Tool
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Written by Boomer Digital Money

Helping Baby Boomers navigate the digital economy. Our team researches and tests every tool and strategy we recommend so you can earn online with confidence.

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