How to Create a Music Video Using AI

Although AI can be frowned upon in the industry, especially when it comes to the creation of music, it’s important to know the areas it can be beneficial to your projects. Using it as a video tool for musicians can save time and money and often help create something that wouldn’t have been possible for a lot of independent artists before.

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What is an AI Music Video Generator?

An AI music video generator is exactly what it sounds like. It is simply a tool that uses artificial intelligence to automatically create visual content. It is synced to a song to transform audio files or simple text into complete music videos without complex filming or editing. This can be done through a few different prompt methods, including text, images or audio.

Text-to-video prompts

Most AI prompts require some form of text to provide context, usually containing specific instructions or examples that users require. Text to video refers to video clips written from text descriptions, transforming prompts like "a couple dancing in the rain" into moving visuals, complete with scenes, actions, and sometimes even synchronised audio and effects, replicating video creation without traditional filming.

Image-to-video prompts

Image to video uses AI technology to turn static photos or graphics into short, animated clips by adding motion, camera effects, and styling, using text prompts to guide the AI on desired movement, mood, and narrative.

Audio-reactive visuals

Audio reactive visuals are dynamic digital graphics that respond in real time to sound, transforming the rhythm, pitch, and volume of your track into synchronised visual changes in the form of color, shape, or movement. These are commonly seen in music visualizers, particularly as live shows.

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With the music industry ever changing and AI on the rise, traditional music videos are quickly becoming outdated, with users preferring a faster, more cost-effective method for their music videos. On top of this, there is no longer much requirement for long-form music videos, with short-form bite-sized content receiving 2.5 times more engagement with a 47% more likely chance of going viral. Whilst long-form videos help foster community and narrative better, for the average independent artist, growth is just too important to not take advantage of, and AI is helping many artists benefit from this new-age approach.

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What Are the Benefits of Creating a Music Video With AI?

Whilst AI certainly has its drawbacks, when it comes to music videos there are definitely benefits for musicians. Let’s go through some of the perks of using AI to create a music video.

- Low-cost music video creator for artists

- Quick turnaround time

- Wide variety of visual styles and effects

- No need for expensive equipment or a film crew

- Easy for beginners and artists releasing music frequently.

Now like anything, AI is a tool that can make your creative process easier, but using it effectively is a skill in itself. The quality of your end result depends heavily on your skill level, prompts, your understanding of what each platform is capable of, and the type of visuals you’re trying to create. Knowing your creative goals will help you choose the right AI tool for your project.

What Are the Best AI Video Tools for Musicians?

With AI evolving rapidly, artists have a plethora of AI options to choose from to help them create music videos and promotional clips. Depending on your skill level and requirements, you may be better suited to different AI tools. So let's dive in and explore some of the best AI tools for musicians.

CapCut

Skill Level: Beginner

Pricing: Free plan + optional paid add-ons

Use For: Fast promotional clips, lyric videos, social media teasers.

Best For: Artists or students who don’t have experience with video editing

Canva

Skill Level: Beginner

Pricing: Free or pro plan with premium assets

Use For: Simple drag-and-drop editing, pre-made video templates, text overlays

Best For: New artists looking to create simple promotional videos.

Pika Labs

Skill Level: Beginner/Intermediate

Pricing: Free tier with paid credits for longer, higher quality videos

Use For: Text-to-video AI generation and image-to-video transformations.

Best For: Artists with abstract or conceptual music video ideas.

Kaiber

Skill Level: Intermediate

Pricing: Subscription required

Use For: Music visuals and audio-reactive visuals/animation 

Best For: Good for artists looking to create full music-videos or looping visuals

RunwayML

Skill Level: Intermediate/Expert

Pricing: Free starter credits and paid subscription for higher quality exports

Use For: High-end text-to-video, image-to-video generation and advanced editing tools.

Best For: Artists or labels confident in creating serious high quality music videos or promotional content.

Luma Dream Machine

Skill Level: Expert

Pricing: Paid plans with higher cost for commercial usage

Use For: High end, realistic videos, text-to-video, image-to-video, cinematic visuals. Amongst the strongest AI models for realism.

Best For: Artists wanting high quality visuals with a spotlight on realism over style.

Alternatives are available that can offer a similar service to AI. Instead of creating something brand new, it provides a bank of content for artists to make use of whilst still offering a good level of customisability. Check out platforms like Music Video Marketplace & free tools like Ditto Music’s Spotify Canvas Generator.

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How to Create a Music Video Using AI

1. Define the concept, mood and narrative you want for your music video.

2. Prepare your chosen song snippet or full-length audio.

3. Choose the AI tool best suited to the needs of your music video.

4. Write effective AI prompts by providing as much detail as possible.

- Be descriptive and specific 

- Consider the aspect ratio (16:9, 9:16, 1:1).

- Blend visual storytelling with specific cinematic terminology; think about camera angles, lighting and editing techniques.

5. Define the mood/style and detail subjects and actions.

6. Generate your scenes

7. Refine your shots

8. Sync your clips to your music.

9. Once you're happy, export your video. Ditto music artists can upload and manage music videos directly through the Ditto dashboard. Making it easier than ever to keep releases, visuals and promotion all in one place.

How to Use AI Music Videos in Your Music Promotion

Now the hard part is over, but like anything, it’s only as good as your marketing. After you have your finished music video, it’s important to consider how and where you are going to use it. Below are some examples of where you can post and include your visuals to help promote your music independently.

• TikTok clips
• Instagram reels
• YouTube shorts
• Spotify canvas
• EPK (electronic press kit)

The rise of AI has transformed music videos for independent artists, making it quicker, cheaper and more accessible than ever before. Although it doesn’t fully replace the need for human creativity, it gives musicians the chance to create high-quality visuals without major backing or extensive editing skills. Using effective prompts and the right tools can allow AI to become the perfect creative partner to deliver engaging visuals that can level up your music promotion for every new release.