Which AI to Choose for Marketing Videos in 2026?

Video is now essential to grab attention on social media and websites. With so many tools out there, the right AI mostly depends on what you want to produce.

Three ways to make video with AI

Generate footage from a text prompt or an image.
Have an avatar present your script, with no filming.
Turn an article or script into a short subtitled video.

The tools to compare

Runway: creative video generation

Runway generates video from text or images. Great for original shots and creative ads.

Free plan: yes, a one-time 125 credits. Paid plans from $12/month billed yearly (Standard).

Try Runway →

HeyGen: avatars that present your script

HeyGen turns a script into a video with a virtual presenter, no camera needed. Handy for training, tutorials and multilingual videos.

Free plan: yes, 3 watermarked videos a month, up to 1 minute each. Creator at $29/month.

Try HeyGen →

Pictory: from text to short video

Pictory turns a script, article or URL into a video, with automatic subtitles, AI voices and stock media.

Free trial: 14 days (3 videos, 720p export, Pictory branding). Plans from $25/month billed yearly.

Try Pictory →

How to choose

Creative ads and original visuals: Runway.
Communication, training, teaching: HeyGen.
Repurposing articles into social videos: Pictory.

FAQ

Can I make marketing videos with AI for free?

Yes, to test: HeyGen has a free plan (watermarked), Runway gives 125 credits and Pictory a 14-day trial.

Which AI for an avatar video?

HeyGen specializes in avatars that present a script.

Which AI turns an article into a video?

Pictory creates a video from text or a URL.

Find the right AI for you

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