How to Make AI Videos for TikTok & YouTube: Step-by-Step Guide [2026]

TikTok rewards quick, engaging content with trending audio and effects. Here's exactly how to create AI videos optimized for TikTok virality:

Step 1: Choose Your AI Tool For TikTok, CapCut is the obvious choice, it's free, has no watermarks, and integrates directly with TikTok. For more stylized AI-generated clips, try Pika Labs.

Step 2: Start with a Hook AI or not, TikTok videos need to grab attention in the first 0.5 seconds. Use AI text-to-video to generate an eye-catching opening scene, or use CapCut's AI effects on your existing footage.

Step 3: Generate Your Video In CapCut: Use the "Text to Video" or "Script to Video" feature. Enter your concept, and AI generates clips you can edit. In Pika Labs: Enter a text prompt describing your scene. Download the generated clip.

Step 4: Add Trending Audio CapCut automatically suggests trending TikTok sounds. Adding trending audio dramatically increases your chances of appearing on the For You Page.

Step 5: Optimize Format TikTok uses 9:16 vertical format. CapCut auto-optimizes this. Ensure your AI-generated content fills the full screen without black bars.

Step 6: Publish Directly CapCut's TikTok integration lets you publish directly without downloading and re-uploading, preserving video quality.

YouTube has different requirements than TikTok, longer content, better production value, and SEO optimization matter more. Here's how to create AI videos for YouTube:

Step 1: Choose the Right Tool For YouTube long-form content, InVideo excels with its script-to-video AI and professional templates. For YouTube Shorts, CapCut or Pika Labs work well for quick clips.

Step 2: Write or Generate Your Script YouTube success starts with good scripts. Use ChatGPT to help write your script, then paste it into InVideo's AI video generator. The tool automatically matches visuals to your narration.

Step 3: Generate Video from Script InVideo's AI analyzes your script, selects relevant stock footage, adds transitions, and generates a complete video. You can then customize any scene.

Step 4: Add Branding YouTube viewers subscribe to channels, not individual videos. Use InVideo's brand kit to add consistent intros, outros, logos, and color schemes across all videos.

Step 5: Optimize for YouTube SEO Add chapters, end screens, and cards. Include keywords in your title and description. AI-generated videos need the same SEO attention as traditional content.

Step 6: Export in Correct Format YouTube standard videos: 16:9 horizontal, 1080p or 4K. YouTube Shorts: 9:16 vertical, 60 seconds max. InVideo auto-resizes to any format.

You don't need a paid subscription to create quality AI videos. Here are the best free options:

CapCut Desktop (100% Free) The gold standard for free AI video creation. Desktop version has no watermarks, exports up to 8K, and includes AI features. This is what most TikTok creators use.

Pika Labs Free Tier Generous free tier lets you generate stylized AI video clips. Great for experimenting with text-to-video before committing to paid tools.

Runway ML (125 Free Credits) Test professional-grade AI video generation with 125 free credits. Includes watermarks on free tier, but lets you evaluate quality before upgrading.

Canva Free Tier Canva's AI video features are expanding. While limited compared to dedicated tools, it works well for simple video creation integrated with your other Canva designs.

Tip: Start with CapCut for TikTok content (completely free) and use free tiers from Pika Labs and Runway to experiment with pure AI generation before upgrading.

After analyzing thousands of AI-generated videos on TikTok and YouTube, these are the most common mistakes creators make:

Mistake 1: Over-relying on AI AI-generated videos that look obviously artificial get less engagement. Blend AI clips with real footage, or use AI for specific elements rather than entire videos.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Platform Requirements TikTok and YouTube have different optimal lengths, formats, and styles. A video that works on YouTube will likely flop on TikTok and vice versa.

Mistake 3: Skipping the Hook Even with amazing AI visuals, viewers scroll past without a compelling first second. Always lead with your most attention-grabbing content.

Mistake 4: Using Default AI Audio AI-generated audio is improving but still detectable. Use trending music on TikTok or professional voiceovers for YouTube.

Mistake 5: Not Editing AI Output Raw AI-generated videos rarely go viral. The best creators use AI as a starting point, then edit, add effects, and personalize the output.

Optimize your AI videos for each platform's algorithm:

TikTok Algorithm Optimization:

• •Post during peak hours (7-9 PM in your target timezone)
• •Use 3-5 relevant hashtags including trending ones
• •Add trending audio, this is crucial for For You Page placement
• •Keep videos under 60 seconds (shorter often performs better)
• •Include text overlays for viewers watching on mute

YouTube Algorithm Optimization:

• •Focus on watch time. AI should enhance content, not replace substance
• •Create compelling thumbnails (CapCut has AI thumbnail generators)
• •Optimize titles and descriptions with keywords
• •For Shorts: hook in first 2 seconds, loop-friendly endings
• •For long-form: chapters, end screens, and cards increase session time

Cross-Platform Strategy: Use AI tools to repurpose content efficiently. InVideo and CapCut both offer auto-resize features. Create once, adapt for multiple platforms.