How this list works: Numbered picks are chosen by our editors and are never for sale. We may earn a commission from some links. Full disclosure.
AI video generators let YouTube creators make videos without a camera, a studio or editing skills. They work best when you pair them with your own script and ideas. This list ranks five tools by how well they fit YouTube production, such as faceless channels, talking-head videos and Shorts. Because it ranks by YouTube fit, the order differs from our overall list, where the scores are based on features, pricing and user feedback.
Quick comparison
| # | Tool | Best for | Score | Pricing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fliki | Best for faceless channels | ★ 4.0 | Freemium | Visit ↗ |
| 2 | Pictory | Best for repurposing content | ★ 4.1 | Free trial | Visit ↗ |
| 3 | HeyGen | Best for talking-head videos | ★ 4.4 | Freemium | Visit ↗ |
| 4 | InVideo AI | Best for fast Shorts and drafts | ★ 3.9 | Freemium | Visit ↗ |
| 5 | Runway | Best for B-roll and cinematic clips | ★ 4.3 | Freemium | Visit ↗ |
#1: Fliki
Turns scripts and blog posts into videos with stock footage and a large library of natural AI voices in many languages. Credits are used by previews and retakes, and the free plan is only a test.
#2: Pictory
Turns blog posts, scripts and long videos into short videos, with plans priced in video minutes that are easier to predict. The cheapest plan caps videos at 5 minutes, and there is no permanent free plan.
#3: HeyGen
Gives you an AI presenter and translated versions of your videos without a camera. Premium avatars use credits fast, so long videos get expensive.
#4: InVideo AI
Quickly turns a prompt into a draft video, which suits Shorts and short clips. Many users say credits run out fast, so test it on the free plan first.
#5: Runway
Generates short original clips that can add striking B-roll to a video you narrate yourself. It is not a full video maker, and credits go quickly.
How we ranked these tools
We looked at what suits common YouTube formats, how predictable the cost of a video is, how much you get on the free plan, and what users report, including complaints about credits. This list is based on official pricing information, user reviews and independent write-ups. We have not run our own trials. Synthesia is in our main ranking, but it is built mainly for business and training video, so it isn’t on this list.
Pick by the kind of channel
Faceless explainer or educational channel: Fliki or Pictory, which turn scripts into videos with stock footage and voiceovers.
Talking-head channel without a camera: HeyGen, which creates an AI presenter and translated versions.
YouTube Shorts and quick clips: InVideo AI for fast drafts, with an eye on credits.
Cinematic B-roll: Runway, added to a video you script and narrate.
What videos really cost
Credits and minutes matter more than the monthly price. A tool that looks cheap can run out after a few videos. HeyGen’s premium avatars use 20 credits per minute, so a Creator plan covers about 30 minutes of that tier. Runway’s Standard plan covers roughly 52 seconds of Gen-4.5 video. InVideo AI reviewers report credits running out on short videos with generated scenes. Pictory prices by video minutes, which makes it easier to plan a channel. Before you commit, make one short video, see what it uses, and multiply by how many you plan to publish.
YouTube policy and quality
If you want to monetise a channel, check YouTube’s current policies on repetitive and mass-produced content. Channels that publish raw, templated AI output tend to be the ones at risk. Add your own script, voice or commentary, show original value, and avoid publishing dozens of near-identical videos. Policies change, so read YouTube’s own guidance. Also check each tool’s commercial-use terms, because free plans can restrict how you use the videos.
A simple workflow
Write your own script first and keep it focused on one idea. Generate the video, then edit the scenes, text and voice so it feels like your channel. Add a clear title and thumbnail, and publish on a regular schedule. Start on a free plan or trial and move to a paid plan only when you know what you’ll use.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best AI video generator for YouTube?
For faceless channels, Fliki and Pictory. For a presenter without a camera, HeyGen. For cinematic clips, Runway.
Is there a free AI video generator for YouTube?
Several have free plans, but they limit length, credits and exports, and add watermarks. See our list of the best AI video generators for what each free plan includes.
Can I make money on YouTube with AI videos?
It depends on YouTube’s policies, which target repetitive and mass-produced content. Original scripts and real value for viewers matter more than the tool.
Do I need to show my face?
No. These tools use AI presenters or footage with a voiceover.