TL;DR
- AI video editors simplify video creation for non-professionals with free stock libraries, automated assembly/cutting, AI subtitle generation, quick platform resizing (1:1 to 9:16), voiceover generation, and creative filters/effects, with tools splitting between desktop software (Movavi), mobile apps (CapCut, Videoleap), and web-based platforms (Veed.io, Pictory, Invideo).
- The category is evolving toward one-stop-shop solutions where traditional video editors like Pictory are adding GenAI capabilities by end of 2025 while prompt-to-video tools like Runway improve editing features, with companies constantly adding templates and features weekly making monthly subscriptions more practical than yearly commitments.
- Common issues include CapCut's US government ban risk (blocked in January 2025 due to ByteDance ownership alongside TikTok), platform dependency concerns for creators relying on videos for income, and the challenge of choosing between specialized tools versus waiting for comprehensive platforms that combine video generation, editing, and AI avatars in one place.
Our review contains a few affiliate marketing links. If you purchase any of the tools, we might receive a small commission.
Btw, check out the avatar videos, with some I hid messages for you and made them say funny stuff.
AI Video Editors / AI Video Creators assemble clips or repurpose existing footage
Video Editors/Video Creators, are a subsection of video generators.
These tools that make the editing process super easy, provide you with a large stock free video library and are famous for filters, effects and crazy elements.
Tools that generate new sequences from scratch like Runway, can be found here instead.
Famous AI Video Editors: Capcut, Davinci Resolve, Veed.io
Use cases for AI Video Editors: Social media videos, ads, UGC, website, eCommerce
Who will love this: Social media creators will have a special place in their heart for these tools, because they save so much time during the creation process.
About AI Video Editors / Creators
In general AI video editors (or AI video creators) were created to simplify the editing process to non-professionals, at least that’s what CEO of Pictory, Vikram Chalana told me.
It totally made sense to also add a large stock free library, so that users don’t have to a) get in trouble for using copy-righted material and b) don’t have to down and upload tons of material.
With TikTok and video’s popularity on social media, another branch developed: Mobile apps with video editing functions, but these are more focused on adding effects, copy and filters to your just recorded material. Making it easy for you to post things right away from the palm of your hand. Fun features such as “Make me age” or infinite zoom (Videoleap) can be found here too.
A lone ranger among these tools is Movavi, this video editor runs on your local desktop and therefore has no loading times and glitches. You can still push videos straight onto the platform, but TikTokers will probably prefer the usual suspects such as Capcut or Videoleap the mobile app from Lightricks.
Special AI Video Editor Functions
Let me take you through a quick overview of video editors / creators and what I find special about them:
I love how Canva allows me to add so many different design elements to my videos, this is unique. They also have so many app integrations within their tool, there is hardly something I wasn't able to find yet.
Capcut is a famous tool for this, especially because it is the default video editor for TikTok videos and most teens will have this app on their phone. But you have to be careful, in January 2025, the US government blocked CapCut for a short time as part of their efforts to ban TikTok and CapCut was removed from US app stores because its owner, ByteDance (the same company that owns TikTok), didn't sell its US operations by the government's deadline.
During this time, video creators couldn't access their CapCut videos or download the app. So if you rely on your videos making your living, I would recommend to go with another company.
HeyGen is more known for their avatars, but they have been so good in upgrading their tool and adding more video editing features, I will keep a close eye on them. I think they are most likely to become a full video AI one-stop-shop (see “The Future of Video Editors below).
Invideo has done a great job in adding new features, I see them on a similar level as Pictory and Veed.io: solid video editors with most features working great.
The Future of Video Editors
When I spoke to Vikram Chalana, the CEO of Pictory, he told me that they were testing different video GenAI tools, because by end of 2025 they are planning to add a video generations capability. This would mean that Pictory would almost become a one-stop-shop: a video generator with almost all capabilities. If they now also integrate AI avatars as well, they could rule the video world.
It will be interesting to see which side will win in the end: Tools like Runway starting to improve their editing process, or video creation software like Canva to integrate prompt-to-video features.
In the meantime, we can all benefit from the battle among video editor companies, by cashing in free AI video credits from each of them. All AI video editing tools offer generous free trials.