AI for Audio and Video
AI isn't just transforming text and images — it's revolutionizing audio and video too. From voice cloning to video generation, these capabilities are both exciting and raise important questions.
What You'll Learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll understand how AI handles audio and video, the tools available, and the implications of these powerful capabilities.
AI for Audio
Text-to-Speech (TTS)
AI can now generate speech that sounds remarkably human.
How it works:
- AI learns from recordings of human speech
- It maps text to audio patterns
- It generates natural-sounding speech with appropriate intonation
Modern TTS can:
- Sound nearly indistinguishable from human speech
- Express emotion and appropriate emphasis
- Speak in multiple languages and accents
- Generate audiobooks, podcasts, and more
Major TTS Tools
| Tool | Strengths | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| ElevenLabs | Ultra-realistic voices, voice cloning | Professional audio content |
| Murf | Business-focused, many voices | Marketing videos, training |
| Play.ht | Integration-friendly, natural voices | Apps, websites, podcasts |
| Azure/Google TTS | Developer-friendly, scalable | Apps and services |
| Built-in (iOS/Android) | Free, accessible | Personal use |
Voice Cloning
AI can clone a voice from a short sample:
- Process: Record 30 seconds to a few minutes of speech
- Result: AI can generate new speech in that voice
- Applications: Personal content, preserving voices, accessibility
The Concern: Voice cloning can be used maliciously (scam calls, fake statements).
Speech-to-Text (Transcription)
AI can convert speech to text with high accuracy:
| Tool | Strengths |
|---|---|
| OpenAI Whisper | Free, excellent accuracy, many languages |
| Otter.ai | Meeting transcription, live notes |
| Rev | Human-in-the-loop for accuracy |
| Google/Apple/Microsoft | Built into devices |
Accuracy: Modern AI transcription is often 95%+ accurate for clear speech.
AI Music Generation
AI can now create original music:
| Tool | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Suno | Full songs with vocals from text prompts |
| Udio | Music generation with various styles |
| Mubert | Royalty-free AI music for videos |
| AIVA | Classical and emotional compositions |
Implications: Anyone can create custom music, but this raises questions about:
- Copyright and originality
- Impact on musicians
- What counts as "real" music
Podcast and Audio Enhancement
AI tools for audio production:
- Descript: Edit audio by editing text
- Adobe Podcast: Enhance audio quality, remove noise
- Krisp: Remove background noise in calls
- Cleanvoice: Remove filler words and silences
AI for Video
Video Generation
The frontier of AI content creation — generating video from text.
Current State (2026):
- Short clips (seconds to a minute) are possible
- Quality is impressive but not yet Hollywood-level
- Consistency across longer videos is challenging
- The technology is advancing rapidly
Major Video AI Tools
| Tool | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Sora (OpenAI) | Text-to-video generation |
| Runway | Video generation and editing |
| Pika | Text-to-video, image-to-video |
| HeyGen | AI avatars for video presentations |
| Synthesia | AI presenters for training/marketing videos |
AI Avatars
Instead of generating full videos, AI avatars create:
- Realistic talking heads
- Presenters that read your script
- Multilingual versions of the same person
Use cases:
- Training videos
- Marketing content
- Personalized messages
- News-style presentations
Video Editing with AI
AI enhances traditional video editing:
| Capability | Tools |
|---|---|
| Auto-captions | Premiere, CapCut, Descript |
| Background removal | Runway, Unscreen |
| Object tracking | Most modern editors |
| Color correction | Premiere AI, DaVinci AI |
| Reframing | Auto-adjust for different platforms |
| B-roll generation | AI creates supporting footage |
Lip Sync and Dubbing
AI can:
- Match lip movements to new audio (dubbing)
- Create videos of people saying things they didn't say (concerning)
- Translate and dub content automatically
Real-World Applications
Legitimate Uses
Business:
- Training videos without hiring actors
- Product demos and explainers
- Personalized video messages at scale
- Podcasts and audio content creation
Personal:
- Turning written content into audio
- Creating video messages
- Preserving family voices
- Accessibility (reading content aloud)
Creative:
- Music creation for videos
- Sound effects and audio design
- Experimental art and media
Entertainment Industry
- Film: Previsualization, effects, de-aging actors
- Music: Assisting composition, generating samples
- Gaming: NPC voices, dynamic audio
- Advertising: Quick video production, personalization
The Dark Side
Deepfakes
AI-generated videos of real people saying or doing things they never did.
Risks:
- Political manipulation
- Scams and fraud
- Harassment and revenge content
- Erosion of trust in video evidence
What to watch for:
- Unnatural blinking or facial movements
- Inconsistent lighting
- Mismatched audio quality
- Check the source
Voice Scams
Cloned voices used for:
- Fake emergency calls from "family members"
- Fake instructions from "bosses"
- Authentication bypass
Protection:
- Establish code words with family
- Verify through separate channels
- Be suspicious of urgent requests
Misinformation
AI audio/video can spread false information:
- Fake news clips
- Fabricated evidence
- Manipulated statements
Detecting AI Content
It's increasingly difficult, but look for:
| Media Type | Detection Clues |
|---|---|
| Voice | Unnatural rhythm, consistent tone, no breathing sounds |
| Video | Inconsistent lighting, blurry backgrounds, odd movements |
| Music | Repetitive patterns, unexpected transitions, generic structure |
Tools:
- AI detection services are emerging but not reliable
- Reverse image/video search
- Checking original sources
Ethical Considerations
Consent
- Don't clone someone's voice without permission
- Don't create videos of people without consent
- Be especially careful with public figures
Transparency
- Disclose when content is AI-generated
- Don't present AI content as real recordings
- Label AI voices and avatars
Impact on Professionals
- Voice actors and musicians face disruption
- Video producers and editors need new skills
- The industry is still adapting
Looking Ahead
The trajectory is clear:
- Quality will continue to improve
- Accessibility will increase (easier tools)
- Real-time generation will become possible
- Detection will remain a challenge
- Regulation will evolve
Key Takeaways
- AI can generate human-quality speech and clone voices
- Music generation is now accessible to everyone
- Video generation is emerging but still developing
- These tools have legitimate uses (accessibility, content creation)
- Deepfakes and voice scams are serious concerns
- Verification and skepticism are increasingly important
- Ethical use requires consent and transparency
What's Next
We've explored what AI can create. In the next lesson, we'll look at AI that's already embedded in products you use every day — often without you realizing it.