TikTok joins in on the AI-generated video expansion with new editing tools
New TikTok Symphony features empower brands and creators to quickly generate promotional short-form video content using AI.
TikTok Symphony expands with more AI tools
Just as other platforms are rolling out AI video editing tools, TikTok is giving its creators and businesses a creative shortcut. The platform has just announced a major expansion of its Symphony Creative Studio- its in-house suit of AI-powered content creation tools launched last year.
Available to anyone with a TikTok for Business account, the three new features are designed to make it faster and easier to generate short-form video content. For those working in music and entertainment, these tools could unlock new ways to create promo clips, merch videos, and more- all with minimal resources.
Andy Yang, Global Head of Creative and Brand Products
Here’s what’s new.
Three new AI tools: Image to Video, Text to Video, and Showcase Products
TikTok has rolled out three major AI-powered tools under its Symphony Creative Studio, each designed to make video creation quicker and more accessible:
Image to Video
This feature transforms still images into short-form video content. By uploading an image and providing an accompanying text prompt, users can generate a five-second clip. These clips are ready-made for TikTok, and can even be stitched together as part of a longer promotional video.
For example, artists could use images of physical album covers, vinyl records, or merch to create sleek visuals to help promote their next drop.
Text to Video
No image? No problem. With text to video, you simply write out a brief description of your idea, and TikTok generates a video from scratch. It’s an ideal way to quickly bring concepts to life- whether you’re testing visuals for a music video or want an engaging background for a lyric video. It also allows teams to explore creative directions before committing to a costly shoot.
Showcase Products
This one’s all about AI avatars. The tool generates five-second clips where digital avatars model, hold, or interact with your product.
There are three ways for avatars to Showcase Products:
- Holding products: Avatars can present your merch or music-related products directly to the camera.
- Clothing: AI avatars can also promote clothing, by modeling it on video.
- App: Use an avatar to hold a phone and display an app, perhaps showing the digital platforms you’re available on.
This type of content could help artists quickly produce content that markets their merch or promotes their latest release- without needing to pay an influencer, appear on camera, or the expense involved in scheduling a shoot.
Will avatar content connect with fans?
While this can open opportunities for artists, there is skepticism around AI-generated digital avatars. Using an AI-generated avatar that mimics the influencers that we’re accustomed to seeing raises some questions. Can an avatar really build the connection and trust with fans, or sell a product like a real creator can?
TikTok says Symphony content will be clearly labelled as AI-generated go through safety reviews in order to help advertisers build trust with their audience. Still, it signals a potential shift in how promo content is created and consumed- especially as this is only likely to become more realistic over time.
Helpful shortcuts for artists
While these tools are clearly geared towards brands or businesses, creators of all kinds can benefit too- including artists.
TikTok’s new AI features could be a huge win for those working with limited time or budget. Unlike traditional promotional videos they don’t include paying an influencer or spending hours editing a video. Instead, they make it easy to produce an endless amount of TikTok-worthy content quickly, which may even help you keep pace with trends and release new clips fast. Al-in-all, helping you quickly generate content to promote your music or artistry.
However, it’s important to use AI carefully. Overreliance on AI, especially when it replaces your own face or voice, could make your content feel a bit soulless. For many fans, personality, and presence are what truly drive engagement.
Bottom line? Use AI to enhance and complement your content, not replace it entirely.
When is it expected?
TikTok’s latest AI-powered video generation tools are rolling out and will be available in TikTok Symphony Creative Studio to all Business users in the coming weeks.
If you’re looking to save time and boost your content output, these tools could be worth a look. Just don’t forget to let your own artistry and personality shine through.