Here are the most popular AI video tools that are actually worth your time

My son and I were recently watching some AI-generated videos when he suddenly stopped and asked, “Wait… none of these are real?” That pause perfectly sums up where we stand with AI video tools right now. We‘ve reached the point where even a casual viewer has to take a step back and consider if what they’re seeing is real or AI.

But, not all tools propel viewers past the uncanny valley. Having spent years in Silicon Valley watching AI startups rise and fall, I‘ve learned that the tech that looks impressive in demos doesn’t always translate to real-world utility.

For this post, I’m cutting through the noise and focusing on AI video tools that are popular and live up to the hype. I’ll dive into visual quality, surprising functionality, and the heated debates these tools sparked. So, here are the nine tools that rise above the rest.

The 9 Most Popular AI Video Tools Right Now — Ranked

1. Veo

Veo, Google’s AI video model, is the most impressive AI video I’ve seen so far in terms of pure output quality. The visuals are crisp, the motion is smooth, and it offers four video options per prompt. You just need to pick your favorite. I’ve found one of the four is good enough to use straight out of the gate almost every time.

The tech is miles ahead, even if the product still feels early. Currently, Veo lacks essential features, such as a comprehensive asset library and editing tools, and your creations are lost if you don’t download them. But, those are solvable problems.

My take: The big question is whether Google will actually turn Veo into something people use. They’ve launched amazing tech before that’s never reached widespread adoption. Beyond that, the latest version is priced at $250 per month, which can be a tough pill to swallow.

The model is absolutely S-tier, but without a solid product and rollout behind it, it could end up being one of those cool tools that most people never touch.

2. Hailuo AI

Hailuo might not have the same name recognition as Google or OpenAI, but it deserves a spot at the top. The results are consistent and surprisingly controllable. You can bring in images from tools like Midjourney or Flux, and Hailuo turns them into smooth, coherent motion.

When I sat down with Tim Simmons from Theoretically Media, he raved about how his audience was getting great results with Hailuo. Even without using a prompt, it understands what you’re trying to achieve. That kind of intuition in a model is rare.

My take: The control and prompt adherence here are next level. If you’re creating short films or AI-native content, this is a top contender. Tim put it best when he said his entire audience would “come after him with pitchforks” if he didn’t rank this tool at the top of his list. After testing it, I understand why.