16 Putting Your Audio into a Video Creator

There are many excellent Video Creators, but we are going to use Pictory as our primary example. You may want to consider alternatives that may offer similar functionalities at a lower cost. Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie, Filmora, and others provide options for blending audio and video content with more affordability. We will delve into these options at the end of this chapter.

We will start by giving a step-by-step guide: incorporating audio into the Pictory video creation tool. Then, we will look at some of the alternative platforms.

Downloading and Saving Audio:

1. Begin by finding and selecting a suitable audio file that you would like to incorporate into your video. Ensure that you have the necessary rights and permissions to use the audio.
2. Once you have chosen the audio file, download it to your computer’s hard drive. You can do this by right-clicking on the download link and selecting “Save As” or “Download File.”
3. Choose a location on your hard drive where you want to save the audio file, such as a dedicated folder for your video project. Click “Save” to complete the download process.

Placing the Audio in Pictory:

1. Open Pictory and retrieve the script generated by the AI for your video. Copy the entire script.
2. Within Pictory, locate the script-to-video feature. This tool allows you to paste the script and convert it into a video with synchronized images.
3. Paste the script into the designated area within Pictory. As the AI reads the script, it generates corresponding images.
4. Ensure that the script is pronounced correctly by the AI by listening to the audio preview. Make any necessary adjustments to improve accuracy.

Assigning a Name and Storyboarding in Pictory:

1. Assign a name to your video project within Pictory to help you easily distinguish it from others.
2. Utilize Pictory’s AI capabilities to storyboard your video. Select backdrops, aspect ratios, and any additional visual elements that enhance the overall video.
3. Keep in mind that storyboarding can be a time-consuming process, as you’ll want to carefully curate the visuals to align with the audio content.

Matching Audio with the Video using Eleven Labs:

1. Export the finished video from Pictory and save it on your computer.
2. Use Eleven Labs, a paid application, to match the audio with your video. Eleven Labs offers a character-based pricing system and doesn’t provide an option for corrections.
3. Before proceeding, thoroughly proofread the script generated by the AI within Pictory, as any necessary corrections will require starting the process from the beginning.

Additional Tips:

• For words that are mispronounced by the AI, consider using phonetic spellings within the script to ensure accurate pronunciation.
• Pay careful attention to the audio playback in real-time, especially for paid projects. This will help you catch any mistakes and ensure the highest quality output.
• Remember that attention to detail is crucial when integrating audio into video production. Take the time to refine your project and review it thoroughly before finalizing and sharing.

By following these steps and considering alternative applications, you can successfully incorporate audio into a video creation tool like Pictory to enhance your video projects.

Alternatives to Pictory:

1. Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a professional-level video editing software known for its extensive features and versatility. It is suitable for content creators who require advanced editing capabilities, including multi-camera editing, advanced color grading, and motion graphics. The interface may be overwhelming initially for beginners, but it offers a wide range of tutorials and resources to aid learning. Adobe Premiere Pro is available through a subscription-based pricing model, with plans starting at $20.99 per month. Despite its higher cost compared to other options, it provides exceptional value for professional content creators and larger brands.

Strengths:

• Extensive range of features and tools for advanced video editing.
• Seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud products.
• Strong user community and extensive documentation.
• Used by major brands like BBC, CNN, and National Geographic.

Weaknesses:

• Steeper learning curve, especially for beginners.
• Requires a powerful computer system to run smoothly.

Recommendation: Adobe Premiere Pro is recommended for professionals and larger brands who require advanced editing features and have the necessary budget and technical resources.

2. iMovie

iMovie is a user-friendly video editing software developed by Apple and is available exclusively for MacOS and iOS users. It is a great option for beginners or casual content creators due to its simple interface and intuitive controls. iMovie offers basic video editing features such as trimming, transitions, and titles. While it may lack some advanced editing functions, it provides good value for its free price tag.

Strengths:

• Easy-to-use interface, suitable for beginners or casual content creators.
• Can be used on both MacOS and iOS devices.
• Offers a range of templates and pre-made effects.
• Used by smaller businesses, vloggers, and personal content creators.

Weaknesses:

• Limited advanced editing features.
• Only available for Apple users.

Recommendation: iMovie is recommended for beginners, casual content creators, and Apple users looking for a free and user-friendly video editing tool.

3. Filmora

Filmora is a popular video editing software known for its user-friendly interface and simplicity. It offers a wide range of basic and advanced editing features, including special effects, transitions, and audio editing tools. Filmora provides both a free and a paid version, with pricing starting at $39.99 per year. Its affordability and ease of use make it a good choice for beginners and small businesses.

Strengths:

• Intuitive and easy-to-use interface, suitable for beginners.
• Offers a good balance between basic and advanced editing features.
• Supports multiple platforms, including Windows and macOS.
• Used by various YouTubers and small businesses.

Weaknesses:

• Some advanced features may be limited compared to professional-grade software.
• Limited customization options for effects and titles.

Recommendation: Filmora is recommended for beginners and small businesses looking for an affordable and user-friendly video editing solution.

4. Final Cut Pro X

Final Cut Pro X is a professional video editing software developed by Apple specifically for Mac users. It offers a comprehensive range of features, including 360-degree editing, advanced color grading, and powerful audio editing tools. Final Cut Pro X has a clean and user-friendly interface, making it a popular choice among professional content creators. It is available for a one-time payment of $299.99. While it may not have as many features as Adobe Premiere Pro, it provides great value for Mac users who require advanced editing capabilities.

Strengths:

• Professional-level features and tools for advanced editing.
• Optimized for MacOS, offering smooth performance on Apple devices.
• Simple and intuitive interface, suitable for beginners as well.
• Used by many professional filmmakers and video production companies.

Weaknesses:

• Limited compatibility with other operating systems.
• Smaller user community compared to Adobe Premiere Pro.

Recommendation: Final Cut Pro X is recommended for professional Mac users and filmmakers who need advanced editing features and value a clean and user-friendly interface.

5. Animoto

Animoto is a cloud-based video creation tool that simplifies the process of creating professional-looking videos. It offers pre-designed templates, custom fonts, and a library of licensed music tracks to enhance the video’s visual appeal. Animoto is suitable for businesses and individuals looking to produce marketing videos, slideshows, or social media content quickly. It offers a free plan with limited features and paid plans starting at $8 per month. While lacking the advanced editing features of other tools, Animoto provides great value for its ease of use and quick video creation capabilities.

Strengths:

• User-friendly interface that requires no technical skills.
• Wide variety of ready-to-use templates and licensed music to choose from.
• Quick video creation process, making it ideal for creating marketing content.
• Used by many small businesses and social media influencers.

Weaknesses:

• Limited in terms of advanced editing features and customization options.
• Requires an internet connection for usage.

Recommendation: Animoto is recommended for small businesses, social media influencers, and individuals who need to create visually appealing videos quickly without extensive editing requirements.

In summary, Pictory is a good option for most developers. Adobe Premiere Pro is recommended for professionals and larger brands needing advanced editing capabilities, while iMovie and Filmora are suitable for beginners and small businesses with budget considerations. Final Cut Pro X is recommended for professional Mac users, and Animoto is ideal for quick and easy video creation for marketing or social media purposes. Consider the specific use case, level of expertise, preferred platform, and budget when selecting a video creation tool.