The 9 AI Tools Marketers Use to Create Images and Video in 2026

2026-06-29 · Source: SmartData Collective · Field: Business & Management — Marketing, Branding & Advertising, Entrepreneurship & Start-ups · Depth: Novice, medium

Summary

A practical guide identifies nine AI tools marketers will use in 2026 for image and video creation, reflecting a significant industry shift where 67% of small businesses already use AI for marketing and 92% plan to invest in generative AI. The selection criteria prioritize commercial usage rights, team collaboration features, output consistency, and overall quality across both still images and video. Featured tools include ChatGPT for quick social assets (from \$8/mo), Getimg for all-in-one image and video generation (from \$8/mo), Google Veo and Runway for dedicated video creation (from Google AI plans and \$15/mo respectively), Adobe Firefly and Canva Magic Media for integrated design workflows (from \$10/mo and Canva Pro), Midjourney and Ideogram for high-quality images and text-in-image capabilities (from \$10/mo and free tiers), and Synthesia for avatar-led explainers (from \$18/mo annually). The guide emphasizes checking commercial rights and considering combined image/video platforms for efficiency.

Key takeaway

For marketing professionals evaluating AI tools for visual content creation, prioritize platforms that offer commercial usage rights and integrate both image and video generation to streamline workflows. You should assess your team's specific needs for format, collaboration, and budget, considering options like Getimg for combined capabilities or Midjourney for high-end stills. Always confirm commercial rights before deploying any AI-generated assets in paid campaigns to mitigate legal risks.

Key insights

The marketing industry is rapidly adopting AI tools for visual content, prioritizing commercial rights and integrated workflows.

Principles

• Commercial rights are paramount for AI-generated content.
• Specialist tools often excel in pure quality.
• All-in-one platforms streamline diverse content needs.

Method

The article implicitly suggests a method for tool selection: assess format needs (image/video), team access requirements, and verify commercial usage rights before adoption.

In practice

• Use Getimg for combined image/video needs.
• Choose Midjourney for premium still visuals.
• Try Ideogram for reliable text in images.

Topics

• AI Marketing Tools
• Generative AI
• Image & Video Generation
• Commercial Content Rights
• Content Creation Workflows
• Digital Marketing Strategy

Best for: Marketing Professional, Entrepreneur, Consultant

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by SmartData Collective.