AI Video Generation for Political Campaigns

Overview

AI video generators can create short video clips based on text prompts or existing images. While these tools offer exciting possibilities, it’s important to note that the current state of AI video generation has significant limitations compared to AI image or audio generation or AI-assisted video editing.

Key limitations include:

  • Difficulty controlling the final product
  • Clips often degrade or become nonsensical after a few seconds, especially with complex scenes or movements
  • Generating quality videos over 5 seconds is challenging
  • Maintaining consistent styles across multiple clips is difficult
  • Using AI-generated video currently does not save time over using stock video in most cases

 

Despite these limitations, AI video generation tools can be useful for creating short, stylized clips for social media, generating B-roll footage, or inspiring larger motion graphics projects. This guide focuses on the two best tools we tested: Runway ML and Kaiber.

Read our guide for Runway ML
Read our guide for Kaiber

Unlike AI-generated video, AI-assisted video editing creates consistent, strong results that can save your team time and operate more efficiently. See our separate guide: AI-Assisted Video Editing for Political Campaigns

Use Cases

Given the current limitations of AI video generation, the most viable use cases are:

  • Short Social Media Content
      • Create brief, eye-catching clips for platforms like Instagram or TikTok
      • Generate stylized backgrounds for quote overlays or simple animations
  • B-roll Generation
      • Create short clips to use as background footage in larger video projects
      • Generate abstract or themed visuals to complement narration or interviews
  • Inspiration for Motion Graphics
    • Use AI-generated clips as a starting point for more complex, human-created motion graphics
    • Quickly iterate on multiple visual styles or approaches for client presentations

Tools

Runway ML

Runway ML offers more control and generally produces better quality generations, but it has a steeper learning curve.

Strengths:

  • High-quality outputs with industry-leading motion
  • Advanced controls, including customizable camera movements
  • Wide variety of tools and features
  • Ability to generate text within videos (with varying success – this is still difficult for all video generators to do, but Runway was the best at it)

Limitations:

  • Requires more technical skill and vocabulary
  • Feature-rich interface can be overwhelming
  • Higher chance of “AI gibberish” due to more motion in outputs

Kaiber

Kaiber is easier to use and offers more consistent results, but with less control and minimal motion.

Strengths:

  • User-friendly interface with simple prompting structure
  • Consistent results using style presets
  • No special vocabulary required
  • Cost-effective use of credits in basic paid plan
  • Mobile app available

Limitations:

  • Very limited motion; clips have a more ambient or static feel
  • Less technical control compared to Runway ML
  • Text generation within videos is not a reliable option

Key Considerations for Political Campaigns

Before integrating AI-generated video into your work, consider these important factors:

Limitations and Risks:

  • Inconsistent Quality: Results can vary widely, even with similar inputs. Expect to spend time experimenting and iterating.
  • Limited Control: Precise control over details, especially in motion and timing, is challenging.
  • Short Duration: Most AI-generated videos degrade in quality after a few seconds, even with tools that offer an option to extend clips to 10 seconds. 
  • Potential for Bias: AI models may perpetuate societal biases present in their training data. Review outputs carefully for unintended stereotypes or misrepresentations, and  include diverse stakeholders in reviewing outputs and deciding when AI will be used.
  • Copyright and Disclaimers: The legal status of AI-generated videos is still evolving. There exists a patchwork of state laws governing the use of AI-generated multimedia in political content, and these laws and guidelines are constantly shifting. At the bare minimum, we recommend including a disclaimer reading, “This (image/audio/video) has been generated by or manipulated with AI” and avoiding any AI-generated images of real people (candidates, voters, etc.). Consult a lawyer before using AI-generated images for any paid effort. 
  • Authenticity Concerns: Using AI-generated video, especially if aiming for photorealism, raises ethical questions and may impact campaign authenticity.

Best Practices for Political Use:

  1. Start with Low-Stakes Applications: Begin using AI-generated video in contexts like internal demos or social media content before considering more prominent uses.
  2. Maintain Transparency: Be open about the use of AI in your video production process. Consider adding disclaimers for AI-generated content, especially if it aims for photorealism.
  3. Keep Human Review: Always have team members review and approve AI-generated content. This is crucial for maintaining message accuracy, visual consistency, and mitigating unintended biases.
  4. Use as Augmentation: Leverage AI-generated video as a starting point or complement to human-created content rather than a full replacement. This approach respects the value of human creativity while benefiting from AI’s unique capabilities.
  5. Respect Artist Labor: Position AI tools as aids to human creativity, not replacements for video editors or motion graphics artists. AI is not very good at originality, so while AI can help augment the capacity of resource-strapped campaigns, it shouldn’t be used as a replacement for humans. Consider involving human professionals in refining and integrating AI-generated elements into larger projects.
  6. Focus on Stylized Content: Given the current limitations of AI video generation, focus on creating stylized or abstract content rather than attempting photorealism. This can help avoid ethical concerns and leverage the strengths of the technology.
  7. Iterate Rapidly: Use the speed of AI generation to quickly produce multiple visual concepts or styles. This can be particularly useful in the brainstorming and pre-production phases of video projects.
  8. Combine with Other Tools: Consider how AI-generated video elements can be combined with traditional video editing techniques, stock footage, or other AI-generated content (like images or audio) to create more complex and polished final products.

Conclusion

AI video generation is an emerging technology with significant current limitations but also exciting potential. While it’s not yet a replacement for traditional video production methods, it can be a valuable tool for creating short, stylized content or inspiring larger projects.

As you experiment with these tools, prioritize transparency, maintain realistic expectations, and always consider how AI-generated elements fit into your broader campaign messaging and visual strategy. Remember that while AI can generate interesting visuals, the unique insights and storytelling abilities that human creators bring to video content remain invaluable.

Follow Higher Ground Labs’ blog or subscribe to AI newsletters like The Rundown to stay informed about the evolving capabilities and limitations of AI video generation. Make sure to continually reassess how these tools can best serve your campaign’s goals and values.

Resources

Practical guides for content creators: