5 AI Video Editors Under $20/mo

In today’s digital landscape, video content drives 82% of internet traffic (Cisco), yet creating polished videos often demands expensive tools or specialized skills. AI has revolutionized this space, making professional editing accessible and affordable. After testing 25+ tools , we present the top 5 AI video editors under $20/month that deliver Hollywood-quality results without the price tag.

Why AI Video Editors?

AI tools automate tedious tasks like clipping, color correction, and captioning, slashing editing time by up to 70% . For under $20/month, you get:

• Text-to-video generation
• Automated scene detection
• Pro-level effects (motion tracking, green screen)
• Platform-optimized exports (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram)

Top 5 Budget-Friendly AI Video Editors

1. InVideo ($15/Month)

InVideo is a versatile, AI-powered video editor perfect for creators who want to produce professional-grade videos with minimal effort. Its intuitive interface and robust feature set make it ideal for marketers, YouTubers, and small businesses looking to create engaging short-form content or promotional videos.

Key Features

• AI Text-to-Video: Enter a script or blog post, and InVideo’s AI generates a video with relevant visuals, music, and voiceovers in minutes.
• Extensive Template Library: Choose from over 5,000 customizable templates for social media, ads, or presentations. 
• Automated Editing: AI handles transitions, animations, and stock footage integration, streamlining the editing process.
• Voiceovers and Subtitles: Add AI-generated voiceovers in multiple languages or auto-generated captions for accessibility. 
• Stock Media Integration: Access millions of royalty-free images, videos, and music tracks to enhance your projects.

Pricing

• Free Plan: Limited features with watermarked exports.
• Plus Plan: $15/month (billed annually) for unlimited exports, no watermarks, and access to premium features.

Why Choose InVideo?

InVideo shines for its simplicity and speed, making it perfect for beginners or those on tight schedules. Its AI text-to-video tool is a standout, allowing you to transform blog posts or scripts into engaging videos effortlessly. The affordable $15/month plan offers excellent value, especially for creators focused on short-form content for platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels.

Best For

• Marketers and content creators needing quick, professional-looking videos. 
• Businesses repurposing blog content into video format.

2. Runway ($12/Month)

Runway is a powerhouse in AI video editing, known for its cutting-edge generative AI capabilities. It’s a favorite among creators who want to experiment with AI-driven video creation while keeping costs low. Runway combines traditional editing with innovative features like text-to-video generation and background removal.

Key Features

• Gen-3 Alpha: Runway’s high-fidelity AI model generates videos from text prompts or images, ideal for creative storytelling.
• Background Removal: Easily isolate subjects or change backgrounds with AI-powered green screen tools.
• Text-to-Video: Create videos from scratch using descriptive prompts, perfect for brainstorming unique content.
• Stock Media Library: Access a rich collection of stock footage and music to complement your projects.
• Motion Tracking and Inpainting: Remove unwanted objects or add effects with precision.

Pricing

• Free Plan: 125 one-time credits with limited features.
• Standard Plan: $12/month (billed annually) for 625 monthly credits, no watermarks, and higher export quality.

Why Choose Runway

Runway’s strength lies in its generative AI tools, which allow creators to push creative boundaries. The $12/month plan is budget-friendly, offering access to advanced features like Gen-3 Alpha, which rivals more expensive tools like Sora. It’s ideal for those who want to blend traditional editing with AI experimentation.

Best For

• Creative professionals exploring AI-generated content.
• YouTubers and filmmakers needing advanced editing tools on a budget.

3. Descript ($12/Month)

Descript redefines video editing by allowing you to edit videos as easily as editing a text document. Its AI-driven, transcript-based editing is a game-changer for podcasters, YouTubers, and anyone working with dialogue-heavy content. Descript’s intuitive interface makes it accessible to beginners while offering powerful tools for pros.

Key Features

• Text-Based Editing: Edit videos by modifying the auto-generated transcript, removing filler words, or rearranging scenes with a click.
• AI Audio Enhancements: Features like Studio Sound remove background noise and enhance voice quality.
• Auto Multicam: Automatically sync and switch between multiple camera angles based on who’s speaking.
• Overdub: Create AI-generated voiceovers or fix audio with cloned voices.
• Stock Media and Templates: Add B-roll, music, or pre-designed templates to polish your videos.

Pricing

• Free Plan: 1 hour of transcription with limited features. 
• Creator Plan: $12/month for 10 hours of transcription, no watermarks, and 1080p exports.

Why Choose Descript?

Descript’s text-based editing is a massive time-saver, especially for long-form content like interviews or podcasts. The $12/month plan offers robust features, making it one of the most affordable yet powerful AI editors. Its AI tools, like filler word removal and audio enhancement, ensure professional results without complex workflows

Best For

• Podcasters and YouTubers editing dialogue-heavy videos.
• Creators seeking an intuitive, text-based editing experience.

4. Veed ($12.99/Month)

Veed is a cloud-based AI video editor designed for simplicity and accessibility. It’s perfect for social media marketers, educators, and small businesses who want to create polished videos with minimal effort. Veed’s AI tools focus on enhancing accessibility and engagement through features like auto-captions and real-time translations.

Key Features

• Auto-Captions and Subtitles: Generate accurate captions in multiple languages to make videos accessible.
• Text-to-Video: Create videos from scripts with AI-selected visuals and animations.
• AI Effects and Transitions: Add dynamic effects, text animations, and transitions effortlessly.
• Brand Customization: Apply brand colors, logos, and fonts for consistent video aesthetics.
• Real-Time Collaboration: Work with teams in real-time, ideal for small businesses or agencies.

Pricing

• Free Plan: Limited features with watermarked exports.
• Pro Plan: $12.99/month for no watermarks, 1080p exports, and advanced AI tools.

Why Choose Veed?

Veed’s user-friendly interface and focus on accessibility make it a top choice for creators targeting global audiences. Its AI-powered captioning and translation tools are perfect for social media content, ensuring videos are inclusive and engaging. The $12.99/month plan offers excellent value for small businesses and solo creators.

Best For

- Social media marketers prioritizing accessibility and captions. - Beginners seeking a straightforward, cloud-based editor.

5. Lumen5 ($19/Month)

Lumen5 is a pioneer in AI video generation, specializing in turning text content like blog posts or scripts into engaging videos. It’s a go-to tool for marketers and businesses looking to repurpose written content into video format for social media, websites, or email campaigns.

Key Features

• Blog-to-Video: Paste a blog URL or text, and Lumen5’s AI generates a video with relevant visuals and music.
• AI Script Generation: Create scripts from scratch or refine existing ones with AI assistance.
• Media Library: Access millions of license-free stock images, videos, and music tracks.
• AI Voice Overs: Choose from 40+ AI voices or clone your own for custom narration. 
• Customizable Templates: Over 5,000 templates for social media, ads, and presentations.

Pricing

• Free Plan: 5 video generations at 720p with a watermark.
• Basic Plan: $19/month (billed annually) for unlimited videos, no watermarks, and 1080p exports.

Why Choose Lumen5?

Lumen5 excels at transforming written content into videos, making it ideal for content marketers and businesses with existing blogs or articles. Its $19/month plan is slightly higher than others but offers robust features for repurposing content at scale. The AI-driven workflow ensures quick results with minimal effort.

Best For

• Marketers repurposing blog posts into videos.
• Businesses creating quick, professional-grade video ads.

How to Choose the Right AI Video Editor

With so many affordable options, selecting the best AI video editor depends on your specific needs. Here are some factors to consider:

• Purpose: Are you creating short social media clips, long-form YouTube videos, or repurposing blog content? InVideo and Lumen5 are great for text-to-video, while Descript excels at dialogue-heavy content. 
• Ease of Use: Beginners may prefer Veed or InVideo for their intuitive interfaces, while Runway suits those comfortable with more advanced tools.
• Features: Look for specific AI features like text-based editing (Descript), generative video (Runway), or auto-captions (Veed). 
• Budget: All these tools are under $20/month, but free plans can help you test features before committing.
• Output Quality: Ensure the editor supports at least 1080p exports for professional results.

Tips for Maximizing AI Video Editors

To get the most out of these budget-friendly tools, follow these tips:

1. Optimize Prompts: For text-to-video tools like InVideo or Runway, use detailed prompts to guide the AI for better results.

2. Leverage Templates: Use pre-designed templates in Lumen5 or InVideo to save time and maintain consistency.

3. Edit Transcripts: With Descript or Veed, refine transcripts to polish dialogue and remove unnecessary segments.

4. Add Branding: Customize videos with your logo, colors, and fonts to reinforce brand identity.

5. Test Free Plans: Most tools offer free tiers, so experiment before upgrading to a paid plan.

The Future of AI Video Editing

The AI video editing market is projected to reach $1.03 billion by 2032, driven by increasing demand for video content and advancements in AI technology. Tools like those listed above are making video creation accessible to everyone, from solo creators to large enterprises. As AI continues to evolve, expect even more features like real-time editing, advanced personalization, and seamless integrations with platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

Conclusion

Creating professional-quality videos doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. The 5 AI video editors under $20/month —InVideo, Runway, Descript, Veed, and Lumen5—offer powerful, budget-friendly solutions for content creators, marketers, and businesses. Whether you’re repurposing blog posts, editing podcasts, or crafting social media clips, these tools leverage AI to streamline workflows and deliver stunning results.

For quick, short-form videos, InVideo and Veed are excellent choices. Runway is perfect for creative experimentation, while Descript shines for dialogue-heavy content. Lumen5 is the go-to for transforming text into engaging videos. Test their free plans, explore their features, and choose the one that aligns with your goals.

Ready to elevate your video content? Start with one of these affordable AI video editors and watch your creations come to life!