AI For Content Creation: What Is It? And What Tools Do You Need?

What if your content could be created in a fraction of the time and still generate impactful results? 

According to a Microsoft survey, 90% of users report that AI saves them time, and 84% say it makes them more creative. 

Don’t worry, AI isn’t a nail in the coffin for marketers. Learning how to leverage AI tools to empower your team and amplify your content will keep you a step ahead. 

This guide will help you incorporate AI content creation tools into your daily workflows. 

What is artificial intelligence? And how does it create content?

Artificial intelligence has been in the spotlight for the last few years with rapid growth that has revolutionized tech as we know it. 

Machine learning provided the foundations for training AI on datasets, which was expanded upon when Large Language Models (LLMs) utilized neural networks to engage with written content. LLMs are trained on vast datasets that recognize and emulate human communication patterns. Through natural language processing, humans and machines are able to interact.

There are plenty of everyday AI use cases you may not think about. If you’ve ever watched a show recommended by Netflix, you’ve used reactive machine AI. Similarly, having Alexa add something to your shopping list or asking Siri what the weather is like today relies on limited memory artificial intelligence. 

Generative AI is what is most often thought about for content creation. When prompted, this type of AI uses pattern recognition to predict sequences of words most likely to answer a prompt. 

Need 10 video marketing ideas? It’s got them. Want help revising the tone of a paragraph? It can do that, too. 

Generative AI is more than just a buzzword

You’ve probably heard about generative AI everywhere lately, but is AI here to stay?

 AI-generated content is a major technological milestone that has illustrated remarkable business impact. 

Generative AI models can collect data, build a repository of information about your preferences and interests, and then create new content based on those parameters. 

Content creators have flocked to AI tools because of their ability to increase efficiency and amplify your output. It can be implemented throughout the content creation process to create scalable workflows that reduce friction, provide greater depth of knowledge regarding success metrics, and automate time-consuming parts of the process. 

Whether it’s spell-checking and screening for grammar mistakes or auditing the SEO of long-form content, there are numerous ways AI can influence the content creation process. 

What role does generative AI play in content creation?

Generative AI is a powerhouse when it comes to content creation. With the ability to keep up with the fast-paced rhythm of the digital world, AI is a fantastic resource for businesses hoping to multiply their output or increase their turnaround speeds. 

Some of the most common ways content creators use AI to expedite workflows include:

• Social media posts: If you’re stuck in a social media rut, AI can save the day with image generation and caption copywriting.
• Video editing: Auto-cut videos using AI to streamline your video creation. Saving your favorite templates makes this step even faster.
• Meeting transcripts: Forget transcribing meeting notes episodes by hand and use AI to generate transcripts.
• Long-form and short-form blog post outlines: Whether you’re creating your content in-house or creating briefs for freelancers or agencies, AI can pull together comprehensive outlines in a fraction of the time it used to take.
• Content ideas: May your content calendar never be empty again. AI can generate hundreds of potential content ideas in seconds, so you’ll always know what to work on next

Remember: AI can’t (and shouldn’t) replace content creators. All AI-generated content needs an editor (at least). Despite how quickly generative AI is advancing, it still has its obvious trademarks: repetition, rambling, weird metaphors (why does ChatGPT love ocean metaphors so much?), and thin arguments without reliable sources.

If you want high-quality content that utilizes your distinct brand voice, you’ll need humans for that — not chatbots. 

Best AI for content creation

Want to create an AI-powered content strategy? From the very first idea to implementing the final touches, these AI tools are game-changers for your content production.

AI for idea generation

If you feel like you’re scraping the bottom of the barrel for content ideas, it’s time to invite AI to your next brainstorm. 

To get the most benefit from this ideation stage, it’s important to set specific goals. That way the ideas it generates will align closer to the content you actually want to create rather than pumping out a bunch of unhelpful junk. 

Whittle down exactly the types of content you need help generating. Ideas for landing pages that will drive search engine traffic to your site will look different than social media marketing campaigns. Look for tools that can collaborate with you, iterating upon previously generated ideas. This emulates a round table and helps ideas flow organically. 

Best overall: HyperWrite

HyperWrite Brainstorming Tool is a tailor-made solution that narrows down AI’s infinite scope to solve one specific problem: marketers, entrepreneurs, and designers need more ideas. 

• Because it was designed specifically for this purpose, they’ve already primed the model so that you’ll get high-quality results with less internal lift. 
• Brainstorming is quickly accessible through their Chrome extension.
• When you use the Chrome extension, HyperWrite becomes more in tune with your specific needs and adjusts its responses to your prompts accordingly.

HyperWrite Brainstorming Tool is free to use in a limited capacity. Two additional paid plans offer higher monthly ceilings — $19.99 per month for the Premium plan, and $44.99 per month for the Ultra plan. 

Best free: ChatGPT

OpenAI’s ChatGPT is a powerful, versatile tool that belongs in your ideation repertoire. This chatbot has an intuitive interface and is easily incorporated into your typical workflows.

• ChatGPT understands multiple formats and file types, including images, so you can drop in a screenshot of your last retro board or a PDF report and receive ideas specific to your needs.
• Newer models include voice recognition and audio response functionality, so brainstorming with an AI feels more natural.
• ChatGPT can browse the web for up-to-date information, so you’re never caught behind the 8-ball.

ChatGPT’s base model is free to use. Paid tiers include access to groundbreaking new models, beginning at $20 each month. 

AI for content writing

Generative AI writing tools are growing in popularity because real-time collaboration between the AI and the writer encourages higher-quality pieces of content from the get-go. 

However, understand you’ll need to implement editing, fact-checking, and proofreading stages after the initial draft is complete. AI is no replacement for human research.

Types of content that pair well with AI include:

• Blog posts
• Video scripts
• Product descriptions
• Email campaigns
• Ad copy

Because many tools rely on credits or tokens that correlate to a generated word count, you’ll want to ensure it has the right capacity for your needs.

Best overall: Jasper

Supercharge your writing by combining human creativity and robotic speed using Jasper’s AI-assisted content. Jasper’s ability to produce vast amounts of content in a fraction of the time it would typically take makes it a popular choice for marketers needing to scale their content output dramatically. 

• Save team bandwidth by incorporating your brand voice and using built-in SEO tools.
• Develop correlating images without leaving Jasper for a streamlined experience.
• Jasper integrates with Google Docs, so you can easily share content with key stakeholders.

Jasper offers three plans: Creator, Pro, and Business. You can enjoy a seven-day free trial to get a feel for the tool before committing. 

Best free: Copy.ai

Copy.ai has created a unique, comprehensive solution for businesses. This generation tool can write new content whenever you need it through automation. Repurpose existing content, refresh outdated content, or generate wholly new content with Copy.ai.

• Workflow optimization is easy with AI Actions, and workflow templates help you hit the ground running.
• Copy.ai can search the internet and scrape data from URLs to provide accurate information about specific sites.
• With over 2,000 app integrations, your content is exactly where you need it, right when you need it.

Copy.ai offers a free forever option, but the most popular pricing plan for teams is $186 per month. 

AI for SEO

Search engines are often the primary distributor for your content, so it’s crucial to make sure you’re creating effective SEO content. 

• Keyword research
• Competitor analysis
• SEO audits

When deciding on an AI-driven SEO tool for your content, make sure it integrates with your existing tech stack and offers real-time updates. Otherwise, your optimization efforts will be for nothing.

Best overall: Semrush

Semrush offers a suite of content tools, including robust SEO features. They have multiplied their offered tools from two to 50 since 2008 and continue to deliver outstanding products. 

• Using one seed keyword, the Keyword Magic Tool generates hundreds of related keywords so that you can effectively gain exposure in your target area.
• Learn what works for your competitors by analyzing their results with traffic and social media trackers.
• Enhance on-page SEO with site audits and log file analyzers.

Semrush offers various pricing options, starting at $108.33 annually. There are numerous add-ons available to get exactly the tools your team needs. 

Best free: Ahrefs

Ahrefs’ free SEO tools can completely revitalize your marketing strategy. 

• With Ahrefs’ free AI writing tools, generate metadata descriptions and image alt text.
• Generate thousands of relevant long-tail keywords to build effective topic clusters for your content.
• Add the SEO toolbar extension to monitor and adjust your SEO on the go.

These tools are free to use, but you can access Ahrefs' full capabilities with one of its paid plans. 

AI for social media copy

Nailing your brand's tone of voice while crafting content that will engage your target audience can make social media tricky. The right AI tool should integrate with your existing platforms and allow collaboration between real, human teammates. 

Best overall: SocialBee

A comprehensive social media tool, SocialBee helps you manage your social media platform from front to back. SocialBee’s Copilot is an AI assistant that’s ready to help you take your social media content to the next level. 

• Interact with Copilot to develop unique-to-you social media content strategies — and the content for it — all in one place.
• Receive strategy recommendations across multiple platforms to diversify your social engagement.
• Generate captions to go with every post and train Copilot on your brand voice so that it nails it every time.

SocialBee has pricing options for small teams and enterprise operations alike, with plans ranging from $29 to $374 per month. 

Best free: Hootsuite

Hootsuite was designed to lighten the load for social media marketers, and their AI products continue that trend. OwlyWriter AI is their newest addition for generative AI content creation. 

• Generate ideas for new content, and then have OwlyWriter AI produce the copy as well.
• Produce content similar to your highest-performing posts to continue the positive trends.
• OwlyWriter AI integrates with your existing approval workflows, so you’ll avoid noncompliance scares.

While OwlyWriter AI is in its beta phase, all Hootsuite users with Professional, Team, Business, and Enterprise plans will be able to use it for free. They also offer free social media tools, like caption generators. 

AI for visual asset generation

If you feel like you’ve seen every stock image known to man but don’t have the budget or the bandwidth to create custom assets for every campaign, AI can help. 

Look specifically for tools that can keep up with your content needs — some will place request limits due to high demand on servers. 

Best overall: DALL-E

DALL-E is integrated directly with ChatGPT, which means you enjoy the intuitive communication of a chatbot while generating custom images. 

• Include image attachments as inspiration to kick off the conversation
• Brainstorm and create ideas simultaneously with seamless ChatGPT functionality
• DALL-E won’t create images in the style of living artists — this protects creative integrity across the board

DALL-E is available to OpenAI users on ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Enterprise plans, as well as developers using their API. 

Best free: Canva

Canva’s AI art generator is a fantastic user-friendly alternative for anyone not interested in OpenAI products. This design platform is a perfect choice for everyday creators who don’t want to fuss with Photoshop, and their AI tools are simple to use.

• Change the background of your image with a click of a button — or separate the foreground from the background for more flexibility
• Written prompts can alter images giving you full creative control
• Need to go global? No problem. Auto-translate text quickly and easily

Canva is perfect for small teams who need to ramp up their design elements on a budget. Most of their AI art tools are available for free, but there are increased capabilities offered with their Pro plan. 

AI for video editing

If you want your videos to make an impact, AI can help. Whether it’s auto-cutting your clips or inserting high-quality voiceovers, AI video editing software streamlines your process and shaves precious hours off of your turnaround timelines. 

When deciding the right tool for your team, consider automation, integrations with pre-existing software, and performance. Otherwise, you may end up with a tool that bogs down your computer and slows your workflow. 

Best overall: CapCut

CapCut is a straightforward and easy-to-use video editor with extensive AI functionalities. It’s accessible on desktop and mobile, so wherever you prefer to edit videos, CapCut is right there where you need it. 

• Quickly convert text to speech for voiceovers and use voice changers to find the right sound for your brand.
• Auto-generate captions so that you know exactly what to post.
• Utilize popular templates to keep your content current.

CapCut is free to use, so you can enjoy all its features without worrying about overhead costs. 

Best free: VEED

VEED’s simple design and high-powered features make it a fantastic option. 

• Auto-create subtitles and translations to make your content accessible.
• Straightforward, one-click functions mean you spend less time trying to figure out how to use the software and more time using it.
• Record directly into VEED, remove background noise, and auto-generate sound waves for professional videos.

With VEED’s free plan, you can export 10-minute-long videos at 720p. Paid plans offer more AI tools, like eye contact correctors, background removal, and higher subtitle generation limits. 

AI for podcasts

Long-form podcasts can be time-consuming to record and edit, but AI speeds up that process. Whether it’s audio correcting, transcript generating, or syncing multiple participants, the right AI tool can help your team produce podcasts faster than ever.

Best overall: Riverside

Riverside is a one-and-done podcast tool. From one location, you can record and edit podcasts, review AI-generated show notes, enhance audio, and export social media clips. 

• AI transcriptions are available in over 100 languages, so your podcasts can reach a global audience.
• Magic Audio enhances sound so that you always have professional-grade audio.
• Auto-generate clips optimized for various social media platforms.

Pricing varies, but Riverside offers both a free tier and an extensive enterprise package.

Best free: Descript

With Descript, you’ll sound like a podcast pro in no time. This tool’s hearty selection of AI tools helps you create professional-grade podcasts. 

• Clone voices or choose from their library of AI voices.
• Enjoy AI tools like green screens, eye contact correction, and audio regeneration.
• Transcribe your show — and easily make corrections when needed.

Descript’s free plan includes one watermark-free export per month and one hour of transcription.

AI for transcription

When you spend hours in meetings, it’s all too easy to lose track of something someone mentioned briefly in a stand-up three hours ago. You spend half your time scribbling notes or typing furiously in an agenda, and the other half struggling to keep up with the conversation. 

AI transcription tools allow you to be present while the notes are being taken for you. 

When shopping around for a transcription tool, look for ones that integrate with your most commonly used meeting platforms and offer versatile transcribing capabilities. 

Best overall: Murf

If you want to take your audio to the next level, Murf is a great solution. This text-to-speech software creates lifelike voices perfect for podcasts, video content, and presentations.

• With over 120 voices to choose from, you can find the perfect voice for your brand.
• Need a voiceover for a video but don’t have time to record? Clone your voice to use for future videos.
• Use AI to translate audio into over 20 different languages.

Try it for free to see for yourself. Then, you can choose between three plans — Creator, Business, or Enterprise — depending on your needs. 

Best free: Otter.ai

Busy schedules are made simpler when you automate your meeting notes with Otter.ai. 

• Meeting summaries keep action items top-of-mind, rather than getting lost in the shuffle.
• Otter AI Chat can generate email drafts to follow up after a meeting to keep the ball rolling.
• OtterPilot integrates with Google and Microsoft calendars to auto-join meetings even if you can’t make it, so you’ll never miss a beat.

Their free offering is extensive, making this a great solution for one-person teams or teams on a strict budget. For larger teams, paid plans are available with higher transcription minute amounts. 

Honorable mention: Fireflies.ai

As a Ten Speed favorite, we couldn’t move on without mentioning Fireflies.ai. We use this tool regularly, so while it might not be the right fit for everyone, it certainly is for us. 

• AI-powered search allows you to see related items across meetings so that it’s easy to connect the dots.
• Collaborate with your team directly in meeting notes to keep the conversations going. 
• Analyze your meetings to better understand how your team communicates so that you can provide effective feedback.

Risks of relying on AI to support content creation

AI-driven marketing holds the power to energize your content strategy. However, if it isn’t wielded carefully, this tool could result in catastrophic damage to your reputation and rankings. 

All generated content needs to be edited. While AI tools are remarkable, they’re just that — tools. Implement them strategically to expedite your workflows and empower your team. Relying solely on AI as the backbone of your content strategy is a risk that isn’t worth taking. 

AI hallucinations

Sometimes, we all lose our train of thought. Unfortunately, that’s true for AI as well. Hallucinations are instances where the AI generates something inaccurate or completely nonsensical. 

At best, it’s obvious when a hallucination has occurred. The AI may start to ramble with sentences becoming longer and more derailed. 

At worst, you may not even know the AI has provided incorrect information. The AI is trained to confidently present complete thoughts, which means it will occasionally supply you with made-up information that sounds like it could be real. 

This is why fact-checking, editing, and proofreading are so vital when implementing AI tools into your workflows. 

Plagiarism

LLMs work by learning directly from other written works. Unlike humans, who can digest, synthesize, and create new ideas, machines rely entirely on their datasets. 

This means that there is no guarantee any AI-generated output is unique. You may start sounding exactly like someone else, but more than that, you run the risk of plagiarizing other content. 

Plagiarized content results in search engine ranking drops, loss of customer trust, and hits to your reputation. You may lose investors who no longer wish to associate with your brand, and your inbound marketing funnel is foiled. 

Shallow insights

Due to its training, AI content is an amalgamation of all the content used in its dataset. It can summarize, analyze, and generate content, but it can’t create its own new, brilliant insights. 

Relying too heavily on AI means your content will start to feel stiff and uninspired. You’ll sound like everyone who came before you — and everyone else using AI without the oversight of human experts. 

To avoid being burned by AI content, work with a marketing agency like Ten Speed for a content solution that is still impactful, cost-effective, and scalable, but won’t be bland and unoriginal. 

What’s better than AI? Having a team of expert SEO content creators to lean on

AI tools are incredible for facilitating productivity and streamlining workflows, but they aren’t without overarching liabilities. 

When you partner with Ten Speed, our team of experts masterfully balances AI efficiency with human expertise. That way, you maximize the benefit of artificial intelligence while mitigating the risks. Plus, you’ll get all the exclusive human benefits AI can’t imitate: personal connection, human creativity, and authentic content built from human insights. 

If you’re ready to transform your content results, let us know. We’re ready to help you transform your marketing strategy.