14 Video marketing tools you should be using
Let’s face it: we rely on our screens for most of our entertainment. Perhaps even a bit more than some of us would like. And the pandemic is largely to blame.
With the little human interaction we had during the lockdown, more and more people turned to the Internet for alternatives. This is consequently when they started consuming an endless stream of content. And thanks to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, video content exploded, thus becoming a champion of engagement.
There are actual stats to back this up. For example, a survey published by Statista revealed that 61% of Gen Z and Millenials watched more videos on social media apps during the pandemic than before it started. Even in 2024, 52% of people are more likely to share a video than other types of content.
When you really think about it, though, almost everything we do on the Internet—watching, sharing, or promoting— revolves around videos. Thus, using them in marketing is not an option but an absolute must.
Still, creating videos that actually resonate with your audience is not that simple. There are plenty of steps involved in the process, starting from creating a script, recording a video, and editing it to uploading it and tracking its performance. You could have the best idea, but without the right video marketing tools to help you, what good does it do?
Having spent years in the video marketing industry, we’ve seen firsthand how the right tools can make all the difference. That's why we’ve curated a list of the top video marketing tools you should use to create videos. The ones that don’t just look good but drive actual results.
The best video marketing tools to boost your content marketing strategy
Video marketing tools save you time, but truth be told, that's just an added bonus. They amplify your ideas, turning what might have been ''just another video'' into content that grabs attention.
Want to edit like a pro? Automate a process that eats up your mornings? Understand why one video went viral while another tanked? The right tools make all of that possible...and then some.
That said, below, you'll find a breakdown of what we believe are the 14 best video marketing tools out there. Each is designed to tackle specific challenges and streamline your workflow. All while keeping the quality high!
1. Plainly
Plainly enables video teams to version After Effects-based templates automatically and scale up their video production.
This video automation software uses After Effects templates created by your team and pulls data from your source—Google Sheets, CSV files, APIs, or other software—to automatically update dynamic elements like text, images, and video, thus creating thousands of variations. In a matter of minutes, at that, to save you up to 85% of your time!
What's more, we've designed Plainly with simplicity in mind. So, even if you're new to video automation, you can get started in just a few steps.
Use it when:
- You want to personalize videos for different audiences without spending hours editing each one.
- Your campaign involves creating hundreds (or even thousands) of video variations.
- You need an efficient way to integrate personalized video production into your existing workflow.
Key features:
- Support for creating dynamic videos from any After Effects template.
- Data-driven video creation using external data sources.
- Native integrations for video distribution with platforms, such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Frame.io, and Vimeo, as well as integrations for rendering videos from Google Sheets, RSS feeds, forms, etc.
- Cloud rendering for fast, large-scale production of videos.
- Flexible customization of video elements—swap layers like text, images, audio, or video dynamically based on the data provided.
Pricing:
Plainly has rather flexible pricing to suit basic and advanced needs, along with a 7-day free trial.
The starter plan costs $59 a month. On the other hand, the Team plan is priced at $249 a month and Pro $599.
Volume discounts are also available for large companies under our Enterprise plan.
2. Adobe After Effects
Adobe After Effects is a leading software app for creating motion graphics and visual effects. It offers tools for animation, compositing, and design, making it a go-to choice for professionals in film, television, and web video production.
Use it when:
- You need professional-grade motion graphics or visual effects for your video projects.
- Your video requires advanced animations, transitions, or dynamic typography.
- You want to create quality templates for scalable use in tools like Plainly.
- You’re designing in a 3D space but want to combine 2D and 3D elements.
Key features:
- Extensive library of built-in effects and presets for motion graphics and visual enhancements.
- Advanced animation tools (e.g., keyframe controls, 3D rendering, motion tracking).
- Native integration with other Adobe software (e.g., Premiere Pro, Photoshop).
- Support for third-party plugins to expand creative possibilities.
- Dynamic Link functionality for real-time editing across Adobe applications.
Pricing:
After Effects subscription costs $22.99 a month for individuals and $37.99 a month for businesses per license.
You can also get After Effects as part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud subscription, which includes all their apps. This will set you back $59.99 a month.
3. Adobe Premier Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a video editing software trusted by filmmakers, content creators, and video editors worldwide that can handle projects of all sizes.
Use it when:
- You need advanced editing tools for crafting professional-grade videos.
- Your workflow involves handling multiple video formats, resolutions, or camera angles.
- You’re working on a project that requires color correction, audio enhancements, or precise frame editing.
Key features:
- Multi-camera editing, VR editing, and advanced trimming.
- Built-in Lumetri Color panel for color correction and grading.
- Direct integration with Adobe After Effects.
- Compatibility with a wide range of formats, including smartphone footage and 8k.
- Team Projects functionality for collaborative editing across multiple users.
- AI-powered tools like Auto Reframe and Scene Edit Detection.
Pricing:
Premier Pro pricing mirrors that of After Effects.
That said, the individual plan costs $22.99 a month, whereas businesses pay $37.99 a month per license. In the meantime, a monthly Creative Cloud subscription costs $59.99 and is ideal for those who rely on multiple Adobe products.
4. Vimeo
Vimeo is a video-hosting platform that offers features such as live streaming and customization. Unlike other similar platforms (yes, YouTube), it is completely ad-free. It generates revenue through subscription plans for businesses and content creators.
What’s more, Plainly has a native integration with Vimeo. This means that as soon as rendering is done in Plainly, you can post a video directly to this free video marketing tool.
Use it when:
- You require a platform to upload and share professional and engaging videos.
- You need tools for live streaming and video customization.
- You prefer an ad-free environment.
Key features:
- Ad-free video hosting and sharing.
- Live streaming capabilities.
- Customization options for video appearance and player settings.
- Support for video creation and editing.
- Access to an active community for audience building.
- Detailed analytics to track viewer engagement and performance.
Pricing:
Vimeo has a free basic plan.
However, those whose needs extend beyond its limited functionalities can choose from their 3 paid plans:
Starter - $20 a month
- Standard - $41 a month
- Advanced - $108 a month
They also offer 40% discounts on their annual subscriptions.
5. VidIQ
VidIQ is a YouTube growth tool designed to help marketers and creators optimize their content, improve video visibility, and grow their channels.
Use it when:
- You want to enhance your YouTube SEO to improve video visibility.
- You want to track your channel’s performance and identify areas for improvement.
- You’re in need of creative video ideas to boost engagement.
Key features:
- Keyword research to optimize content for search.
- Competitor analysis to monitor and compare strategies.
- SEO scorecard for evaluating and improving video optimization.
- Thumbnail generator for creating click-worthy designs.
- Daily video ideas adjusted to your niche.
Pricing:
VidIQ has 2 paid plans:
- Boost, which costs $19 a month if you opt for the monthly billing or $199 as a one-time annual payment.
- Coaching, costing $199 a month or $1,188 per year.
6. OBS
OBS, also known as Open Broadcaster Software, is an open-source tool for video recording and live streaming.
Use it when:
- You want a reliable tool that allows you to record and/or stream high-quality video.
- You want to live stream to Youtube, Twitch, and similar.
- You require advanced configuration options to tailor your recording or streaming setup.
Key features:
- Support for high-definition video recording and streaming.
- Multi-source recording capabilities allow you to capture video from multiple cameras, screen shares, or media files.
- Real-time video/audio mixing with customizable transitions and filters.
- Compatible with plugins to extend functionality and meet specialized needs.
- Cross-platform availability for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Pricing:
OBS is 100% free and open-source, making it accessible to virtually everyone everywhere.
7. Sprout Social
Sprout Social is a social media management platform designed to help businesses manage their social media presence.
Its primary focus isn't on videos. Nonetheless, it comes with certain features that can aid your video strategy.
Use it when:
- You need to schedule and publish video content across multiple social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- Your strategy requires detailed analytics to measure video performance and audience engagement.
- You want to simplify video content planning.
Key features:
- Content scheduler for social media posts, including Instagram Reels and TikToks.
- Analytics dashboard to track video performance and provide valuable insights.
- Intuitive social media calendar for organizing and visualizing video content strategies.
- Social listening capabilities to monitor mentions/trends and guide future content production.
Pricing:
Sprout Social has 4 pricing plans in total:
- Standard - $249 per seat/month
- Professional - $399 per seat/month
- Advanced - $499 per seat/month
- Enterprise - Custom price / contact sales for details
Additionally, you can save up to 25% on their annual subscription.
8. ChatGPT
Unless you've been living under a rock, you are surely familiar with ChatGPT.
Launched in November 2022 by OpenAI, this AI chatbot has paved the way for many advancements in the field of AI.
As of now, it can't help you create or edit videos. However, it can serve as a powerful script generator for marketers looking to save time. Provided high-quality prompts are used, that is.
Use it when:
- You need to draft video scripts quickly.
- You're seeking creative ideas or outlines for video content.
- You want to refine or expand upon existing scripts.
Key features:
- Coherent and contextually relevant script generation based on user prompts.
- Ability to adjust to various writing styles and tones of voice.
- Integration capabilities with 3rd-party video marketing tools to automate workflows, generate metadata, enhance personalization, etc.
Pricing:
OpenAI doesn’t charge anything for the basic version of ChatGPT.
Meanwhile, ChatGPT Plus costs $20 a month. Team plans are available as well, costing $30 if paid monthly and $25 if paid annually.
They also have an Enterprise solution. However, you need to contact their sales team for a quote.
9. VEED.IO
Veed.io is an online video platform powered by AI that, as they say, allows users to create pro-level videos without pro skills.
Use it when:
- You want to create engaging videos and them directly in your browser.
- You are looking for automatic video editor and AI video generator capabilities.
- You don’t have much technical know-how.
Key features:
- Custom AI avatars to bring unique, personalized characters to your videos.
- Voice cloning technology that replicates lifelike speech.
- AI translation and auto-genererated subtitles to make your content accessible globally.
- Extensive stock library with over 2 million video and audio assets.
Pricing:
Like Vimeo, Frame.io, and ChatGPT, VEED.IO also has a free version.
It also has 3 paid subscriptions:
- Lite - $19 per month / per user
- Pro - $49 per month / per user
- Enterprise - Custom pricing
And if you opt for a one-time yearly payment, you’ll save up to 52%.
10. Frame.io
Frame.io is a cloud-based video collaboration platform that simplifies the review and approval process for creative teams. Much like Vimeo, it also integrates with Plainly.
Use it when:
- You need a centralized place for team collaboration on video projects.
- Your workflow requires real-time feedback and version control.
- You're looking to easily integrate with Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Plainly.
Key features:
- Real-time commenting and annotations directly on video frames.
- Version control to track changes and manage multiple iterations.
- Seamless integration with major video marketing tools.
- Secure cloud storage with customizable user permissions.
- Support for Camera to Cloud (C2C) workflows for immediate post-production access.
Pricing:
Frame.io has a free basic plan, much like Vimeo.
As for its paid subscriptions, there are a total of 3, including:
- Pro, at $15 a month / per member
- Team, at $25 a month / per member
- Enterprise, with the custom price / per member.
If you decide to pay on an annual basis, expect to save an additional 13%.
11. Beatoven.ai
Beatoven.ai is an AI-powered music software that creates royalty-free background tracks customized to fit your content's mood and style. Perfect for creators, it takes the hassle out of finding or licensing music.
Use it when:
- You need original background music for videos, podcasts, games, or advertisements.
- You want to set specific moods or themes in your content.
- You aim to avoid copyright issues associated with traditional music licensing.
Key features:
- AI technology for generating unique, royalty-free music tracks.
- Text-to-music functionality to compose tracks by simply describing your idea.
- A diverse selection of moods and genres to complement various content types.
- Options to customize track tempo, instrumentation, and structure.
- Built-in royalty-free licensing for worry-free usage.
- An intuitive interface designed for users of all skill levels.
Pricing:
Though, you cannot download them. There's a free version of Beatoven.ai available that lets you create unlimited tracks. Though, you cannot download them.
They have a paid subscription available for creators who make 2+ videos a month. The price is dynamic and depends on the minutes of download time. Nonetheless, it starts at $6 a month for 15 minutes.
Creators with occasional requirements, on the other hand, can buy minutes at the price of $3 a minute.
12. Canva
Canva is one of the most popular graphic design platforms out there. But what many don’t realize is that it’s also an intuitive (and easy-to-use!) video marketing tool.
Beyond video editing, Canva’s powerful design features allow you to create custom graphics (e.g., video thumbnails, intro screens, etc.) to help you further enhance your video content and engage your audience.
Use it when:
- You need to produce interactive videos with no editing experience, design experience, or professional equipment.
- You want to save time and money by removing the production costs.
- Your goal is to create additional assets for your videos, such as thumbnails, intros, or branded overlays.
Key features:
- Customizable templates to create short videos quickly and easily.
- Drag-and-drop video editor for adding footage, transitions, and audio.
- Access to a premium library with stock footage, stock photos, and audio tracks.
- Graphic design tools for creating thumbnails, intros, and branded elements for your videos.
- Brand Kit for consistent branding with logos, fonts, and custom color palettes.
Pricing:
A free version of Canva is available and often enough for basic video requirements.
Those who require more functionality and premium templates can benefit from their Pro plan at $15 a month. They also offer a Teams plan with a 3-member minimum and a price of $10 a month per member.
A 1-year subscription yields a 16% discount. Discounts are also available for students and teachers.
13. HeyGen
HeyGen is an AI platform that lets you create human-like avatars for professional-quality videos. With support for 175 languages and natural movements, HeyGen is perfect for creating interactive video clips at scale that provide viewers with an engaging experience.
Use it when:
- You want to create compelling videos quickly without traditional filming.
- You need multilingual video content for a global audience.
- You wish to personalize videos with lifelike AI avatars.
Key features:
- Pre-made AI avatars that support 175 languages with natural speech and movement.
- Option to create your own avatar using just a webcam or a photo.
- Simple tools to change an avatar’s voice, clothing, or background with a click.
- Text-to-video functionality.
- Built-in video translation tools for easy content localization.
Pricing:
HeyGen has 4 plans.
- Free
- Creator - $29 a month
- Team - $89 per seat
- Enterprise - Requires a talk with sales for a custom quote
Yearly discounts of 22% are available, too.
14. CapCut
CapCut is a free, user-friendly video editing app developed by ByteDance—the parent company of TikTok. It's commonly used by TikTok and Instagram users for influencer marketing. This is primarily because it provides features that complement short-form video content and make creating such videos more accessible.
Use it when:
- You want to create eye-catching social media videos with text to be used as TikToks, Instagram Reels, and/or YouTube Shorts.
- You’re looking for an easy-to-use video editing tool packed with advanced features.
- You’re after creative effects and transitions to enhance your videos.
Key features:
- Pre-built templates and tools specifically optimized for TikTok videos.
- AI tools for removing backgrounds, stabilizing video, and perfecting colors.
- A huge library of filters, transitions, and stunning visual effects.
- Automatic captions, text-to-speech feature, and human-like AI voice effects.
- Real-time collaboration for seamless project sharing and teamwork.
- Available in-browser, as a desktop, and mobile app (Android and iOS).
Pricing:
Generally speaking, CapCut is free to use.
However, a premium version with additional features and effects also exists. It’s called CapCut Pro and costs $9.99 per month or $89.99 annually.
Make your mark with the right video marketing tool
So, as you can see, video marketing tools are what will help you transform creative ideas into engaging content. The kind that redefines how you connect with your audience.
We've given you a broad list of what we think are the best such tools on the market. However, you don't have to use all video marketing tools available. And neither should you. After all, a tool that's perfect for one may not fit into your content marketing strategy. Thus, take your time—and pick—to make sure your choices align well with your objectives.
But we know one thing for sure: Plainly is the tool you need if you want to truly stand out.
Book a demo with Plainly today and start creating 1000s of impactful, data-driven videos your audience will absolutely love—and do it scale!
Frequently asked questions
What is the best video marketing software for personalization?
There isn’t a single ''best'' video marketing tool—it all depends on your needs and what ''best'' means for you. Nonetheless, if your goal is to deliver personalized videos at scale without compromising on quality, Plainly is certainly a standout choice.
How should I choose the right video marketing tool?
Start by defining your objectives. Are you trying to automate content creation, improve editing, or, say, optimize existing videos? Also, think about your team’s skills and resources. A tool with a steep learning curve might not work if you’re tight on time or staff. At the same time, make sure it’s something that can grow with you. Budget is important, too. Advanced features are great, but they might be overkill (and over budget) if you’re just starting out. Finally, look for tools that integrate seamlessly with your existing tool stack. This will save you hours of back-and-forth and help improve efficiency.
Can I use multiple video marketing tools together?
Absolutely! Many tools are designed to complement each other. For example, you could use After Effects for template creation, Plainly for automating the creation of videos from AE templates, Frame.io for providing feedback, and Vimeo for hosting. Combining tools allows you to leverage each of their best features. Again, just make sure the tools you choose integrate well with each other to prevent issues.
