AI Video Tools That’ll Make Your Dealership Look Like a Pro (Without the Hassle)

Video sells cars. Period.

Studies show social posts with video get 5x the engagement of photos. Customers spend 88% more time on websites with video. But let’s be real, most dealers skip video because it’s a pain. Filming, editing, and making them look good. That’s hours you don’t have.

Or worse, you post some shaky amateur iPhone clip.

AI’s changing the game. I tested three trending tools to see which ones actually deliver for dealerships. No fluff, no overhyped BS. Just what works.

The Best AI Video Tools for Dealers

Synthesia ($18/month)
This one’s a beast. Type a script, pick an AI avatar (or upload your own face), and Synthesia spits out a polished video with voiceovers and captions. You can customize it with your dealership’s logo, colors, and vibe. It supports 80+ languages, so you can even make videos for multilingual customers.
Best for: Customer walkaround videos, service promos, or personalized follow-ups.
Pro Tip: Feed it a script in your voice (like how you’d talk to a customer on the lot) to keep it authentic.

Runway ML ($12/month)
Turn a static photo of a car into a smooth panning video or generate b-roll from a text prompt like “sleek SUV driving through a city at sunset.” It’s got a bit of a learning curve, but the results are slick for creative types.
Best for: Eye-catching inventory highlights or cinematic social media ads.
Downside: Can be glitchy with complex movements, like a full 360° spin. Test it first.

Lumen5 (Free tier available)
Got a blog post or a service special? Lumen5 turns text into engaging videos with stock footage, captions, and music in minutes. It’s dead simple and tweaks videos for TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube aspect ratios.
Best for: Turning your website’s “Why Buy From Us” page into a quick social clip or promoting sales events.
Downside: Less customizable than Synthesia. Stick to simple promos.

The Workflow (Simple)

No matter the tool, here’s how it works:

1. Upload Your Stuff: Drop in a car photo, a service special, or a quick script.

2. Write a Short Script: 30 seconds max. Think, “Check out this 2023 F-150, loaded with tech and ready to roll!”

3. Let AI Do Its Thing: The tool generates your video with footage, voiceovers, or captions.

4. Add Your Branding: Slap on your logo, tweak colors, and add a “Call Now!” at the end.

From zero to done, you’re looking at 10-15 minutes. No film crew, no editing degree, no excuses.

The Bottom Line

If you want videos that feel personal and drive leads then go with Synthesia. For flashy, creative clips to spice up your socials, Runway ML is my pick. If you just need quick videos from existing content, Lumen5 gets it done cheap.

Start with a free trial (all three offer one). Take a car from your lot, snap a photo, and test it. The dealers posting videos today are eating the lunch of the ones still stuck on static images. Don’t be the guy with the blurry iPhone clip.

Industry Buzz

• TikTok’s AI Avatar Ban: They just banned AI-generated avatars in ads. Instagram and Facebook might follow, so lean into tools like Synthesia that let you use your own face or voice for authenticity.

• sMedia’s New AI Tool: These guys launched an AI inventory video solution that auto-generates VIN-specific videos. Sounds cool, but I’m skeptical until I test it. Stay tuned.
  

Next week, I’m diving into how to write AI-powered video scripts in minutes. Got a tool or trick you’re using for videos? Hit reply and let me know!

-Adam