Blog

Conferences aren’t just about soaking up the wisdom from the speakers on stage. They’re a fantastic opportunity to learn from and connect with other L&D people. After all, when else do you find so many of them in one place?

Taking one or two days out of work to go to a conference is no small commitment. The cost in lost work time, travel, not to mention your conference ticket, can add up. 

But play your cards right, and you’ll feel the value long after the vendors have packed up and the conference hall has closed its doors. 

With Learning Technologies Conference and Exhibition 2024 just around the corner, and celebrating its 25^th year with its biggest event yet, we’ve pulled together some insider tips for effective learning and connection at this or any other conference event you go to this year.

Before the conference 

Some people just show up on the day and enjoy the experience. That’s ok if enjoyment is your main goal for attending. But those of us who do a bit of planning beforehand tend to get more out of it.  

Set your conference goal

What outcome would make it feel like a good use of time? Do you want to learn about a specific topic? Look for a new tech solution? Network with people in similar roles in different organizations? Or all of the above? 

Set a goal and plan your visit around it. 

Set your conference goal

What outcome would make it feel like a good use of time? Do you want to learn about a specific topic? Look for a new tech solution? Network with people in similar roles in different organizations? Or all of the above? 

Set a goal and plan your visit around it. 

Donald H Taylor’s Global Sentiment Survey shows what’s hot in workplace in L&D this year. Robin Hoyle’s annual L&D trends article also gives a good indication of what people will be talking about this year.

AI is top of the list in both, so expect to hear a lot about it at any conference or exhibition floor. You can also expect to hear about personalization, analytics, data, and measurement. The most interesting conversations are likely to be about how AI helps you achieve, or changes how you approach, these issues. 

If the conference has an exhibition floor, doing homework ahead of time will help you make the most of your time with vendors.

Colossyan’s Vendor Profiling Tool helps you organize your thinking before, during, and after conversations with vendors. It recommends:

• Identifying 3 to 5 main challenges or problems faced by your organization.
• Listing your fixed requirements or ‘red lines’ (e.g. compatibility with existing tech stack, accessibility, data security, budget).
• Listing your flexible requirements (e.g. exclusive features, support model, future features roadmap).

Decide which sessions you want to see

Concurrent sessions in the conference, a free seminar program, and a huge exhibition floor of vendors, is enough to keep anyone busy for a couple of weeks. Go through the program and choose the ones you want to see most. If you’ve chosen the theme(s) you want to focus on, it’ll make your choices easier.

Some events have apps which help you do this. For example, you can build a personal event plan on the Learning Technologies Conference and Exhibition app. Add the sessions you want to go to – it’ll show you where you’ve got a clash. If you enable notifications, it’ll give you an alert on the day when it’s time to go to your session. 

Even though you’ve picked a theme, there’ll always be something else which catches your eye. At Learning Technologies Conference, most of the sessions will be technology-focused in one way or another. But there will also be some interesting sessions on human and creative skills, like Hadiya Nuriddin’s conference session on Storytelling. 

If you’re struggling to whittle down the sessions you want to go to, look for blog posts with recommendations. Like Tom’s Essential Guide to Learning Technologies 2024’s Standout Sessions. He’s grouped the sessions by theme with a bit more information on the topics and speakers than you’ll get anywhere else.

Connect with people in advance

Find out who’s going among your current connections and if any informal meet-ups are happening. It’s a great opportunity to get recommendations and arrange catch-ups. 

It’s also a great opportunity to connect with people you don’t know yet. David Kelly’s Curated Content highlights current themes and who’s posting about them. If one of the articles piques your interest, connect with the writer and see if they’ll be at the conference. 

If the event has an app, you might be able to use it to connect with people. The Learning Technologies Conference and Exhibition app lets you connect with fellow conference goers and exhibition vendors. Which is perfect for some of the busy vendors because you can book a slot and save yourself hanging around waiting to talk to them. Especially helpful if you have a tight conference schedule. 

Pack a conference bag

Bring a bag with your essentials. You’ll probably get a bag as you go in, or at an exhibition stand. But it’s always a good idea to bring your own so you’ve got what you need, where you need it. 

The seasoned conference and exhibition goer usually has: 

• A refillable water bottle – it’ll get hot, and you’ll get thirsty. Stay hydrated and use the refill stations which are usually dotted around the venue. 
• Snacks – there’s a lot of walking, thinking, and talking. So, you’ll need some carbs and sugar to keep your energy levels up. 
• Something to take notes on – you can’t go to a conference and not take notes. Install a notes app on your tablet or phone. Or bring a notebook and pens (just because you’re going to Learning Technologies doesn’t mean you can’t go analog). 
• Your mobile phone – it’s handy for connecting with people on LinkedIn there and then. You’ll also need it to access the event app or a back-up of your ticket.
• A power bank or charger – your phone’s battery will probably need a top-up at some point, especially if you’re using it to take photos, videos, or notes. 

Ask vendors the right questions

Make the most of your conversations with vendors by asking questions which help you get the information you need. 

If you used the Vendor Profiling Tool when planning your visit, you’ll already be equipped with useful questions. Such as: 

• I’m currently dealing with [problem]. How can your tool help me? 
• We’re struggling to [challenge]. Is that something you can help with? 
• Every tool we use must be [fixed requirement]. Would that be a blocker to using your tool?
• Does your tool deliver [requirement]? 
• Do you have anything that allows [requirement]? 
• Is this a subscription or single purchase? 
• Do I need any specialist hardware to use it? 
• What other costs are associated with using it? 
• How does (or does it) compare with other options?
• What makes it different? 
• What do your customers like most about it? 
• Does this technology exist in other products? 

Not all vendors will be able to answer these questions on the day, so you’ll probably have to schedule a follow-up with them. 

After your visit to the stand, take a few minutes to note down your initial thoughts. This’ll help with comparisons and follow-up calls.

Network

With so many L&D people in one place, there’s no better time to network. But don’t save your networking just for vendors and speakers. Chat to the people sitting next to you while you’re waiting for the session to begin. 

There’s usually a back channel on social media. Check out the conference hashtag to join the conversation – this year’s Learning Technologies Conference hashtag is #LT24UK.

Go to fringe events

There are usually a few fringe events around a conference. These are more relaxed than official conference receptions and a great way to network with people. Check in with your network to find out what’s happening before, during, and after each day.

After the conference

There’s still a lot of value to be had after the event. So, report back to your organisation about what you saw. Then agree next steps. 

Share your thoughts 

People will be talking about the conference for weeks after. So, get involved.

Tell people what it was like to be there. If you can include photos, even better! 

Don’t save all the sharing for online. Tell your colleagues who weren’t there what they missed. 

Connect with people you enjoyed hearing from

This is no time to be shy about connecting with people on LinkedIn. We all expect to pick up some new connections at conferences. 

Especially speakers at the sessions you enjoyed most. Connect with or tag them in posts. Tell them what resonated most. They’ll appreciate the feedback. 

It’s a great way to keep the conversation going with the vendors and people you met at.

Follow up with vendors

Do some follow-up research on the vendors and make appointments with those you’d like to find out more from. 

If you’ve filled out the profiles in the Vendor Profiling Tool and noted what makes each one different, you’ll be able to create a shortlist of those you want to take the next step with.

Ultimately, it’s up to you how you get the most value from attending a conference. But the experience will be all the richer if you follow some (or all) of these tips.

Creating e-learning videos is often a thankless task. Few understand the hard work and long hours that go on behind the scenes to create educational material.

One of the most time-consuming aspects of the process is one that seems, on the surface, pretty simple: recording a voice narration.

But between countless false starts, retakes, and edits post-recording to get the final version right, narration for learning videos is anything but simple.

The good news? There’s a much easier way: AI narrators.

This article will serve as your introduction to the world of AI narration. We’ll explain what AI narrators are, how you use them, what they’re useful for, and how to choose the right platform for your needs.

What is an AI narrator? 

An AI voice generator uses artificial intelligence to generate voice narrations for video content, based on the script that you either provide or create using a few prompts and a generative AI scriptwriter.

AI narrators use a combination of modern technologies, ranging from simple text-to-speech (TTS) systems to more sophisticated natural language processing (NLP) and speech synthesis technologies to convert text into spoken word.

The voice that the AI voice generator provides can be completely computer-generated. Or it can be what’s known as a synthetic voice—one that uses recordings of real human speech (maybe even your own voice!) as its base.

In some cases, AI narrations are accompanied by an AI avatar—a synthetic or computer-generated visual representation of the human or character giving the voice overs. 

How do you use AI voice generation?

While every AI text-to-speech platform has a slightly different workflow, the broad steps to creating a narration are similar.

Here’s what the steps might look like in Colossyan, for instance:

1. Import your script or write one from scratch using generative AI (often a feature included in the same software platform).

2. Choose your AI avatar and voice (if you’re using one).

3. Select your language and accent.

4. Adjust the narration with parameters such as tone and scenario.

4 benefits of using an AI narrator in your e-learning videos 

Still not sure about using an AI voice generator to power your e-learning material?

Here are four tangible benefits of using AI avatars that you’ll see right away:

1. Support different learning styles 

For many, written text is a difficult learning medium. It can be slow and often fails to communicate nuances that the human voice can.

An AI voice generator with a natural-sounding voice can help support text-based learning by giving your educational materials engaging audio that helps students learn in a way that works best for them.

2. Improve consistency across learning videos 

Traditional, human-recorded voice overs are the norm in e-learning, but they can create an inconsistent experience for learners.

These videos often feature speakers with different voices and audio recording setups with varying degrees of audio quality, which not only impact the learning experience but actually make it harder and more time-consuming to edit into a final product.

AI text to speech platforms eliminate that inconsistency, as you can use the same computer-generated voice with the same accent and inflection across all videos, creating consistent quality.

Plus, your AI avatar will never get sick and record a video with a blocked nose!

3. Add subtitles to promote accessibility 

Adding subtitles and captions to videos is a great way to promote accessibility in e-learning.

If you’re not using AI-generated voice narration, you’ll likely have to do this manually, adding another item to your to-do list before you can get that video out to students.

But the more advanced AI voice generators on the market take this work off your plate, helping you to automatically generate subtitles and superimpose them over your video.

4. Translate in seconds

The best AI narrators also have built-in translators, allowing you to easily and automatically translate an entire narration in just seconds.

How to choose an AI voice generation solution for e-learning 

Ready to get started with AI narration?

There are plenty of options out there, from a simple free AI voice generator to the most complex platforms that let you create your own AI voice to generate voice overs that sound just like you.

Your next step should be to start looking for a software solution to help you get the job done.

Before you dive into that task, though, take note of these quick tips for choosing an AI voice-generation solution:

1. Check for learning requirements like SCORM 

When picking an AI narration tool to create e-learning and training videos, your first step should be to check out the tool’s ability to meet learning requirement ratings.

For instance, Colossyan offers features that support learning and development needs, such as automatic translation and scenario-based learning.

Of particular importance is the ability to export videos in sharable content object reference model (SCORM) format, a set of technology standards that all major learning management systems (LMS) use.

If you’re using an LMS to support online learning, you’ll want to prioritize a tool that offers SCORM as an output format.

2. Review the available avatars, voices, languages, and accents 

Next, take a look at each tool’s range of AI avatars, realistic AI voices, languages, and accents. 

If you’re going to create training videos with AI avatars, you’ll want someone who is a fit for your audience.

A gruff-looking man in overalls might be perfect for internal videos at an engineering firm, but he’s probably not the best fit for a group of 8-year-olds.

The best AI narration tools will provide a variety of avatars to choose from.

From there, ask these questions:

• What languages and accents are the AI-generated voices available in?
• Can you alter features like tone while still retaining natural-sounding speech?
• Does the tool offer voice cloning technology so you can use your own AI-generated voice sound in educational videos?

Pro tip: You can choose your favorite voices in Colossyan and always keep them at the top for easy access.

3. Consider the need for custom avatars

Didn’t find an AI avatar that suits your use case? Or perhaps you want to add a personal touch to your learning videos?

Some AI narrator tools also offer the ability to generate a custom avatar with your own gestures and facial expressions.

Depending on the tool in question, you may be able to create a basic avatar using your smartphone, or you might need to book some time in a studio with professional equipment.

4. Review quality standards 

Now that you’ve ticked off some of those preliminary boxes, turn your attention to audio quality.

What does the narration sound like? Is it a natural human voice, or does it sound a bit robotic? Is the narration quality the same across all voices and accents, or does it differ?

Moreover, how realistic does the narration need to be for your needs? 

Some use cases may require as much realism as possible to pass as a real human voice. In other cases, you might be completely happy with a voice that is clearly AI-generated but communicates the intended message just fine.

5. Make sure the tool integrates with your existing tech stack 

One of the big wins of using an AI voice generator is the amount of time and effort you save compared to traditional voice recordings.

You can take this efficiency gain to the next level by integrating the tool into your existing software infrastructure.

For example, if you can export a video directly from your AI video generation platform to your e-learning solution, you can skip the download and upload processes and get learning content out to a global audience faster.

6. Confirm that the pricing fits within your budget 

Finally, you’ll want to take a look at what the tool actually costs.

At the end of the day, the best AI voice generator serves all your needs without breaking the bank.

Free AI voice generators do exist and can be a reasonable option for getting started, but they generally don’t offer a lot in terms of feature richness, and quality is often a concern—especially if they don’t allow you to fine-tune audio files or choose different speech styles.

The good news is that professional options like Colossyan offer packages using synthetic voices that start at just $19 per month.

Colossyan: Your AI avatar for e-learning videos 

AI narrators can be powerful tools for creating e-learning content at scale or for adding natural sound voice overs to your YouTube videos.

The best options offer natural-sounding voices across dozens of languages, accents, and speaking styles, helping you find the perfect voice for your needs.

Some solutions, like Colossyan, go beyond simple narration—not only providing high-quality voice overs but also adding a powerful visual element with AI avatars.

Unlock the full potential of AI video creation today with Colossyan.

Creating e-learning videos is often a thankless task. Few understand the hard work and long hours that go on behind the scenes to create educational material.

One of the most time-consuming aspects of the process is one that seems, on the surface, pretty simple: recording a voice narration.

But between countless false starts, retakes, and edits post-recording to get the final version right, narration for learning videos is anything but simple.

The good news? There’s a much easier way: AI narrators.

This article will serve as your introduction to the world of AI narration. We’ll explain what AI narrators are, how you use them, what they’re useful for, and how to choose the right platform for your needs.

What is an AI narrator? 

An AI voice generator uses artificial intelligence to generate voice narrations for video content, based on the script that you either provide or create using a few prompts and a generative AI scriptwriter.

AI narrators use a combination of modern technologies, ranging from simple text-to-speech (TTS) systems to more sophisticated natural language processing (NLP) and speech synthesis technologies to convert text into spoken word.

The voice that the AI voice generator provides can be completely computer-generated. Or it can be what’s known as a synthetic voice—one that uses recordings of real human speech (maybe even your own voice!) as its base.

In some cases, AI narrations are accompanied by an AI avatar—a synthetic or computer-generated visual representation of the human or character giving the voice overs. 

How do you use AI voice generation?

While every AI text-to-speech platform has a slightly different workflow, the broad steps to creating a narration are similar.

Here’s what the steps might look like in Colossyan, for instance:

1. Import your script or write one from scratch using generative AI (often a feature included in the same software platform).
2. Choose your AI avatar and voice (if you’re using one).
3. Select your language and accent.
4. Adjust the narration with parameters such as tone and scenario.

4 benefits of using an AI narrator in your e-learning videos 

Still not sure about using an AI voice generator to power your e-learning material?

Here are four tangible benefits of using AI avatars that you’ll see right away:

1. Support different learning styles 

For many, written text is a difficult learning medium. It can be slow and often fails to communicate nuances that the human voice can.

An AI voice generator with a natural-sounding voice can help support text-based learning by giving your educational materials engaging audio that helps students learn in a way that works best for them.

2. Improve consistency across learning videos 

Traditional, human-recorded voice overs are the norm in e-learning, but they can create an inconsistent experience for learners.

These videos often feature speakers with different voices and audio recording setups with varying degrees of audio quality, which not only impact the learning experience but actually make it harder and more time-consuming to edit into a final product.

AI text to speech platforms eliminate that inconsistency, as you can use the same computer-generated voice with the same accent and inflection across all videos, creating consistent quality.

Plus, your AI avatar will never get sick and record a video with a blocked nose!

3. Add subtitles to promote accessibility 

Adding subtitles and captions to videos is a great way to promote accessibility in e-learning.

If you’re not using AI-generated voice narration, you’ll likely have to do this manually, adding another item to your to-do list before you can get that video out to students.

But the more advanced AI voice generators on the market take this work off your plate, helping you to automatically generate subtitles and superimpose them over your video.

4. Translate in seconds

The best AI narrators also have built-in translators, allowing you to easily and automatically translate an entire narration in just seconds.

How to choose an AI voice generation solution for e-learning 

Ready to get started with AI narration?

There are plenty of options out there, from a simple free AI voice generator to the most complex platforms that let you create your own AI voice to generate voice overs that sound just like you.

Your next step should be to start looking for a software solution to help you get the job done.

Before you dive into that task, though, take note of these quick tips for choosing an AI voice-generation solution:

1. Check for learning requirements like SCORM 

When picking an AI narration tool to create e-learning and training videos, your first step should be to check out the tool’s ability to meet learning requirement ratings.

For instance, Colossyan offers features that support learning and development needs, such as automatic translation and scenario-based learning.

Of particular importance is the ability to export videos in sharable content object reference model (SCORM) format, a set of technology standards that all major learning management systems (LMS) use.

If you’re using an LMS to support online learning, you’ll want to prioritize a tool that offers SCORM as an output format.

2. Review the available avatars, voices, languages, and accents 

Next, take a look at each tool’s range of AI avatars, realistic AI voices, languages, and accents. 

If you’re going to create training videos with AI avatars, you’ll want someone who is a fit for your audience.

A gruff-looking man in overalls might be perfect for internal videos at an engineering firm, but he’s probably not the best fit for a group of 8-year-olds.

The best AI narration tools will provide a variety of avatars to choose from.

From there, ask these questions:

• What languages and accents are the AI-generated voices available in?
• Can you alter features like tone while still retaining natural-sounding speech?
• Does the tool offer voice cloning technology so you can use your own AI-generated voice sound in educational videos?

Pro tip: You can choose your favorite voices in Colossyan and always keep them at the top for easy access.

3. Consider the need for custom avatars

Didn’t find an AI avatar that suits your use case? Or perhaps you want to add a personal touch to your learning videos?

Some AI narrator tools also offer the ability to generate a custom avatar with your own gestures and facial expressions.

Depending on the tool in question, you may be able to create a basic avatar using your smartphone, or you might need to book some time in a studio with professional equipment.

4. Review quality standards 

Now that you’ve ticked off some of those preliminary boxes, turn your attention to audio quality.

What does the narration sound like? Is it a natural human voice, or does it sound a bit robotic? Is the narration quality the same across all voices and accents, or does it differ?

Moreover, how realistic does the narration need to be for your needs? 

Some use cases may require as much realism as possible to pass as a real human voice. In other cases, you might be completely happy with a voice that is clearly AI-generated but communicates the intended message just fine.

5. Make sure the tool integrates with your existing tech stack 

One of the big wins of using an AI voice generator is the amount of time and effort you save compared to traditional voice recordings.

You can take this efficiency gain to the next level by integrating the tool into your existing software infrastructure.

For example, if you can export a video directly from your AI video generation platform to your e-learning solution, you can skip the download and upload processes and get learning content out to a global audience faster.

6. Confirm that the pricing fits within your budget 

Finally, you’ll want to take a look at what the tool actually costs.

At the end of the day, the best AI voice generator serves all your needs without breaking the bank.

Free AI voice generators do exist and can be a reasonable option for getting started, but they generally don’t offer a lot in terms of feature richness, and quality is often a concern—especially if they don’t allow you to fine-tune audio files or choose different speech styles.

The good news is that professional options like Colossyan offer packages using synthetic voices that start at just $19 per month.

Colossyan: Your AI avatar for e-learning videos 

AI narrators can be powerful tools for creating e-learning content at scale or for adding natural sound voice overs to your YouTube videos.

The best options offer natural-sounding voices across dozens of languages, accents, and speaking styles, helping you find the perfect voice for your needs.

Some solutions, like Colossyan, go beyond simple narration—not only providing high-quality voice overs but also adding a powerful visual element with AI avatars.

Unlock the full potential of AI video creation today with Colossyan.

‍

Learning Technologies 2024 is almost here, and it's massive! With over 200 sessions to choose from, knowing where to spend your time can be a challenge. If only someone spent the time to categorize and review every session, then provide a list of suggestions organized by theme…

Good news!

I’ve spent this week doing exactly this.

Why?

Why is a question I asked myself more than a few times during this process, but in truth, this is an amped-up version of what I always do before attending events. There's nothing worse than sitting down in a seminar, only to realise 2-minutes in that this was a bad choice. Hopefully, this article can save you from this fate.

Categorization by Theme

I, or rather we, started by collating every session from the exhibition, conference, and bitesize learning zone into a single spreadsheet. This included the theme listed against the session.

I then reviewed each session in a given theme and selected the sessions I felt merited your attention.

Making the Cut

Whittling down more than 200 sessions to a manageable number of suggestions is not a small or easy job. Not least because there are so many great sessions this year. I decided to keep my criteria simple, but flexible enough to allow for some variation between themes.

1. Timeliness - Does the session cover topics that we need to hear about right now?
2. Speaker Quality - Are the speakers experts in their field? And, are they known to present well?
3. Originality - Have I heard this one before? The idea may not always be original, but I always look for a new take or application.
4. Applicability - Will this session help you do something new or improve something old? If the answer to both is no, then why attend?

It’s important to note that we all have some biases when it comes to picking sessions at events. For this reason, I’ve tried to explain my rationale for each choice in this article. Each category has its own set of suggestions, so you can skip through to the subjects you are most interested in.

AI & Technology

There’s no ignoring it; AI is the headline right now—not just in the learning tech space but in almost every industry! Naturally, this has led to many sessions at the conference and exhibition.

For these suggestions, I tried to find sessions that could better inform and equip you to make strategic and near-term decisions about using AI tools.

Delivering personalized, skills-based content experiences using AI

Wednesday, 17th April
10:40 - 10:55
Bitesize Learning Zone 2

This session with Chriss Giddings and Adam Atkins from Cornerstone promises to examine the importance of better curating and personalizing content and AI's role in supporting these activities.

At a time when ‘more content’ is often the default response, this session's focus on curation and personalization stood out.

T1S4 - Artificial intelligence

Thursday, 18th April
11:15 - 12:25
Conference Theatre 1

This roundtable, chaired by Donald H. Taylor and featuring Egle Vinauskaite and Markus Bernhardt, promises to explore AI's potential beyond content creation.

At an event packed with expert-led sessions, this stands out as bringing together three no-nonsense voices we should all listen to.

A world in flux: AI and the forces transforming work, and what we can - and should - do about it

Wednesday, 17th April
9:30 - 10:30
Conference Theatre 1

The conference's opening address, given by Daniel Susskind, explored the opportunities and challenges presented by the development of AI and what it all means for the future of work.

For those wondering where we are in the AI ethics debate, you couldn't ask for a better grounding.

The vital role of human skills in leveraging AI effectively

Wednesday, 17th April
11:00 - 11:30
Seminar Theatre 10

This exhibition seminar, featuring Remy Reurling from Goodhabitz, draws attention to the essential human skills required to use AI in the workplace successfully.

This session will prove helpful for anyone starting their AI implementation journey or struggling with one already in progress.

AI, AI everywhere, but what will work for me?

Thursday, 18th April
12:30 - 13:00
Seminar Theatre 1

Okay, perhaps I’m a little biased here, but we wouldn’t be speaking if we didn’t have something worthwhile to share. I’ll share a helpful process and tool to help you build an effective and efficient L&D techstack.

At a time when there are more options and more noise than I’ve seen in a long time, this session will help you discern the signal you need to make better technology and partnering decisions.

From hype to reality - Using AI to create, learn & upskill

Wednesday, 17 April
11:00 - 11:30
Seminar Theatre 7

Niloufar Zarin and Helen Marshall will discuss how AI can support effective social learning experiences. With so much talk about how AI risks removing the human element, this is a refreshing topic of discussion.

This session brings together two experts in their fields and opens an interesting conversation about AI's role and potential.

Honourable mentions

Look, whittling down so many sessions was tough. And a few deserve a mention and your time if you can make it.

T2S3 - Learning personalisation

Wednesday 17 April
15:50 - 17:00
Conference Theatre 2

This session, chaired by Nial Gavin and featuring Peter Manniche Riber and Tiffany Abinsay, explores how data and AI can revolutionize learning personalization.

Choosing the Best Learning Standard to Future-Proof Your Tech Stack

Thursday 18 April
10:40 - 10:55
Bitesize Learning Zone 2

Chris Tompkins from Rustici Software will discuss CMI5 adoption and selecting the right learning standard. This may not seem as revolutionary as some other topics this year, but getting this right is vital to building your L&D tech stack.

Assessment & Measurement

The importance of assessment and measurement cannot be overstated. As an industry, we are being challenged to show value more clearly than ever before, and that’s a good thing.

For these suggestions, I’ve focused on sessions that will empower you to track, measure, and report unquestionable value to your organization.

T4S4 - Learning Impact

Thursday 18 April
11:15 - 12:25
Conference Theatre 4

This session, chaired by Anthony Williams and featuring Alice Thompson, Fran Butler, and Tayn Pavelic, promises to explore the demonstration of strategic value to your organization.

Roundtables like this are always excellent opportunities to crowdsource the very best thinking on a subject.

Your golden ticket to quantifiable ROI

Thursday 18 April
14:45 - 15:15
Seminar Theatre 4

Adrian Harvey, CEO of Elephants Don't Forget, will deliver a session showing how a client has done it right. These case studies are useful because they provide examples of exactly what those who are seeing success are doing.

If you’re not sure where to start in terms of showing ROI in your organization, this session is for you.

How to Optimize Employee Evaluation to Drive Business Forward

Wednesday, 17 April
13:15 - 13:45
Seminar Theatre 5

Nadya Stels, Global Partnerships Head at iSpring Solutions, will be running a session on looking beyond the moment of assessment and exploring how we communicate results to learners. This topic interests me because it's not one I see being discussed often.

If you’re trying to engage learners in a longer learning journey beyond the point of assessment, this session is worth seeing.

Compliance

Compliance remains the constant in the world of L&D. It may not be the most exciting content we engage with, but it’s one of L&D’s biggest opportunities to make a real-world impact.

This section is shorter as there were only a few sessions to choose from.

T5S2 - Compliance

Wednesday 17 April
13:55 - 15:05
Conference Theatre 5

This session, chaired by the one and only Michelle Parry-Slater, features Robert Waggot, Matt Price, and Sarah Twaites. The discussion of how technology can revolutionize compliance training is well-timed and much-needed.

Compliance training is a constant requirement in every organization I’ve worked in or with, making this session highly relevant for just about everyone.

A gamechanger to Compliance Learning with Dr. Martens

Thursday 18 April
11:00 - 11:30
Seminar Theatre 4

Simon Truckle and Catriona Razic from Skillcast will be discussing a real-world example of how to create engaging and effective compliance training.

My desire to include this session is simple: most compliance training doesn’t work. It’s dull, disengaging, and ineffective. If you want to start fixing this in your organization, this is worth attending.

Learning Methods and Approaches

This is always a busy collection of sessions. But, it's also a veritable treasure trove of case studies, blueprints and discussions that are immediately actionable.

For this section I selected the sessions I felt promised the most practical value.

Blended Learning Done a Lidl Differently

Thursday 18 April
11:00 - 11:30
Seminar Theatre 11

Alistair Cumming from Lidl will be joining Jack Quantrill of Learning Pool and will be sharing the award-winning blended learning program that delivered great results and saved the company millions.

These case studies are an excellent opportunity to see how the very best are doing it. This session is bound to yield many practical takeaways.

Mastering Competencies: The Met Office's Skill Mapping Blueprint

Thursday 18 April
11:00 - 11:30
Seminar Theatre 8

Brendan Kilshaw will be sharing a behind-the-scenes look at how competencies are used at the Met Office to develop a people framework.

If skills development is on your list, this is the session for you.

The 3 Laws of Attraction: Creating a “pull” approach to serious learning

Wednesday 17 April
11:00 - 11:30
Seminar Theatre 6

Ceri Jones from the LEGO Group will be sharing the three guiding principles that she uses at The LEGO Group to attract learners to serious learning topics.

This kind of practical, actionable session is what I love about Learning Technologies. One not to miss!

T2S2 - Storytelling

Wednesday, 17 April
13:55 - 15:05
Conference Theatre 2

Kinga Petrovai will chair this session, which will feature Hadiya Nuriddin, exploring how we take business data and use it to craft stories with impact.

Storytelling is a skill that unlocks a world of potential. This is a great way to develop your skills in building stories that matter.

T5S3 - Business-aligned learning

Wednesday, 17 April
15:50 - 17:00
Conference Theatre 5

Michelle Parry-Slater will chair a session featuring Laura Overton on aligning learning to organizational objectives. Need I say more? When we talk about delivering unquestionable value, this is what it's all about.

This session features 2 of my favorite L&D voices and covers a topic we must all learn to do better. If you can attend, you should.

Learning Platforms and Tools

Learning platforms can seem a little dull, but nothing could be further from the truth. Almost every learning intervention today is experienced through the lens of the platform in which it lives.

For this section I looked for session focussed on universally application processes. Sessions that are only useful with a specific product can be great, but obviously have limited application.

Systems Training 101: The Ultimate Guide

Wednesday, 17 April
14:00 - 14:30
Seminar Theatre 1

Leena Randhawa from Omniplex will share some best practices for systems training. We’ll all have had some experience with this topic; whether it's an update to the office suite or a proprietary billing platform, system training can be tough.

Omniplex has an excellent reputation for delivering value in its sessions. Although this topic may not grab headlines, it has the potential to offer massive value.

When is an LMS Like a Writing Desk?

Thursday, 18 April
11:45 - 12:15
Seminar Theatre 7

In this session, Jessica Myles will share a real-world use of eLearning authoring tools, platforms, and processes. 

I’m always on the lookout for speakers I’ve never heard before, and this session stood out.

eLearning for International Audiences: Strategies for Effective Learning Transfer across diverse markets

Wednesday, 17 April
13:15 - 13:45
Seminar Theatre 9

Designing great learning experiences is tough; deploying them effectively across diverse markets is another level. In this talk, Chetan Khushal promises to explore the cultural preferences and expectations we need to consider.

Localization is critical to success in multi-cultural and location workplaces. Any opportunity to discuss cultural preferences and their impact on learning is worth looking at.

Engagement and Development

Engagement and development is a broad theme, but there are some standout sessions here. Given the need for so much change in this field, I’m pleased to see a good range of topics.

I chose these topics for their focus on real-world deliverables and their variety. From coaching to performance support and finishing up in the world of mentoring, there’s a lot to see.

Unlock your potential - reflective coaching workshop with Behavioural Scientists

Wednesday, 17 April
15:40 - 15:55
Bitesize Learning Zone 1

In this session, Mat Piaggi and Sarah Henson discuss reflective coaching. They promise valuable tools and strategies to enhance self-awareness, manage transitions, and cultivate resilience in the face of change.

I love to see practitioners take a scientific approach. If reflective coaching is new to you or you want to improve your skills, this is the session for you.

T1S3 - Performance support

Wednesday, 17 April
15:50 - 17:00
Conference Theatre 1

This session, chaired by Sarah Ratcliff and featuring Ben Kirby and Daniel Redman, is about the pivot we need to make from content to performance outcomes. This is what modern learning and development is all about: workplace performance outcomes.

If you’d like to move toward delivering measurable performance outcomes in your business, this is worth attending. Sarah is a passionate and engaged L&D pro, so you’re in safe hands!

AI is not the (only) answer: unlock the power of your workforce with mentoring

Wednesday, 17 April
10:15 - 10:45
Seminar Theatre 6

Mike Pryke and Hattie Pursell from Guider will share their thoughts on why human-centric mentoring programs are essential to L&D’s future success.

I included this session precisely because we need to know when AI is and isn’t helping us. Mentoring is a vital part of our work, so if you’re not utilizing it already, this is a great place to start.

Professional Development

One of the things I love most about our field is our openness to professional development. Events like learning technologies are a hotbed for discovering new ways of working and defining our next steps.

I’ve chosen these sessions because they address some of the biggest development needs in our industry today.

The L&D Strategy Equation: A pragmatic approach for the busy Learning Leader

Thursday, 18 April
11:00 - 11:30
Seminar Theatre 6

Josh Cardoz from Sponge will run this session and share a framework for aligning with your organization's strategic objectives. This may sound simple, but I know many of us struggle to do it.

This is a big focus in our industry right now. To deliver value, we must help the business achieve its stated objectives.

Amplifying your business reach with extended enterprise training

Wednesday, 17 April
15:30 - 16:00
Seminar Theatre 3

Sven Becker and Karien Stroucken from IMC will discuss how to extend enterprise training to external stakeholders. If you’ve ever tried training external contractors, you’ll know how tough this can be.

Everyone should attend this session if they can. The ability to deliver results in external contexts is becoming increasingly important.

L2S1 - L&D and Sustainability

Thursday, 18 April
12:40 - 13:20

This session, chaired by Rob Hubbard and featuring Natalie Ainsworth, Jodie Pritchard, and Bryan Hopkins, is totally different and very important. Sustainability is a hot topic, but we leave it to others often. Here, we’ll hear exactly what we can do to effect positive change.

I’ve included this talk because the speakers are excellent, and the topic is one we rarely hear about. We have much to learn in this area, so let's begin.

Social, Ethical, and Accessibility

Some of the sessions I enjoyed most fall under this theme. From accessibility to social learning and psychological safety, these sessions make you think.

My choices here were tough, as I wanted to include all of them. I chose these three based on where I would start on these topics.

The True Cost of Accessibility

Wednesday, 17 April
14:45 - 15:15
Seminar Theatre 6

Gemma Nunn from Mint will share the costs to organizations for not delivering accessible learning experiences. This is often overlooked or, perhaps worse, paid lip service to.

Gemma is a fantastic speaker and an expert practitioner in creating accessible content.

Is there a right way to get it wrong? Three ways to build psychological safety at work

Wednesday, 17 April
15:30 - 16:00
Seminar Theatre 10

Simon Riddlesden, Dr. Hazel Harrison, and Dani Saadu will discuss one of my favorite topics: failure. More accurately, they will discuss psychological safety and the need to get things wrong and learn from them.

This session is worth attending if you want scientific insight into this process and what is needed to support it.

T4S2 - Social learning

Wednesday, 17 April
13:55 - 15:05
Conference Theatre 4

Claire Doody and Starling Hunter will discuss social learning and, more specifically, enhancing communication and knowledge flow. This area is too often ignored, and in-depth content is not the answer.

This is a must-attend conference session if you want to implement a social learning program.

Organizational and Cultural Considerations

This theme is an opportunity to engage more broadly with the businesses in which we work. After all, L&D is a servant enterprise to the wider organization. We work to support others in achieving objectives, so we need to engage with those around us and understand the broader culture in which we work.

My choices here are aimed to give you an idea of just how varied this space is and how much we have to learn.

Let's Build a Winning L&D Business Case [Live Workshop]

Wednesday, 17 April
14:50 - 15:05
Bitesize Learning Zone 1

Chris Chesterman is running this workshop to share how to create effective business cases. I have struggled with this skill for a long time, and I am pleased to see it featured here.

This is a skill everyone in L&D needs, so if you’re not sure about your ability to do this, I suggest you make 15 minutes for this session.

T3S5 - Learning leadership

Thursday, 18 April
13:55 - 15:05
Conference Theatre 3

This session, chaired by Donald H. Taylor and featuring Heather Stefanski and Chara Balasubramaniam, explores the skills needed to lead L&D and what the future looks like in terms of L&D roles and our place in the broader businesses in which we work.

Great leaders in L&D are rare indeed. If you are a leader in your function or want to be one, this is an ideal session for you.

What didn’t I include?

Well, there's lots of stuff! With so many sessions and competing priorities, it’s impossible to include everything. The sessions listed in this article stood out to me as having the most evident and immediate value.

That said, I will definitely have missed some. So, if there is a great session that is not on this list, please let me know! Similarly, on both days, I’ll be roaming the corridors of the Learning Technologies Exhibition, mic in hand, searching for your thoughts on the event. If you see me, say hello and share what you’re taking back to the office.

Video has become an increasingly powerful tool for human resources (HR) teams that are looking to engage employees and candidates in new ways. 

HR video content is a dynamic medium that can capture attention and share important messages, from recruitment and onboarding to training and communication, with employees across your workforce. While HR videos have traditionally focused on dry policy reviews or stiff workplace conduct training, creative HR teams are finding new, innovative ways to use video to their advantage. 

With the right vision and execution, HR videos can boost employer branding, simplify complex topics, and foster a positive workplace culture. In this article, we'll explore five inventive approaches for HR teams to leverage the power of video.

5 creative ways to use video in HR

These days, anyone can create a short video—HR teams included. But it takes intentional creativity to make videos that truly engage employees and get them excited about what’s happening in their organization.

But don’t worry—no need to start brainstorming just yet. Take a look at these five creative ways that HR teams currently use video content to get their messages across:

1. Onboarding and orientation

One creative way that HR teams can use video for onboarding new employees is through welcome videos. These videos can talk about key topics like company culture to smooth the onboarding process. Because they go beyond a typical dry presentation of company policies and procedures, these videos provide an immersive look into an organization’s values, people, and working environment. 

But how can HR teams ensure that these video clips aren’t cookie-cutter productions?

To start, engaging HR video content should focus on the employee. A well-produced employee onboarding video provides new hires with an authentic peek into what their new workplace is really like. It can introduce the leadership team, highlight outstanding team members, and showcase the facilities and amenities. Rather than just convey facts, these videos provide a lasting impression and help new team members feel an immediate sense of belonging.

For example, an HR video that introduces the company could start with the CEO greeting new employees and sharing the organization’s mission and core principles. It could then transition to a montage of diverse employees describing in their own words what company culture means to them. 

Ultimately, skillfully produced company culture videos provide valuable context that written materials alone can’t deliver. If you want to onboard employees the right way, you need to start leveraging video content.

Skills training

HR teams can also create engaging training videos to teach their employees new skills or reinforce existing knowledge. Well-produced professional videos, like on-demand webinars or video series, allow HR to capture all the details of a training topic and share them with employees, who can then review the content at their own pace.

For example, instead of running multiple live sessions of a software training session, HR could invest in a high-quality video series. Breaking down the training into short, focused chapters makes it easier for employees to understand and retain the material. Additionally, HR can add screen recordings, animations, and an instructor’s voiceover to their videos to provide a truly multimedia experience that won’t make employees’ eyes glaze over during mandatory workplace training.

Having these training resources in a video format also offers numerous benefits that traditional in-person group sessions don’t. For starters, employees can rewatch videos as needed until they fully grasp the concepts, which ensures that they understand how to execute their tasks and responsibilities. Current employees can also easily refresh their skills through HR's video training library instead of scheduling new live training sessions.

Internal communications

HR departments may produce short, engaging HR videos to streamline internal communications and keep their employees up-to-date on what’s happening across their organization. Video is an excellent medium for HR teams to capture attention and convey messages, from reminders about new initiatives to important details on changing company policies.

One creative example is using animated videos to share company updates or announcements. HR departments could even work with designers to craft a branding package that uses company colors, logos, and visuals to create an immersive experience.

For instance, if an HR team needed to communicate a new time-off policy change, they could create a one- to two-minute animated video. An AI narrator could open the video by acknowledging the previous policy, follow with an explanation of the new rules, and close by emphasizing how the change benefits employees. Unlike a dry email or PDF that employees may skim or forget, a dynamic video has a better chance of grabbing and holding employees’ focus.

Video is also perfect for HR teams to comprehensively address employees’ frequently asked questions. An HR team member could sit down for an on-camera interview to provide answers about benefits, 401k details, time-off procedures, and more.

Employee recruitment

HR teams can leverage the power of video to amplify their recruitment efforts and attract top talent. After all, HR video production opens new creative possibilities to showcase employer branding and entice potential candidates year-round. 

Here are a few engaging video ideas you can use as inspiration:

Job posting videos: Instead of a basic text listing, HR teams can create short, high-impact videos that highlight individual job openings. These videos provide a sneak peek into a day in the life of that role through authentic footage of employees in action. Hearing from real team members adds personality and realism that static job descriptions lack.

Recruitment video series: An episodic series could also pull back the curtain on a company’s culture and work environment. Each video episode could spotlight a different team, workplace perk, or employee value proposition angle. Seeing the office vibe, meeting employees from diverse roles, and understanding the company’s mission makes it easier for potential candidates to see themselves working there.

‍Behind-the-scenes looks: Videos help companies showcase what makes them unique and stand out from competitors who are also vying for top candidates. HR departments can create tours of amazing office spaces, highlight fun team outings, or give glimpses into exciting new initiatives and innovations that are happening behind the scenes.   

Employee recognition

HR teams can boost employee satisfaction and engagement by using videos for creative employee recognition and appreciation. By going beyond just an email or certificate, videos allow HR teams to forge an emotional connection while celebrating their team members’ hard work and achievements.

One idea is to create custom video vignettes for work anniversaries or major milestones. HR teams could gather testimonials from managers, colleagues, and leadership, along with congratulatory messages and specific examples of the honoree’s contributions. Weaving those clips together with footage of the employee at work creates a powerful, personalized tribute that highlights their unique impact.

For broader employee recognition, HR departments could even produce monthly or quarterly video recap reels that applaud teams’ recent wins or give shout-outs to standout individuals. Having leaders record introductions and conclusions, interspersed with montages of employees in action, reinforces a strong culture of appreciation.

Videos are also effective for peer-to-peer recognition. HR teams could launch an initiative for employees to easily record and submit short video kudos that they then compile and share internally. Hearing authentic praise directly from coworkers provides an extra morale boost.

Trends in HR video content

Now that you have a few ideas to run with, it’s time to ask how exactly HR teams use video content today. Here are the current HR video trends we’ve seen in workplaces:

Company culture showcases

Employee testimonial videos have become a powerful way for HR teams to capture and share what it’s truly like to work at their company. Having real team members discuss company values, work environments, career growth opportunities, and team camaraderie adds tremendous authenticity. These videos reinforce the organization’s culture and employer branding.

Creative recruiting videos

To attract top talent, HR departments produce lively, creatively-executed recruiting videos that go beyond dry job descriptions. These videos might provide an inside look at the company’s mission and vision, highlight outstanding team members, give office and facility tours, and showcase exciting new initiatives. Compelling storytelling helps potential candidates better understand workplace culture.

Personalized video welcomes

Making new hires feel valued and excited to join the team is easier with personalized video welcome messages. To create these videos, HR teams have the new employee’s manager or team members record brief video introductions and words of welcome. Receiving these friendly video emails builds rapport and appreciation from the start.

Comprehensive onboarding videos

Instead of overwhelming newcomers with paperwork, HR teams use easily-digestible videos for more engaging onboarding. These videos can comprehensively cover policies, codes of conduct, benefits, facilities, processes, and other need-to-know basics in a dynamic way. Videos also allow for standardized and scalable onboarding messaging.  

Leadership video messages

Maintaining a strong executive presence and transparency is critical for HR teams. Having leadership deliver video messages about key company updates, future plans, motivational talks, and more helps employees feel connected and informed. These video communications build trust and improve engagement.

Social responsibility videos 

Capturing a company’s social and environmental impact through video storytelling is an increasingly important way for HR teams to promote corporate social responsibility efforts. Videos can highlight philanthropic initiatives, volunteer programs, ethical sourcing, and sustainability commitments in an inspiring, human way.

Internal communications videos

Critical HR announcements, policy changes, training sessions, and other important internal communications are far more engaging and memorable when delivered through video rather than text-heavy formats. Video enables HR teams to add graphics, act out scenarios, and convey messaging in a compelling way.

Instructional how-to videos

Developing comprehensive video learning libraries allows HR teams to provide easily accessible process documentation, software training, professional development resources, and more. Employees can watch bite-sized videos on demand to learn at their own pace or quickly find answers to their questions.

Day in the life videos

What does a typical workday look like? HR departments create day in the life–style videos that follow specific teams or roles through their routines. These videos give prospective candidates a view into real work life at the company while confirming expectations for current employees. Inside access to the workplace experience provides valuable context.

Video appreciation and recognition

Nothing shows employee appreciation like heartfelt, personalized video messages. HR teams use videos for creative employee recognitions, from work anniversary tributes to quarterly MVP shout-outs. Recording congratulatory videos with testimonials from colleagues makes achievements more meaningful and memorable.

As HR teams continue to embrace video’s powerful potential, these emerging trends showcase the creative yet practical ways that video content can elevate recruitment, engagement, training, workplace culture, and overall employee experience.

How to create custom HR videos efficiently with AI

Video has become an increasingly powerful medium for HR teams to engage employees and candidates. However, producing professional video content can often be time-consuming and expensive and may require specialized skills. This is where AI technology like Colossyan can be a game-changer for efficiently creating HR videos.

Colossyan is an AI-powered video creation platform that makes it simple and affordable to produce custom HR videos at scale. With its user-friendly interface and expansive features, HR teams can create professional videos without any technical expertise.

For example, you could use Colossyan to create training videos with AI avatars that act as your “team members.” HR can have the AI avatars act out any scenario—from employee training videos to recruitment content—rather than worry about coordinating schedules. The avatars can speak dozens of languages, too, so they’re perfect for a globally distributed workforce.

Overall, innovative AI video creation tools like Colossyan empower HR teams to efficiently produce high-quality, professional-grade video content in-house. This modern capability provides a competitive advantage for better employee communications, immersive training, compelling recruitment content, and more.

Want to unlock the full potential of AI video creation and create scalable videos for your business?Schedule a demo with Colossyan to learn more.

Implementing a learning management system (LMS) across your organization isn’t just “nice to have” these days – it’s also essential for keeping your workforce competitive in 2025. 

The right customized system lets you optimize tedious training programs, track real-time progress so employees don’t slip through the cracks, and ensure your teams will be ready to crush those big company goals.

In this article, we’ll give you our list of the 16 top-rated LMS systems, including their pros, cons, and best use cases. Here’s what you need to know before you invest in an LMS for your organization.

What is a learning management system (LMS)?

A learning management system (LMS) is a cloud-based software platform that allows organizations to create, deliver, track, report on, and manage all types of learning, training programs, and educational courses. LMS software also gives educators and course creators the tools to develop engaging online learning environments with interactive elearning materials such as videos, documents, quizzes, and live-streamed course instructions.

Key capabilities of a modern LMS include the following:

• Hosting all learning materials in one place with easy access on any device
• Supporting both asynchronous self-paced courses and real-time, virtual instructor-led training
• Providing learner dashboards and reporting for management to monitor participation and progress
• Streamlining course administration with automated notifications, grading, and record-keeping

An LMS solution allows you to create a personalized, digital learning ecosystem tailored to developing employee skills and knowledge. So whether you want to distribute training programs internally or on social media, collaborate across teams, or track ongoing learning metrics, investing in an LMS solution will give you the tools to do it all.

What are the different use cases of an LMS?

Considering an LMS but unsure exactly how you’ll put it to use? 

The diverse range of LMS platforms on the market supports a variety of training and development needs. In this section, we’ll explore the most popular ways organizations leverage LMS solutions—from employee onboarding to managing compliance training programs—to help you find the best fit.

Employee training and onboarding

By uploading training videos and documents to the platform, you can automate and streamline your onboarding process for a consistent experience. Interactive features like quizzes, guided tutorials, and learning gamification also make it easy to ensure that new team members retain what they learn during the onboarding process.

Corporate training

With an LMS, employees can select customized learning paths that align with their goals and complete microlearning modules at their own pace. Studies suggest that most employees prefer the autonomy of self-directed learning in the workplace, which helps keep employee skills sharp and teams motivated between more formal training sessions.

Customer education and retention

New organizations and established brands alike can also leverage LMS offerings to build customer loyalty and advocacy by providing buyers with on-demand training resources about their products and services. This drives customer engagement and retention without putting added responsibilities on your customer success or support teams.

Compliance training

Finally, organizations can use LMS tools to assign and track the completion of required cybersecurity, harassment, and workplace safety trainings. The automated notifications and centralized documentation available within most modern LMS platforms make it easier for companies to maintain compliance standards across remote and distributed teams.

Student elearning

In higher education and vocational settings, LMS solutions give students customizable portals to access their course learning materials, submit assignments, engage in discussions, and connect with instructors. And an increased number of interactions with an LMS can be a good indicator of overall student performance.

What to consider when choosing an LMS

Just understanding all the features and benefits an LMS offers doesn’t make it easier to find the right platform for your organization's needs. With the wide variety of LMS solutions now available, it’s important to research multiple vendors before making your final decision. 

Here are a few key factors you may want to consider:

Budget and licensing models

When evaluating your LMS options, the cost and contract structure should align with both your budget and the core features you need. Factor in elements like per-user pricing, tiered subscription plans, and any content hosting and storage fees.

Mapping out your total predicted monthly and yearly costs against the value delivered will ultimately give you stronger negotiating power with vendors—especially if you plan to roll out an LMS on an enterprise scale.

Ease of use and setup

Try to avoid investing in an LMS with a steep learning curve, if possible. Be wary of any solution that requires extensive training or complicated workflows just to get started—this will only slow down user adoption and minimize the impact of your solution altogether.

Instead, prioritize LMS vendors that allow both non-technical admins and course creators alike to quickly build engaging learning experiences. Some green flags to look out for include pre-built workflow templates or automations, community forums, solid customer support, and thorough documentation of how key features and functionalities work.

You may also consider how you can leverage AI to speed up the time it takes to develop your elearning, onboarding, or other training videos. For example, you could spin up research-backed AI video trainings to produce content on subjects that don’t require deep subject matter expertise.

Ultimately, the goal of an LMS is to reduce the burden on your team so you can quickly upload and host your organization’s learning materials.

Integration capabilities

Choosing an LMS that integrates seamlessly with other workplace platforms can save your team (and your users) hours every month. Look for LMS systems with API connectivity to HR tools like Workday, office apps like G Suite, or team chat apps like Slack so you can quickly share your learning materials. This lets your team easily pull data and content from other sources when building courses—rather than starting from scratch.

A perfect example is the LMS integration capabilities we have at Colossyan. Our video creator turns text into studio-quality instructor-led videos that you can automatically upload to your LMS catalog via an MP4 or SCORM export.

This makes creating customized, accessible video lessons far simpler for your course developers. By translating your written scripts into professional training videos with AI avatars, you can quickly build out a library of learning materials within your LMS.

SCORM functionality

As you evaluate LMS options, look for a platform that supports SCORM, xAPI, and other critical content standards to future-proof your training materials. These protocols will allow you and your team to seamlessly integrate and track interactive elearning modules from third-party developers so you can save your training materials, even if you switch to another LMS tool.

The 16 best LMS examples for 2025

Here are the 16 top-rated types of LMS platforms we would recommend based on your use case, budget, and the scale of your organization.

1. Canvas

Canvas is an open-source, cloud-based LMS platform used widely in academic settings. With strong mobile app integrations and adaptability, Canvas enables administrators and educators to monitor learner progress and engagement across learning materials. 

Their open-source model makes scaling affordable for most institutions. However, the interface design lacks polish compared to other platforms, and its steep learning curve can also slow user adoption.

Best for: K-12 school districts and higher education institutions that want analytics-driven, customizable learning management tools but may have lower technology budgets

2. Cornerstone

Cornerstone is a leading enterprise LMS focused on employee training. With dynamic training courses, targeted learner recommendations, and real-time tracking functionality, Cornerstone enables major companies to elevate their online training programs. 

The LMS equips administrators to assess team skill gaps and align learning to key organizational initiatives, all within a user-friendly portal. Though pricing caters to more well-resourced corporations and may not be a great fit for smaller businesses, the Cornerstone LMS is unmatched for global employee training at scale.

Best for: Global enterprises and large corporations training 100,000+ employees that need an all-in-one LMS solution with advanced analytics and modern aesthetics

3. TalentLMS

TalentLMS offers intuitive, cloud-based LMS features tailored for small and midsize businesses (SMBs). With its user-friendly interface and rapid deployment capabilities, TalentLMS makes it easy for SMBs to manage the learning process at an affordable price.

However, the platform has basic analytics compared to larger enterprise systems, and scalability may be an issue for rapidly growing organizations.

Best for: SMBs and smaller teams that want an uncomplicated, reasonably priced LMS solution to build and distribute their training content straightaway

4. Absorb

Absorb LMS specializes in configurable compliance training programs that are typically required across highly regulated industries (think finance and healthcare). With responsive features and workflows developed explicitly for oversight demands, Absorb stands out where rigorous tracking and documentation are required.

However, the platform lacks more advanced features for less-regulated extended enterprise training and may be costly for non-revenue-generating training initiatives.‍

Best for: Organizations needing an audit-ready LMS specializing in governance capabilities, like healthcare, financial services, and energy

5. LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning combines a massive catalog of expert-led online courses with built-in LMS functionality.

For organizations focused purely on delivery rather than initial content creation, LinkedIn Learning provides unparalleled LMS course management and content management combined with leading elearning materials. 

Administrators can even bundle video series into customized learning paths aligning to teams, as well as monitor enrollment, progress, and completion. However, course materials cannot be customized by administrators.

Best for: Companies seeking turnkey training content taught by industry experts

6. Docebo

Docebo offers a robust corporate LMS solution powered by AI and analytics to track and nurture learner growth. With Docebo, companies can also curate content, understand employee capabilities, and tailor learning with real-time insights. That being said, the platform also has complex pricing tiers that can be difficult to manage.

Best for: Midsize to large enterprise organizations looking to closely tie their learning initiatives to high-level business objectives

7. SAP Litmos

SAP Litmos helps large, complex organizations deliver training across diverse global workforces and franchises. SAP Litmos’s robust LMS features cater to extended enterprises with scalability and broad integration capabilities.

With strong multilingual support, branding control for sub-organizations, and API connections to leading HCM platforms, SAP Litmos streamlines critical learning functions for sprawling enterprises.

Keep in mind that this platform may not be a good fit for SMBs, and it’s priced higher than other vendors in the market.

‍Best for: Multinational franchises, retail chains, and global corporations that need to provide localized training efficiently across borders and systems

8. Epignosis eFront

Epignosis eFront is a user-friendly, cloud-based LMS that’s focused on delivering an intuitive learning experience. eFront’s sleek interface, variety of course options, and 1,200 pre-built templates also help drive higher learner engagement.

The trade-off of the platform’s minimal design is that brand customization is relatively limited, and its reporting is less robust than some competitors.

Best for: Organizations of all sizes that want an effortlessly simple and modern LMS to meet their employees’ learning needs

9. Thought Industries

Thought Industries offers a cloud-based LMS uniquely designed for customer training and education, from sales enablement to self-service support resources. 

Its specialized features and analytics for customer training—along with customizable portals and content—make it easy for companies to deliver interactive learning content that drives customer retention at scale.

But the platform is expensive, given its niche application focus, and scaling to broader organization training requires third-party integration.

Best for: B2B and SaaS companies focused on building customer advocacy through education

10. Podia

Podia offers a user-friendly LMS platform for online course creators, coaches, consultants, and solopreneurs to sell and manage paid learning content. Its robust ecommerce, marketing tools, and interactive course content-building features are what differentiate Podia from other LMS platforms.

Some downsides of Podia are that it’s missing traditional LMS functionality (like SCORM support) and it has limited scalability for large training programs.

Best for: Entrepreneurs, creators, and small teams selling online courses and looking for an all-in-one platform to combine course management, community, and ebusiness

11. Anthology (formerly Blackboard)

Anthology offers one of the most comprehensive cloud-based learning platforms tailored specifically for education.

With products spanning Blackboard Learn, Blackboard Collaborate, Blackboard Ally, and more, Anthology caters extensively to academic organizations’ unique needs around enrollment, virtual classrooms, student engagement, accessibility, outcomes, and beyond. For the education sector, Anthology remains the market-leading digital learning environment provider.

Best for: Medium to large higher education and K-12 campuses needing a mature LMS

12. Moodle

Moodle is one of the most widely used open-source learning management systems and is especially popular within education. Free to download and deploy, Moodle offers excellent customizability suited for small budgets.

And while the backend interface remains unintuitive, the cost flexibility of its open-source LMS makes Moodle a go-to free LMS without compromising reporting or support.

Best for: Schools, universities, and organizations needing a free, customizable LMS solution and willing to work around a dated admin experience and limited mobility

13. iSpring Learn

iSpring Learn helps subject matter experts create highly interactive elearning modules in multiple formats like quizzes and tests. Administrators can also seamlessly track learning achievements in the platform’s built-in learner dashboard. 

Learners can also refresh skills or track their credentials on mobile devices via iOS and Android mobile apps. These mobile learning and social learning capabilities that the iSpring Learn LMS provides make it ideal for facilitating blended learning.

The downside of the platform is that its admin functionality is relatively lightweight and is more basic compared to leading corporate LMSs.

Best for: Organizations focused on building their own training content who want an all-in-one cloud solution with excellent authoring capabilities, paired with a capable delivery system

Related: How to Choose the Right Interactive Video Software

14. 360 Learning

While smaller than some rivals, 360 Learning wins on forward-looking intelligence and its speech interaction capabilities. The LMS also delivers personalized learning paths and course materials that are recommended by the platform’s algorithms.

But the platform is light on course creation compared to other corporate LMSs and has a smaller content library.

Best for: Midsize and large companies looking to leverage AI, adaptive learning, and modern interfaces to foster more targeted, high-impact development programs

15. Rise Articulate

Rise Articulate offers a sleek, easy-to-use visual LMS solution designed specifically for Articulate third-party course-building tools. With intuitive interfaces for administrators, creators, and learners, Articulate streamlines beautiful elearning content delivery alongside robust cloud LMS capabilities.

The real downsides of this platform are twofold—it’s tied to the higher-cost Articulate development platform and it’s less customizable than other open-source LMS alternatives.

Best for: Organizations focused on premium elearning content who have already invested in Articulate Studio and Storyline authoring tools

16. Eloomi

The Eloomi LMS looks and feels completely distinct from typical enterprise solutions thanks to its savvy design choices and the inclusion of in-demand communication features.

However, Eloomi’s reporting is relatively basic for data-driven buyers and it has a premium price point in spite of its lighter functionality.

Best for: SMBs, startups, and lean teams that prioritize learner engagement over complex data analysis. For them, Eloomi provides a consumer-like experience that isn’t common in the LMS market.

Improve your learning and training videos with Colossyan

There you have it—with the right LMS solution, you can optimize and streamline your learning programs in one central location. As you continue exploring LMS options, you may also consider supplementing your LMS with advanced AI video tools like Colossyan’s to quickly generate learning and training videos using AI. 

Have any questions about producing elearning materials for your LMS? Book a time with a Colossyan expert to see how other companies are leveraging AI to produce professional learning content in their organizations, or try Colossyan for free today.

Are you tired of writer's block and considering investing in an AI script generator as a solution?

Maybe you’ve already found one, but you’re struggling to see the results you’d imagined.

AI script generators are incredibly powerful and helpful tools for creating training videos, internal communications, and even short clips to support marketing and sales. But, like any tool, your result will only be as good as the work you put in and the process you follow for content generation.

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the six-step process of using an AI script generator to maximize your impact and amplify your return on investment.

What is an AI script generator?

An AI script generator is a specialized tool that uses artificial intelligence to create and edit complete video scripts based on the prompts that you provide. 

For example, say you want to create a health and safety video to complement your new employee onboarding process. You’d provide your AI script assistant with prompts about your health and safety regulations, policies and controls you have in place, and your target audience. Then, you’d let the assistant generate a draft of the script.

From there, you can provide additional prompts in a conversational manner—like you would if speaking to a human scriptwriter—so that you or your AI engine can make edits to bring the script closer to the final product you have in mind.

Why choose an AI script generator over a traditional scriptwriter?

Opting for an AI software tool over consulting a human writer can, at times, feel a little unnatural. 

But using an AI script generator isn’t about replacing human writers. Rather, think of it as a tool that empowers you to become the best scriptwriter you can be.

No more writer’s block 

Writer’s block is a very real thing, but it’s something only humans experience.

While some may argue that writer’s block is really just the part of the process where ideas gestate in the mind before turning into words, the experience of staring at an endlessly blank page can be a huge roadblock for anyone looking to craft a video script.

AI script generators can be a great tool in solving this problem.

They might take a few seconds to figure out where to start, but you’ll see the script come through pretty quickly. You might even use your AI script assistant to generate some starting points and prompts, then take the reins from there.

Faster editing turnaround time 

One of the best things about AI tools for video creation is how fast they can turn around edits.

With a human scriptwriter, feedback and requests for changes need to be digested and processed, and it takes time to dive in and implement that feedback. This can be a huge task when the feedback extends to areas like tone of voice.

An AI writing tool, on the other hand, can jump straight from the scriptwriting process to the edits. And thanks to parallel processing, many of those edits can be completed simultaneously.

Nail grammar and tone guidelines 

Good scriptwriting experts have a knack for things like tone of voice, but they will never be perfect.

Anyone who has worked with content creators knows that it takes time to become familiar with a brand’s style and integrate that into one’s writing.

Even the best AI scriptwriter might take a couple of rounds of feedback or additional prompts to match up with your tone-of-voice expectations, but once you get that style locked in, all of the content you create will be completely aligned.

As such, AI script generators can be used as helpful tools for aligning with detailed tone and voice guidelines. Your AI scriptwriting assistant will keep an eye on the logistics while you attend to bigger-picture concerns.

Draft scripts in multiple languages 

The ability to write a script in English and then translate it automatically (for example, to French) is a huge plus for AI script generators.

Even a native speaker in both languages will need several hours to complete this task. But AI can do it in a matter of minutes (or even seconds).

Try out different script ideas and angles in parallel 

Not quite sure where you want the video to go, but you’ve got a few ideas you’d like to try out?

With AI content creation, you can process several ideas at once, compare the results, and then pursue the storyline or plot you like best.

Combine the best of both worlds 

While we’ve outlined some of the benefits of AI script generators over human writers, the truth is that it’s not necessarily a question of one or the other.

AI script assistants can be used simply to kickstart the creative process, such as brainstorming different approaches or styles.

You can also throw a finished script at your AI assistant to polish it up, or provide the meat of the script and ask it to create a smooth intro and conclusion.

What can AI script generators be used for? 

AI-powered tools for writing scripts have a number of use cases.

Here are four of our favorites:

Training and internal communications videos

An AI script generator is the perfect partner for creating high-quality video content to support internal communications, new employee onboarding, and ongoing training and development.

What’s even better is that you don’t need to start from scratch.

You can use your existing documents and training material as a prompt for your AI script generator to base the final script on.

Then, if your tool also has AI video generation functionality—like Colossyan—you can see how changes to the script look in the final video as you make them.

Storytelling

AI script generators can be used to generate storytelling scripts or prompts for you to expand on. This is particularly helpful if you want to shoot a short film but have more directing and filming experience than writing skills.

Marketing videos 

AI scriptwriters are an endless source of creativity for marketing campaigns, especially if you’re planning on creating video ads or posting native content on social media platforms (like publishing Reels on Instagram).

For instance, you might use your AI script generator to come up with a script to use as the basis for an animated explainer video. Or you can take your use of artificial intelligence to the next level and have one of Colossyan’s AI avatars present the video for you.

YouTube script generation

AI software can be an invaluable tool for YouTube video content creation.

If you’re competing with other YouTubers, you might even use existing material as source content for your AI script assistant, and give specific notes on how you’d like to differentiate. 

How to generate a script using AI 

Ready to dive into your first script using an AI video script generator? Follow these six straightforward steps.

Note: We’ll be showing you exactly how to do this in Colossyan. You can follow along by signing up for a free trial and checking out the built-in AI script assistant.

1. Start out with a topic and prompts 

The first step is to jump into the Script section and hit the spacebar to open up the AI chat interface.

‍

Now, we can give our AI script generator a prompt: “Write a script for a short onboarding video that explains how to submit invoices to our company as a contract worker.”

2. Give your AI scriptwriter a clear objective 

Next, to help your AI scriptwriter get closer to the final product the first time around, let’s add a very clear objective:

“The goal of this video is to act both as an onboarding video for new contractors and a reference point for contractors to refresh their memory before the invoice each month. It should prevent unnecessary questions being posed to the accounts payable department.”

3. Add some examples if you have them 

Giving an AI script assistant source material to work from helps align expectations and improve the likelihood of the first draft being exactly what you’d envisioned—just like when working with a human writer.

You might, for instance, source examples from YouTube, link to some of your existing training material, or use an example provided by the AI script generation software.

Check out Colossyan’s examples here.

4. Provide direction on tone and style 

Here, you’ll want to provide some stylistic direction for the tone of the script.

If you don’t have a specific idea for tone of voice, you can generate an initial draft and then use that to understand what you do and don’t like.

For example, Colossyan includes quick prompts like “soften tone.”

‍

‍

Of course, you can also add your own prompts, like “Make it funnier” or “Go for a more formal and professional tone of voice.”

Now that you’ve generated an initial draft, you can start refining it to best suit your needs.

5. Edit to perfection 

It's time to edit and finalize the script.

You can do this manually by combing through the text and adding changes as you see fit.

Or, you can apply a more broad-stroke editing style by providing additional prompts to your AI engine.

For instance, if you find the script to be too long, you might ask it to shorten the text or to cut out a certain section.

6. Bring your AI-generated script to life 

At this point, your completed script is ready to go, and the video creation process is next.

But if you’re using a solution like Colossyan with built-in text-to-video capabilities, there’s an easy next step you could take advantage of.

Colossyan comes with ~100 AI avatars for creating high-quality content solely using AI, and more than 70 languages and accents to make sure your voiceovers connect with your target audience.

After generating the script, simply choose your favorite avatar.

‍

‍

Then, choose a background, add colors and media, and select transitions between your video's scenes.

‍

Finally, a couple of clicks let you choose your output settings (we even offer videos in 4K).

And just like that, AI technology has created an entire training video for you from scratch.

Colossyan: More than an AI script generator 

AI script generators are powerful modern solutions for creating scripts for internal onboarding and training materials, YouTube videos, and marketing clips.

If you’re only generating scripts, though, you still have to shoot and edit the actual video.

But with Colossyan, our end-to-end AI video creation tool, you can generate a script from scratch, have a customized AI avatar present it, and edit it to your tastes with personalized branding, colors, and fonts.

We even have dozens of templates ready and waiting to help speed up the content creation process.

Unlock the full potential of AI video creation and quickly create scalable videos for your business.

‍

Scripting, shooting, and editing a video can be an incredibly long-winded—not to mention expensive—process.

You need to find the right people to act, contract a studio to film in, and edit hours and hours of footage into a single 30-minute clip. To say the least, creating employee training videos can be a non-starter for most organizations. But now that artificial intelligence is well and truly on the scene, the video creation and editing game has changed.

Dozens of new solutions for editing AI videos are popping up, and business leaders are looking more and more to take advantage and improve new employee onboarding, as well as ongoing training and development.

The question, though, is how.

How do I use an AI video editor? How do I know what video editing features to look out for and to leverage in my videos? How do I go about selecting the best software solution for my business?

In this article, we’ll provide answers to all of those questions. But first, let’s get clear on what we actually mean by “AI video editor.”

What is an AI video editor? 

The term “AI video editor” can actually be used to describe one of two different kinds of software tools:

1. A solution that uses AI to help you edit videos you’ve already shot in real life, like Opus Clip

2. A platform that allows you to create and edit videos using AI avatars, like Colossyan

Both types are incredibly useful—it's not a matter of one over the other.

If you’re shooting video with real people, be they actors in a movie or hosts of a podcast, then a video editing tool with AI features is what you need.

If, however, you want to create the whole thing from scratch using AI and then edit what you’ve written and produced, you’ll want an editing tool for AI-generated videos.

Let’s dive in.

What tools and features do AI video editors offer? 

To understand just how powerful and versatile an AI video editing tool can be, let’s go over some of the key features you’ll find—and should prioritize—when preparing your shortlist of possible software candidates.

Text to video 

If you’re creating AI videos from scratch, you’ll want the ability to upload a piece of text or a document, such as a Word doc or PDF, and generate an AI video. This feature is often called text-to-video or text-to-speech.

A range of AI avatars 

A good AI video editor lets you choose from a variety of AI avatars.

The most realistic-looking avatars aren’t AI-generated from the ground up. They’re actually recordings of real people that are then used to generate custom videos using AI.

Translate & use multiple languages 

Having the ability to create and edit videos in several languages is critical for localization—an important practice for global businesses. A great AI video editor will allow you to easily translate scripts and then produce multiple videos with realistic-sounding local dialects.

Pro tip: Look for an AI video editor that also offers different accents (for instance, UK, US, and SA English).

Script editing 

AI-powered script editing is a great feature to keep an eye out for.

This will allow you to take a video script you’ve already written and use AI to do the following:

• Make it shorter and more concise
• Change the tone and feel of the script
• Add new sections or extend the script
• Create a different introduction 

Templates 

Templates are a fantastic way to get started quickly, so you really only have to load in your script. Check out these templates in Colossyan, for example, which provide a fantastic jumping-off point for employee training videos.

Subtitles 

Subtitles are an important feature for improving accessibility.

Adding subtitles to your AI videos means those who are hard of hearing can still get value out of your content.

Screen recording 

Some AI video editing tools offer screen capture functionality.

Here, you can create videos in your own browser, such as demonstrating how employees should use a piece of software. Then, you can overlay an AI avatar to provide additional context to your screen recording.

How to use an AI video editor 

Now we get to the good stuff—how to actually use an AI video editor.

A quick note here: Not every video editing platform is going to have the same workflow. They don’t even share all of the same features (some might not cover localization, for example).

The steps below are based on Colossyan’s workflow—they’re also applicable as a broad AI video creation process.

1. Pick a video template 

If you’re going to be using a template to create your AI video, this will need to be your first step.

Of course, this isn’t the only way to begin.

You can get started from scratch, with an existing PowerPoint, or even by giving your AI engine a prompt on where to begin.

Let’s say, though, that you’re going to use a template. You’ll need to dig into the templates offered by your AI video editing tool to find the right starting point. Perhaps you want to create a sales training video. In Colossyan, you’d look for that under “scenario-based learning.”

‍

2. Write or generate a script 

Next, it's time to get your script ready.

Again, there are multiple ways to achieve this.

Perhaps you already have a video script ready to roll because you were previously trying to record it yourself. In that case, you might have your AI engine give it a polish, then move on to the next step.

In other cases, you might just have the basic idea of what you want out of your video but no detailed script. In this case, you can use those ideas as prompts and have your AI tool write a script for you.

3. Choose your AI avatar 

This step is nice and easy.

Browse your AI video software’s menu of AI avatars and choose the one that best suits your needs.

We’d recommend finding one that looks as close to your target audience as possible to maximize engagement and connection with the video.

4. Generate a voiceover 

Now that you’ve got an avatar locked in, it's time to get the voice rolling.

Basic tools might just have one voice available per avatar. Advanced tools like Colossyan, though, offer hundreds of AI voices in dozens of different languages.

For instance, you can choose from over 70 languages and then determine the specific accent and tone of voice you want the avatar to have.

Each voice has style tags (such as “young” or “cheerful”) so you can filter down and find the right option. From there, you can customize elements like pitch and speed.

5. Edit and finalize your video 

This stage is all about making those final tweaks.

You might head back into your script and make a few edits, or you could add some new prompts to help your AI scriptwriter get the style right.

Other edits you might want to make at this stage include the following:

• Replacing the video background, colors, and fonts to align with brand guidelines
• Adjusting the avatar’s voice settings
• Editing the video to add pauses for effect or to allow information to be properly digested
• Changing the transitions used between scenes 

6. Translate and localize 

Planning on publishing your video in multiple regions?

You’ll want to take the opportunity to leverage your AI-powered video content creation tool’s translation and language functionality.

Pro tip: If you don’t speak the language you’re translating into, it might be worth getting a native speaker to review and confirm your final product before publishing video clips to social media or other online locations. 

7. Export 

When you're finished, you can preview the video (either scene by scene or the full video), then you generate (pick the video's resolution, up to 4K). Once it's generated, you can export it in different formats (mp3, mp4, SCORM, etc.).

PS: Be sure to name your video file something memorable. Unfortunately, “video1” is never a good file name. 
‍

3 Best AI video editing software tools 

With dozens of new tools popping up, it's hard to decide on the best AI video solution for your specific needs.

Here are the top three we’d recommend to help you out on your search:

1. Colossyan 

Colossyan Creator is our very own AI video platform for workplace learning.

With features that serve small businesses all the way up to enterprise organizations, Colossyan is a single integrated solution that can help you generate and edit high-quality videos without the time sink of working in a live studio.

Here’s how our user-friendly platform can help you create more engaging videos for workplace training and education:

• Generate entire scripts from a few simple text prompts
• Remove the time-consuming video recording process by replacing actors with AI avatars
• See in real-time how updates to your script impact your video
• Translate into over 70 languages 

With pricing starting at $19 per month, Colossyan is a low-risk way to get started using AI technology to produce professional video content.

Get started for free today.

2. Synthesia 

Synthesia is another tool that offers AI video generation from text.

It offers over 60 predesigned templates, dozens of AI avatars and voices, and the ability to create your own custom avatar. However, Synthesia doesn’t have an AI script assistant. You’ll need to use something like ChatGPT to meet that need.

Synthesia is slightly more expensive, with plans starting at $22 per month.

3. HeyGen 

HeyGen is another solution that allows video creators to generate training videos from scratch using AI. 

They also offer multiple AI avatars, auto-translation, and a great AI streaming feature. One drawback of HeyGen, on the other hand, is that it only offers 28 languages.

The basic plan for HeyGen costs $24 per month, and you’ll pay more for advanced features or longer videos.

Colossyan: The world’s AI video editor 

There are a number of great AI video editors on the market today.

But only Colossyan offers a range of unique features that meet learning and development requirements—such as 4K rendering, side-view avatars, and SCORM export—while still offering affordable pricing packages. Unlock the full potential of AI video creation and create videos for your business in no time. 

Ready to hit the ground running?

Get started with step one: Choose a video template.

‍

Everywhere you look, artificial intelligence (AI) is making businesses run faster and more efficiently. From the friendly AI chatbot that answers a question on a web page to the AI assistant that brushes up your grammar and suggests new captions, AI is paving the way to better, more creative marketing and team management. 

From the original ChatGPT open-source release to newer iterations like GPT-3 and GPT-4, AI platform development is leading to more sophisticated AI tools that assist every facet of business. 

Today, we’ll share the basics of AI tool functionality and highlight the best options for tools in every category:

• What are AI generation tools?
• How does AI video work? 
• What to look for in an AI tool
• The top 20 tools for AI content generation

What are AI generation tools?

AI content generation tools are advanced software programs that leverage AI and machine learning (ML) algorithms to produce written and visual content automatically. 

These tools mimic human language and visual design efforts, which allows them to generate engaging, relevant, and high-quality content. AI can automate many of the most time-consuming elements of production and creative projects. 

Use cases for generative AI

AI can generate compelling, professional content with increasing depth and range as technology advances. This makes the technology useful for helping educators, marketers, and sales leaders keep up with the demand for useful content. Using AI to boost productivity and accuracy can help teams develop key assets quickly, improving outcomes all around.

Training materials: AI can efficiently generate training videos and content to streamline the employee education process with personalized, interactive, and engaging educational materials. AI removes the challenges of video production, such as finding a speaker, writing scripts, setting up a studio, and editing footage.

Video scripts: AI writing tools help you develop effective video scripts for promotional videos, blogs, sales material, and other visual marketing materials.

Copywriting: AI makes it easier to write and enhance blog posts, email campaigns, and product descriptions—all for the creation of compelling copy for your audience.

Social media posts: AI helps to create engaging captions and content. It can also suggest strong SEO-optimized enhancements and create optimized posting schedules.

Images: AI tools use deep learning algorithms to generate images such as logos, artwork, and even highly accurate stock images.

Video: With AI, you can edit and create videos. Tools like Colossyan leverage the power of pre-rendered avatars to speed up the video production process.

How does AI video work?

Generative AI apps analyze vast data repositories using visual models, natural language processing, and ML to recognize and replicate patterns. As AI advances, it can more readily capture visual and textual structures, context, and nuance to generate unique content. 

Many AI content generation tools offer customization features to specify the desired output tone, style, medium, and other parameters. 

Long story short, AI is a valuable asset for businesses looking to streamline the content creation process while maintaining consistency in brand identity and production cadence. 

Text 

AI generates text-based content using ML from a training algorithm. It uses vast amounts of textual data in a large language model (LLM), which enables it to identify and understand patterns within the language. An LLM helps the AI tool recognize syntax, semantics, and context. The trained AI can generate new content by predicting what words or phrases should come next based on the input it receives. 

AI tools often have customization features that allow creators to adjust the generated content's tone, style, and other aspects. This makes AI an efficient tool for creating consistent and tailored text-based content.

Images

AI image generation has evolved over time. Initially, generative adversarial networks used two neural networks in competition. The generator network created new images from random noise, then the discriminator network evaluated them based on real-world data. This process continued until the generator network created an image the discriminator considered optimal. 

AI now employs diffusion models, which transform random noise into clear images through iterative refinement. This process enables greater control over image features and details, resulting in higher-quality images. AI can generate images in different styles and can even mimic specific artists.

Colossyan also offers AI image generation as part of the platform. Available to Pro and Enterprise creators, the AI image generator takes a prompt and then generates four images for you to choose from. You can edit and adjust your prompt as needed before inserting the image into your workflow.

Video

Like other forms of generative AI, video generation tools use deep learning algorithms to analyze and deeply understand visual content. AI technology has revolutionized video creation by adding new layers of personalization and efficiency: 

AI generation enables the use of AI avatars. AI can map facial expressions and movements onto a digital avatar to create highly realistic animations. Depending on the platform, you can control other elements such as camera viewpoint, lighting, geometry, and materials. First used in game and film production, this technique is now available for training applications. Colossyan uses a process called neural rendering to achieve realistic results.

AI assists in the editing process. AI also has applications for automating post-production editing. It can automatically adjust lighting conditions or color grading based on predefined parameters or remove unwanted elements from scenes. Colossyan takes this one step further—with an AI avatar, post-production work is built in. 

All these technical elements work cohesively under AI's supervision to build high-quality video content that’s both engaging and personalized.
‍

What to look for in an AI tool

No matter what you use your AI tools for, you should expect a basic set of features and capabilities from your chosen solution. When shopping for AI content generation tools, look for these highlights: 

Accuracy: Any AI tool should have a high level of accuracy when it comes to content generation. This ensures that the content you create will be reliable and trustworthy.

Personalization features: An ideal AI tool will allow for customization according to your specific needs or preferences. This leads to more personalized and impactful content.

Speedy processing: Time is an invaluable resource in any industry. In turn, an AI tool's ability to quickly generate quality content can drastically improve productivity.

User-friendly interface: Even with all its advanced capabilities, an AI tool shouldn't be difficult to use. A user-friendly interface makes it easier for creators at various levels of technical expertise to operate the system effectively.
‍

The top 20 tools for AI content generation

There’s an AI tool for almost any task an educator, salesperson, leader, or marketer routinely performs—such as transcribing, writing, image sourcing, and video editing. 

Check out the best AI tools across every category in the list below:

Video production

Video is the latest medium to take advantage of AI enhancement. Where other AI tools help you generate content, video production AI also aids with editing existing videos and tailoring them for your purposes. 

Below are some examples of AI video creation tools that help teams create accurate and polished content more efficiently. 

‍

Colossyan

AI avatars are gaining traction in the world of video training, employee education, sales, and other vital applications. Colossyan paves the way for anyone to quickly produce high-quality video using a sophisticated AI presenter, saving time and money.

Creators can use one of the pre-developed AI avatars included in the service to create text-to-video course segments, presentations, and more. You can also capture your own likeness and voice for translation into a customized AI avatar. The Colossyan workspace allows creators to enhance their presentations using active templates, added backgrounds, annotations, and visual elements.  

Runway AI

Runway AI is a useful tool for dynamic video production. It offers a user-friendly interface, quick content generation, and advanced capabilities, including specialty brush tools for creating infinite images, removing unwanted visual elements, and enabling motion interpolation. The tool uses AI to analyze and edit video footage, allowing you to create high-quality videos without prior experience or technical knowledge.

Synthesia

Synthesia is an innovative video AI tool that differentiates itself with access to 160+ avatars in over 120 languages. The platform offers easy-to-use tools such as a library of pre-formatted templates, collaboration tools, and text-to-video generation.

Descript

Descript is a cutting-edge video editing tool that combines AI technology with real-time editing to make video production seamless and accessible. It's known for its intuitive design and grants you the ability to edit video content by editing the text used to create it. It also offers AI voice cloning, green screen features, and sound enhancements for higher-quality production.

Fliki

Fliki is a groundbreaking video editing AI tool renowned for its user-friendly interface and advanced features, like its Magic Create repurposing tool. Its unique selling proposition lies in its ability to simplify complex editing tasks and transform digital images. Creators of varied expertise can easily generate professional-grade images and videos.
‍

Transcription

AI transcription tools convert spoken language into written text using advanced algorithms to ensure accuracy. Because they streamline documentation, they’re ideal for meetings, interviews, and lectures. AI content transcription makes it fast and easy to pull quotes, create outlines and briefs, and streamline the content creation process.

Here are five transcription tools to try at your next meeting:

Trint

Trint is an AI transcription tool that converts audio and video files into editable, searchable text. It's known for its high accuracy, easy-to-use interface, robust security features, and excellent customer support. Trint supports multiple languages and provides real-time transcription services. 

TranscribeMe

TranscribeMe is renowned for its user-friendly interface, swift turnaround times, and multilingual support. It’s perfect for professionals who require detailed transcripts because it ensures confidentiality while delivering unparalleled accuracy in results.

Temi

From the makers of Rev, Temi stands out as a premier automatic speech recognition service. Exceptional in its ability to transform audio into text, its AI-powered system boasts unparalleled accuracy. While similar tools exist, Temi's ability to handle multiple accents and dialects, its fast processing times, and its affordable rates set it apart from the competition.

Otter

Otter is a cutting-edge transcription tool that converts spoken language into written text with remarkable accuracy. Otter shines with its real-time transcription capabilities, speaker identification feature, and seamless platform integration. Its efficient, user-friendly solution enhances productivity for many roles and applications.

Sonix

Sonix is a useful AI-driven transcription tool with features like automatic language detection and speaker identification, and it also boasts a user-friendly interface. It makes transcribing audio and video files easier and more accurate.
‍

Text content 

AI writing assistants are intelligent tools that generate written content, assist with editing and proofreading, and enhance productivity by automating tedious writing tasks. They're efficient, user-friendly, and highly accurate.

Colossyan also includes an AI Assistant for text within the platform, reducing the need for duplicate tools. Ready at any moment in the script editor, the AI Assistant can help you craft a catchy opening line, draft an engaging CTA, provide statistics, and more.

Here are five text-generation tools to consider when writing or editing content:

Writesonic

Writesonic creates high-quality content for blogs, marketing campaigns, and social media posts.

It offers multilingual support, as well as tools like a landing page generator, a resume builder, and an ad copy creator.

Jasper

Jasper is a versatile AI writing tool that is uniquely designed to generate engaging and high-quality content. It offers functional improvements over similar tools including tone analysis, brand voice replication, and functions to repurpose content by type, channel, personality, and length.

Rytr

This AI writing assistant and text generator specializes in reader-friendly copy with built-in grammar tools and plagiarism detection. The platform also enhances content management by storing and organizing generated content by channel, team members, and other parameters. It offers a Chrome extension that lets you create content in any text field—email, chat fields, browsers, and more.

Anyword

This marketing-focused performance writing platform personalizes its output based on brand, audience, and other parameters. It uses copy intelligence features to analyze an organization’s content library and uses the data to target channel-specific language, tone, and highlights. You can also train the AI model on internal campaigns. 

Grammarly Business

Grammarly Business is an advanced writing assistant that uses AI technology to provide real-time grammar, punctuation, and style corrections. It features a readability score and plagiarism detection tools for enhanced content quality. The platform also gives context-specific suggestions that improve communication efficiency for all content applications.
‍

Image generation

AI image generators use text prompts to create unique visuals using complex algorithms, which aids in content development and enhances creative possibilities.

Colossyan offers AI image generation within the platform, cutting down on the need for standalone tools. But if you’re in the market for an independent solution, here are five well-designed generators to help you create high-quality images, logos, and stock photos:

DALL·E 3

DALL·E 3, an innovative AI-driven image generator created by OpenAI, has distinguished itself with its ability to create original, high-quality visuals from textual descriptions. As one of the first generative image tools, it revolutionized content creation by bringing generative AI image creation to a wide audience. DALL·E 3 also provides digital rights management and copyright controls to prevent unintentional infringement.

Canva

Though Canva is known as a graphic design tool, its new AI art features have enhanced the platform by enabling effortlessly generated custom designs. The intuitive interface combines ML with an extensive graphical library, allowing for automatic color matching, style suggestions, and smart layout adjustments. 

Midjourney

Midjourney is one of the better-known AI-powered image-generation tools. You can create, upscale, and establish parameters to generate many images with a unified look and feel. Its operation through Discord creates the possibility of image-generation communities for specific applications. 

NightCafe

This AI tool combines the best of many AI algorithms into one platform. It’s a community-focused AI engine that enables crowdsourcing and sharing created images. It also has a free, usage-based model so you can try out image generation with a few credits per day (without committing to a subscription).

Jasper Art

This AI art generator, from the makers of the Jasper text generation tool, provides many options for style customizations. It offers quick generation, mood selection features, and keyword-enhanced generation for SEO while providing realistic images. Jasper successfully brings two commonly used AI tools together in one user-friendly platform. 
‍

Build better training videos with Colossyan AI

AI helps teams create more content and increase the efficiency of their production. With an understanding of AI functionality, leaders can evaluate and select the best tools for every type of content production. In other words, the best time to integrate AI into your production process is now.

Colossyan offers high-quality, fast, and cost-effective video development powered by AI avatars. Its unique mix of cutting-edge tech and cost-effective production makes it easier to deliver consistent training for teams. If building a strong video library with a regular publishing cadence is a top priority for your business, consider the cost and time savings that organizations achieve by bringing AI into the flow of production. 

Ready to build your company’s first training video featuring an AI presenter? Try Colossyan for free today.