Since it first came on the scene, AI video has made its way into our feeds, some more noticeably than others. We’ve seen uncanny avatars, blatant AI slop, and probably a whole lot of videos that we didn’t even know were AI.
No matter which bucket you fall into, you’re probably wondering what others think. We were too, so we conducted a survey! In it, we asked marketers if and how they’re currently using AI in the video creation process, and then we asked consumers what they think when they come across these AI videos. Here’s the long and short of it:
84% of marketers today use AI to create videos, yet a staggering 77.9% of consumers still only trust videos featuring real people.
In 2026, AI is no longer a competitive advantage—it’s "table stakes." But if you want to use it in a way that your audience embraces, you can’t forget about the real people and stories that make up your brand.
TLDR: How AI-generated stacks up against AI-assisted
2026 is about AI-powered efficiency and human-led creativity. Delegate the hidden workload to AI, so your team can focus on calling the shots.
| Trust Rating | 3.5% | 77.9% |
| Consumers' perception | Risks lowering perception | Reinforces authenticity |
| Marketers’ feedback | Rarely usable, doesn’t adhere to their brand, results in more work | Makes video creation faster and easier, complies with brand guidelines, gives you more creative control |
The "uncanny" risk: What’s turning audiences off?
Video isn't just content; it’s the primary language of 2026. With 83% of consumers making purchases after watching a brand’s video and 86% preferring it as their primary learning tool, the demand has never been higher. But there’s a catch: the rush to use AI has led to an era of 'AI slop' (low-effort, fully generated content).
Brands are losing their identity in exchange for speed.
The stakes are high. Once an audience suspects a video is fully AI-generated, trust evaporates. They now equate "fully AI" with "low value." If a brand wasn’t strong enough to use real people and stories, why should a consumer care enough to trust them? This is especially true for Gen Z, who are twice as likely as Boomers to react negatively to fully automated content.
And they think they can spot a bot. A staggering 83% of people believe they can identify AI-generated video by these "uncanny valley" triggers:
- Mechanical Movement (67%): Gestures that defy natural physics.
- Artificial Audio (55%): Voices lacking the rhythm and "soul" of human speech.
- Static Emotion (51%): A failure to capture genuine humor or empathy.
Despite these pitfalls, AI is still a powerhouse for video editing when used correctly. Let’s dive into where marketers are actually finding success, and which traps you need to avoid.
The marketer’s middle ground: Enhancement vs. replacement
The era of "set it and forget it" AI video generation is ending. We are seeing a "Handmade" movement in digital content where "Filmed and created by real people" becomes a badge of trust.
While fully AI-generated videos are a brand liability, AI-assisted videos are just fine. Consumers don’t mind some AI elements (like voiceovers or background editing) if the core of the video remains human. This makes AI stronger for "functional" videos where the goal is utility, not connection. Think tutorials, explainers, and summaries.
For more high-stakes videos, however, they must be clearly human-led with real photos, real clips, and real people.
The 97% of marketers who want to use more AI in 2026 are in luck! New AI video tools give marketers opportunities to create more efficiently while leveraging their most invaluable assets: their people.
Our advice is this: don’t hand over the keys, use AI as your co-pilot.
Here’s what we mean.
Authentic ways to use AI for video
In 2026, the goal is to use AI to handle the "invisible labor" while keeping your human team in the director’s chair.
Here are some effective ways to make video creation more efficient with AI without losing your audience.
1. Ideation & scripting
The most ethical and effective use of AI happens before the camera even starts rolling. AI excels at ideation, generating 50 video ideas in the time it takes you to brew a coffee.
- The workflow: Feed an LLM your raw notes, a transcript of a brainstorm, or even a URL from a top-performing blog post. Ask it to “Generate a [# second] video script based on this content. Start with a strong hook and end with a call to action to [goal].”
- Why it preserves trust: The final script still goes through a human editor who adds brand-specific nuances and natural language. The AI provides the structure, but the human provides the perspective.
- Pro tip: Ask the AI to find gaps in your script or suggest counter-arguments to make your video more balanced and authoritative.
2. Piecing it all together
In 2026, the "heavy lifting" of video editing isn't about the creative vision, it’s about the technical construction. AI acts as an architect, taking the raw materials (your photos and clips) and building a professional structure around them. This allows you to focus on the story while the AI handles the edit.
- The workflow: Instead of staring at a complex timeline, you simply provide the "ingredients." Upload the media your audience already engages with, like behind-the-scenes snaps, product demos, or team highlights. The AI analyzes the visual energy of your clips to select the best pacing, applies dynamic layouts that fit your aspect ratio, and adds transitions that match the mood of your brand.
- Why it preserves trust: You aren't generating a person who doesn't exist; you are showcasing real moments from your business. Because the core assets are authentic, the AI is simply acting as a "digital polish." Your audience sees the people they recognize and the products they love, just presented with the high-end production value.
- Pro tip: Give the AI more to work with, not less. It adds extra context, and you can always trim it later.
3. Meta-data & distribution
Finally, use AI to do the tedious but important work of SEO optimization and promotion.
- The workflow: Once your human-centric video is finished, use AI tools like Otter.ai to analyze the final transcript. Feed that to an LLM to generate SEO-rich titles, YouTube descriptions, timestamped chapters, and platform-specific tags.
- Why it preserves trust: This use of AI is entirely "under the hood." It doesn’t affect the creative integrity of the video itself; it just ensures that your content reaches the right audience.
- Pro tip: Use a video maker that can quickly resize your videos to optimize them for various social platforms.
How to use Animoto’s AI video maker
Unlike tools that rely on robotic avatars or generic stock, Animoto’s AI video maker is designed to keep your unique perspective front and center. In minutes, it streamlines the heavy lifting, including the scripting and assembly, so you can spend your time where it matters: connecting with your audience through the people and stories that define your brand.
Sign up for a free account and jumpstart your creativity in one of two ways:
1. Create with AI
- Select your goal: Head to the "Create" menu and choose a video type that fits your vision. (If you don't see an exact match, just hit "Other.")
- Set the scene: Provide a few details like dates, product highlights, or even a specific tone of voice. Our AI can work with just a word or two, so don't sweat the small stuff yet!
- Choose your layout: Pick the best aspect ratio for your favorite social platform.
- Add your media: Upload photos and clips directly from your device. Our AI will weave them into a cohesive story for you.
- Refine & polish: Once the AI generates your draft, use our intuitive tools to add your personal touch.
2. Generate from a URL
Turn any web page into a video in seconds. Simply paste a link from a blog post, product page, or real estate listing and watch the AI extract your media and site copy to build a ready-to-share draft. You still have total control to edit every frame before you hit publish.
Grow your reach without losing your voice.
The data from 2026 is clear: while AI is an incredible engine for efficiency, it can’t replace the driver.
Consumers are savvier than ever, and their appetite for authenticity has only grown. They don't want "perfect" videos generated in a vacuum; they want to see your people, your products, and your unique brand story.
By letting AI manage the technical architecture, scripting frameworks, and distribution logistics, you free yourself up to do what machines can't: make a real connection.
Ready to create a video that actually builds trust? Use Animoto’s AI video maker as your co-pilot and start building something that feels like you.
