AI Video Editor: Build a Promo Video from Scratch in the Browser

Video97 is a free AI video editor that runs entirely in your browser. You don't need to install anything. This guide shows you how to turn a rough idea into a finished promo video, step by step. You will generate AI visuals, add a voice-over, auto-subtitles, motion effects, and then export to MP4. The whole workflow takes about ten minutes.

Start a new project and choose the right canvas

Open video97 in your browser. You will see a button that says "New Project". Click it. You now choose the aspect ratio for your video. For a promo meant for YouTube or TikTok wide, pick 16:9. For Instagram Stories or Reels, pick 9:16. If you plan to post in a feed, choose the square 1:1 option. There is also a custom size field for banner ads or specific platforms.

After selecting the canvas, you can change the background color. Many promo videos start with a solid color or a gradient. Video97 has a color picker and a few preset gradients. You can also upload your own background image or use one of the built-in textures. This layer becomes the base of your video.

The timeline is at the bottom. The preview window is on the right. You can drag panels around if you prefer a different layout. Everything works in the browser, so your project is saved to the cloud automatically.

Generate AI images and videos

Click the "AI Tools" button in the left sidebar. You will see two main options: "AI Image" and "AI Video". For a promo video, you often need both. Let's start with images. Write a prompt that describes the scene. For a product promo, you could write: "a white sneaker on a pedestal, studio lighting, soft shadow, photorealistic". For a travel promo: "aerial view of a turquoise beach, clear water, sunny day".

Click Generate. Video97 creates four variations in a few seconds. Pick the one you like by clicking it. It will appear in your media library. You can also generate video clips with prompts like "dolly zoom through a modern kitchen" or "slow motion coffee pour". The AI video tool creates short clips, usually between two and five seconds. That is perfect for promo pacing.

If you already have footage or photos, you can upload them with the "Upload" button. The AI-generated assets are just as easy to work with as your own files. You can drag any asset from the library to the timeline.

Cut and trim your clips

Now that you have a few minutes of visual material on the timeline, you need to shape it. Promo videos are tight, so each shot should last between two and three seconds. Click on a clip in the timeline. You will see handles at both ends. Drag the right handle to shorten the end, or drag the left handle to shorten the start. The preview updates instantly.

If you want to split a clip into two parts, place the playhead where the split should happen. Click the scissors icon in the toolbar. The clip is now divided. You can delete the unwanted segment by selecting it and pressing Delete. You can also use the "Trim" panel to enter exact start and end timecodes. This is useful for sync with a voice-over.

The online video editor also has an AI cut feature. If you select a long clip and choose "AI Cut", video97 analyzes the motion and identifies the most interesting parts. It removes the boring sections automatically. You can then fine-tune with the handles.

Add an AI voice-over

Click the "Voice Over" section in the left sidebar. Choose "Text to Speech". This is the AI voice generator. Write your script directly into the text area. For a promo, keep the script short. A ten-second promo needs around 25 words. A thirty-second promo needs around 75 words.

Next, pick a language and a voice. Video97 has many voices, including male, female, energetic, calm, and neutral tones. Click on a voice to hear a sample. After you choose, you can adjust the speed and pitch with the sliders. Click "Generate" and wait a few seconds. The app creates the audio from your text. You can preview it and generate again if you want a different take.

Once you are happy, click "Add to Timeline". The voice-over appears on an audio track underneath your video clips. You can now move the voice-over around to match your visuals. Use the audio wave to see where the speech starts and stops. If you prefer to record your own voice, video97 also has a built-in microphone recorder. The AI option is faster for testing and for creators who do not want to use their own voice.

Add subtitles automatically

Subtitles are a standard part of modern promo videos. To add subtitles automatically, go to the "Subtitle" tab. Click "Auto Subtitles". Video97 transcribes the audio track, including the AI voice-over, and creates a subtitle file. Each subtitle segment appears on the timeline as a text layer.

You can edit the text if the transcription has any mistakes. Click on a subtitle in the timeline or in the subtitle list. Change the text, split or merge segments. Then style the subtitles. The format options include font family, size, color, letter spacing, background box, and position on screen.

Most promo videos use bold, high-contrast text. A semi-transparent black box behind the text helps it stay readable on any background. You can also choose to animate the subtitles with a simple fade or slide. For maximum reach, keep the subtitles centered or lower third. Video97 saves your subtitle style as a preset so you can reuse it in other projects.

Make it a motion video

A static image is boring. To make your promo feel alive, use the motion tools. Select an image on the timeline. In the right panel, choose "Motion". You will see presets like Zoom In, Zoom Out, Pan Left, Pan Right, and Tilt Up. Apply one of them. The image will smoothly move as the video plays.

For AI-generated video clips, you can also add subtle motion. The clips already have some movement, so use a gentle zoom or a slight pan for emphasis. If you have a still image that feels too static, you can use the "AI Motion" button. The AI analyzes the image and creates a dynamic camera path automatically. This is a quick way to make a motion video without setting keyframes.

Transitions are another part of motion graphics. Place your cursor between two clips on the timeline. Click the transition icon that appears. Choose from fade, slide, zoom, or sharp cut. Keep transitions short, around 0.3 to 0.5 seconds. Fades are safe for professional promos. Slides and zooms are more energetic.

You can also animate text overlays. When you add a text layer, go to the Animation tab. Choose an entrance effect like "Pop" or "Slide Up" and an exit effect like "Fade Out". This makes your titles and captions feel part of the video rather than flat.

Export to MP4

When you have completed the edit, it is time to export. Click the "Export" button in the top right. A dialog opens with format options. Choose MP4 for maximum device compatibility. Select a resolution: 1080p works for most social platforms. If you want 4K, that is available too, but it will take longer to process. Choose a frame rate of 30 fps for a standard look or 60 fps for smoother motion.

Video97 processes the video in your browser. This means the file does not leave your computer unless you upload it later. Depending on the length and resolution, the export takes anywhere from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. When it is done, a download link appears. Click it to save the MP4 to your device. That is your finished promo video, ready for sharing.

FAQ

Can I add subtitles to a video without a voice-over?

Yes, you can. If your video has no audio, you can still use the subtitle feature in a manual mode. Click the "Subtitle" tab, then "Add Subtitle". Type the text you want and place it on the timeline. You can also create a silent AI voice-over by generating speech and then muting the audio track, but that is usually not necessary. The manual subtitles work fine and have the same styling options.

How do I make a still image move in a video?

Select the image on the timeline and open the Motion panel. Choose a preset like Zoom In or Pan Right. You can also set keyframes manually. Click the clock icon in front of the position or scale property, move the playhead to a later point, and adjust the values. Video97 will create a smooth animation between the two points. The "AI Motion" button is the fastest option because it picks a camera path for you.

Can I use my own videos in the browser editor?

Absolutely. Video97 accepts uploads of MP4, MOV, WebM, and other common formats. Click the "Upload" button in the media library. Once the file is uploaded, you can drag it to the timeline. It behaves like any other clip. You can trim it, add subtitles, apply motion effects, and even use the AI cut tool on it. There is no limit on the number of uploads for free accounts.