Make Pictures and Videos With AI: A Beginner's Guide

AI can turn a written description into a picture, and more and more tools can make short videos too. Here is how to get started.

How it works

You write a description, called a prompt, and the tool creates an image that matches it. The more specific you are, the closer the result is to what you imagined.

Describe it well

Include:

• The subject: "a smiling woman selling fruit at a market"
• The setting: "in Lagos, in the morning sun"
• The style: "bright, realistic photo" or "colourful cartoon"
• The shape: "square, for an Instagram post"

A smiling woman selling fresh oranges at a busy Lagos market, morning sun, bright realistic photo, square.

If the first result is not right, change one thing at a time.

Tools to try

• Microsoft Designer and Copilot can make images from a description.
• Canva has AI image tools inside its free plan.

For videos, watch the class replays Method 1 and Method 2 for how to create free AI videos step by step.

Use it responsibly

• Label AI images when it matters, especially for business adverts or news.
• Never make fake images of real people to embarrass or trick anyone.
• Check the details: AI often gets hands, text and logos wrong.

See every class on the replays page.