Will AI replace video editors (and what to do about it) ?

June 4, 2025
Written by
Rémy

As technology advances, you may wonder if AI can take over video editing. With tools that automate tasks and enhance creativity, it seems like a possibility. But can AI really replicate the artistry and emotional depth that human editors bring to the table? This article explores the role of AI in video editing, its benefits, and the irreplaceable human touch that still matters.

Key takeaways

  • Long answer short : no, AI most likely won't replace video editors. Instead, it already functions as a powerful assistant.
  • AI can speed up video editing by handling repetitive tasks like trimming and syncing audio.
  • Creative storytelling remains a uniquely human skill that AI can't fully replicate.
  • AI democratizes possibilities that were not imaginable for the average video editor without specialized teams.
  • Choosing the right AI editing tool depends on your specific needs and the features they offer.

The magic of AI in video editing

Transforming time-consuming tasks

Video editing can feel like wading through molasses sometimes. Hours spent just trimming clips? No thanks! AI steps in like a tireless assistant who actually enjoys the grunt work:

Here's a quick rundown:

  • Scene detection: AI pinpoints scene changes, saving you the hassle of manual searching.
  • Smart trimming: It snips out the boring bits, leaving only the good stuff.
  • Audio sync: No more fiddling with audio tracks; AI syncs it all up perfectly.

Streamlining workflows

Let's talk about workflow.

AI can integrate into your existing setup, making the whole video production process smoother. It's about making video creation and your post production workflow less of a headache and more of a joy. AI video editing tools are here to stay.

Unleashing creativity with AI

AI as your creative partner

Forget the idea of robots stealing your job. Think of artificial intelligence as your new, super-powered intern. It's here to handle the grunt work that drains your creative energy.

  • Brainstorming buddy
  • Workflow assistant
  • Technical assistant

Focusing on storytelling

Let's be real, the tech is cool, but nobody cares if the story sucks. AI can help with the technical stuff, like video style transfer, but it can't write a compelling narrative for you. That's still your job! Use AI to free up your time so you can actually focus on what matters: crafting a story that resonates.

Choosing the right AI tool

Okay, so you're ready to jump into the world of AI video editing? Awesome! But with so many options, where do you even start? Let's break it down, shall we?

Choosing the right AI video editing tools all depends on what you're trying to create. Ask yourself:

  • What do I need AI for?
    • Basic editing, post-production, video stylization?
  • What kind of videos am I making? 
    • Short-form, long-form, cinematic masterpieces?
  • What's my budget?
    • Some are free, some are credit-based or subscription-based.
  • How comfortable am I with tech? 
    • Some are super intuitive, others require (a bit) of a learning curve

Don't be afraid to try out a few free trials. Most AI video editors offer them, and it's the best way to see if it clicks with your workflow.

The Future of video editing

Collaboration between humans and AI

Picture this: the future video landscape isn't some Terminator-style takeover. Instead, it's more like a dynamic partnership. AI handles the boring stuff and integrates your workflow for new tasks that were just not possible to do before, while we, the video editors, get to focus on the fun parts: crafting killer narratives and making video content that actually connects with people.

Redefining roles in editing

Our roles are evolving. We're becoming more like creative directors, guiding the AI and shaping the final product. Think of it as leveling up your skills – mastering new tools and focusing on the big picture. The video production world is changing, and we're right there with it.

Innovations on the horizon

Get ready for some seriously cool stuff. We're talking AI that can generate entire scenes from a script, create custom video templates on the fly, and even predict what kind of editing video style will resonate with your audience. Premiere Pro and other software are already and will be integrating these features more and more.

The playful side of AI video editing

AI Style transfer in Mago with a 3D input

There are so many cool things you can do with AI video tools these days. It's not just about cutting and pasting clips anymore. Here are a few things I've been messing with:

  • Style transfer: Make your video look like it was painted by Van Gogh (or any style!). AI tools make it easy to play with different aesthetics without hours of tweaking.
  • AI-powered transitions: Forget those boring crossfades. These transitions are wild.
  • Smart music generation: Create custom soundtracks that dynamically adapt to your video's mood and pacing.

I think the best part is that you don't need to be a tech genius to use these features. Most of them are pretty intuitive, so you can just jump in and start experimenting. It's all about having fun and seeing what you can create.

AI and video editors: a creative partnership

So, can AI really take over video editing? Not quite!

Think of AI as your trusty sidekick, speeding up tedious tasks while you focus on storytelling. The question isn't if AI will replace editors, but how we can team up with it to create something truly spectacular.

Want to stylize your content? Join the Mago waitlist

Join Mago now!

Secure a spot on our waitlist.