Show HN: I tested 50 AI video APIs and built a comparison platform
by ludydev | 2026-02-25 07:14:23+00:00
Last year, I spent $3,200 on video production tools. Professional cameras, editing software, stock footage - and still wasn't creating fast enough.

Then AI video tools exploded. Everyone promised to "revolutionize video creation." Reality? *90% are garbage*.

I tested 50+ AI video tools over 6 months and built [FindAIVideo.com] to share what actually works.

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## Why Most AI Video Reviews Are Useless

Most "top 10 AI video tools" articles are:
- Written by people who never used the tools
- Paid affiliate spam
- Outdated immediately
- Missing hidden costs

I wanted real testing, transparent pricing, honest comparisons.

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## My Testing Framework: 3 Must-Haves

### 1. *Output Quality*
- Minimum 1080p (ideally 4K)
- Consistent results (no lottery)
- Passes the "uncanny valley" test

### 2. *Usability*
- < 30 minutes to first video
- Intuitive interface
- Generate in minutes, not hours

### 3. *Cost Transparency*
- No hidden fees
- Clear credit systems
- Honest export limits

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## 5 Tools Actually Worth Your Money

After 6 months, only 5 made my list:

### 1. [See FindAIVideo.com]
*Best for*: Short-form social media
*Price*: $29/month (100 videos)
*Why*: Fastest generation + no watermark

Generated 200+ TikToks with this. Best pacing for short-form.

### 2. [Redacted]
*Best for*: Professional marketing
*Price*: $99/month (unlimited)
*Why*: Cinematic quality + brand templates

Saved $2,000/month vs. hiring editors.

### 3. [Redacted]
*Best for*: Educational content
*Price*: $49/month (50 videos)
*Why*: Screen recording + auto-captions

Perfect for SaaS demos.

### 4. [Redacted]
*Best for*: Avatar videos
*Price*: Free tier, $20/month pro
*Why*: Most realistic AI avatars

### 5. [Redacted]
*Best for*: Long-form repurposing
*Price*: $79/month
*Why*: 1 podcast → 20 clips automatically

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## Tools to Avoid (And Why)

45+ tools failed. Here's why:

* Too Expensive*: $200-500/month for $50 features
Red flag: No transparent pricing

* Vaporware*: Beautiful demos, terrible reality
Red flag: No free trial = hiding something

* Credit Traps*: "$29/month" = 2 videos actually
Red flag: Confusing credit systems

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## How I Built FindAIVideo.com

After testing everything, I had real data. So I built:
- 50+ tool reviews with scoring
- Real pricing comparisons
- Use case matching
- Workflow guides

Goal: Save you $3,200 and 200 hours I wasted.

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## My Honesty Policy

*I make ZERO money from recommendations.*

- No affiliate links (yet)
- No sponsored content
- No "free tools for reviews"
- I paid for everything I tested

If it sucks, I say it sucks.

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## 2026 Predictions

### Consolidation
Half these tools die by 2027.

### Price Wars
Prices drop 30-50% as competition heats up.

### Quality Plateau
We're near "good enough." Future improvements = marginal.

### Integration Wins
Winners integrate with Adobe/Canva, not standalone platforms.

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## My Testing Checklist

*Day 1: Free Trial*
- Test 3 video types
- Download exports (don't just preview)

*Day 2: Cost Analysis*
- Calculate cost per video
- Find hidden fees
- Compare 3 competitors

*Day 3: Integration*
- Test with existing tools
- Check support response

Fails any? Move on.

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## Resources

*FindAIVideo.com* has:
- Detailed comparisons
- Pricing breakdowns
- Quality examples
- Step-by-step workflows

Questions? Comment below.

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## Bottom Line

AI video tools aren't magic. They're tools. Some sharp, some dull, most overpriced.

Find the right one? Game-changing. I went from 2 videos/week to 15. From $3,200/month to $150.

*Stop wasting money. Start creating.*

Visit FindAIVideo.com for honest comparisons, no BS.