If you’re a content creator, social media marketer, or business owner, you know the value of great visuals. But why stop at static designs? With Canva’s innovative AI video generation tool, you can now transform text prompts into captivating videos with just a few clicks.
Whether you’re a Canva beginner or a seasoned user, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Canva’s text-to-video feature, giving you the skills to level up your content game. Plus, we’ll explore best practices to ensure your videos engage viewers and leave a lasting impression.
What is Canva?
Canva is a highly popular graphic design platform known for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and massive template library. From designing social media posts to creating presentations, posters, and now videos, Canva empowers users of all skill levels to create professional content.
With tools for design, animation, and now AI-powered creativity, Canva continues to innovate, making it a one-stop shop for countless visual content needs.
The text-to-video feature takes Canva’s capabilities to the next level, giving creators the ability to generate professional-quality videos from simple text inputs, without requiring advanced design or video editing skills.
How to Use Text-to-Video in Canva
If you’re ready to explore Canva’s text-to-video feature, here’s a step-by-step guide to get started.
1. Sign in to Your Canva Account
Log in to your Canva account on your desktop. If you don’t already have one, you can create an account for free. Note that free accounts are granted ten lifetime uses of Canva’s AI features, while Pro users receive up to 50 uses per month.
2. Open Magic Media
Once logged in, open an existing project or start a new one. On the left-hand menu, locate and click Magic Media. This is where Canva’s AI tools—including text-to-video capabilities—live.
3. Choose the “Video” Tab
Within Magic Media, select the Video tab. You’ll see a text box inviting you to describe the video you’d like to create.
4. Use “Inspire Me” Prompts
If you’re unsure where to start, Canva provides “inspire me” prompts. These are preset ideas designed to help spark creativity and align your vision with Canva’s capabilities. For instance, you might find prompts for tasks like creating motivational videos or cinematic landscapes.
5. Enter Your Custom Prompt
Want to craft something unique? Type your own text prompt into the box. Be as descriptive as possible! For example, if you’re a realtor, you might input something like, “Close-up of keys being handed to a smiling couple, transitioning to a wide shot of them entering their new sunlit home.”
6. Click “Generate Video”
Once your prompt is ready, click Generate Video. Canva’s AI will get to work, rendering your video in about two minutes. A progress bar will indicate how far along the generation process is.
7. Review and Refine Your Video
Once available, preview your video. Drag and drop it into your Canva workspace to add filters, adjust playback speed, trim clips, or add text overlays to suit your project’s needs.
8. Download or Share
When you’re happy with the final product, download it or share it directly via Canva. Your video is now ready to wow audiences across social media, presentations, or even advertisements.
Best Practices for Text-to-Video Content Using Canva
While Canva’s AI tools make video creation a breeze, there are a few strategies that can help ensure your videos are impactful and professional.
1. Be Clear and Concise in Your Prompts
The quality of your video largely depends on the clarity of your text prompts. Use descriptive language to guide the AI; include details like colors, moods, and cinematic styles. For example, instead of “a sunset,” try “a drone shot panning over an orange and pink ocean sunset with golden light.”
2. Focus on Scene-Based Videos
Canva’s AI performs best when generating scene-based visuals (landscapes, objects, etc.) rather than highly dynamic or human-centric shots. For instance, scenic shots like sunsets or cityscapes typically look more polished than videos featuring lots of moving people.
3. Leverage Canva’s Edit Tools
Once your video is created, use Canva’s built-in tools to boost its quality. Add filters, adjust brightness levels, and enhance saturation to create a visually cohesive look. Don’t forget to use text overlays if your goal includes conveying specific messages or CTAs.
4. Keep It Short and Engaging
Social media audiences prefer quick, digestible clips. Aim for 15-30 second videos to capture and hold attention. For longer formats, ensure your content has a compelling opening to keep viewers engaged.
5. Combine with Templates for Branding
Take advantage of Canva’s branding features. Incorporate logos, consistent fonts, and colors to ensure your videos align with your overall brand identity.
6. Experiment with Different Prompts
Don’t stop after one video! Test a variety of prompts to explore Canva’s creative potential. You might uncover styles and themes you hadn’t considered before.
Why Content Creators Love Canva AI
Content creators, marketers, and small business owners are already raving about Canva’s text-to-video tool. Whether you’re creating ads, educational content, or social media reels, the ease and versatility of AI-powered videos eliminate unnecessary barriers, giving users more time to focus on strategic storytelling.
Plus, since Canva integrates video creation into its existing design toolset, you don’t have to jump between platforms or learn complicated software. It’s a unified, intuitive experience all in one place.
Elevate Your Content with Canva AI Today
The ability to transform text into eye-catching video content is a game-changer for anyone who wants to stand out in the crowded digital landscape. By following the steps and best practices outlined above, you can create professional-grade videos in minutes, no technical expertise required.
Want to give it a try? Start creating with Canva AI today and see how this exciting feature can elevate your content, connect with your audience, and grow your brand.
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Dr. Mayo Adegbuyi is the president of BizCrown Media, where he assists businesses with digital marketing strategies and services to grow their awareness and revenue. He holds a Bachelor's in Fine Arts (Graphic Design), a Master's in Integrated Marketing Communications, and a Doctorate in Business Administration. With over 4 million YouTube views and extensive leadership experience, Dr. Mayo blends creativity, strategic insight, and cutting-edge techniques to accomplish business goals.