In this post I’ll show you how to turn simple ideas into short promotional videos for your business using AI tools. This walkthrough is based on a video I made for Salazar Digital – Marketing & Web Design where I demonstrated using ChatGPT to create scripts and a platform called Sora to generate the actual video. If you want quick, low-cost videos for Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube without hiring actors or a videographer, read on.
Why use AI video tools like Sora for your business?
- Speed: You can move from idea to finished clip in minutes or hours instead of days.
- Cost savings: No need to hire a film crew, actors, or expensive equipment.
- Simple workflow: Use ChatGPT to craft a scene-by-scene script, then paste it into Sora to generate visuals.
- Platform-ready: Choose aspect ratios and durations tailored for Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.
- Realistic results: Some AI-generated videos can look very convincing—down to small details like veins in a hand—depending on the prompts and settings.
Step-by-step: From script to finished video
1. Create a scene-by-scene script (use ChatGPT)
The first thing you need is a script—scene-by-scene instructions that describe what should appear and when. If you’re not sure how to write one, ask ChatGPT. For example, I asked ChatGPT to “create a 5-second script for a video about our remodeling company” and it returned a second-by-second breakdown plus music suggestions.
Tips for the script:
- Be explicit about each scene: who is in it, what action happens, and any text overlays.
- Include the final call-to-action (phone number or website) as its own scene at the end.
- Decide total duration first—this determines how many scenes you should write.
2. Paste and edit your scenes in Sora
Sora is where the video is generated. The workflow I used was: create scenes in ChatGPT, copy them, and paste into Sora’s scene editor. Once pasted, you can edit each scene in a small box—change the description, tweak timing, or adjust visual details.
Example workflow I used in the demo:
- Wrote a short script about a remodeling company.
- Generated an initial 5-second video—didn’t fully match my expectations.
- Refined the script to “a person working on a kitchen remodel” and “a luxury kitchen” for the next scenes.
- Pasted those refined scenes into Sora and created a second version that looked better (kitchen was realistic, person less perfect).
3. Set duration, dimensions, and scene timing
When creating the video, choose:
- Duration: Sora allows short videos (I used 5–20 seconds). For business promos, aim for around 10 seconds so you can include contact info at the end.
- Aspect ratio: Select square (1:1) for Instagram/Facebook feeds, vertical for Reels/Stories, and horizontal for YouTube.
- Scene timing: Match the number of scenes to the total duration. If you pick 20 seconds, create scenes that add up to that time.
Note: If you pick too long a duration for the number of scenes you wrote, the visuals may feel stretched or empty—plan scenes to match your chosen length.
4. Generate variations and finalize
Sora can create multiple variations of a video—select how many versions you want. Keep in mind that generation takes time, so I recommend creating and testing one or two variations first before batch-generating many.
After generation:
- Review each scene for realism and message clarity.
- Adjust the last scene to display your phone number or web address clearly.
- Export the best variation for the platform you plan to use.
Practical tips and best practices
- Plan for around 10 seconds for a short promo so you have space for visuals plus contact details.
- If your first result doesn’t look right, refine your scene descriptions—mention “person working on a kitchen remodel” or “luxury kitchen close-up” to get closer to what you want.
- Choose the correct aspect ratio for the platform before generating to avoid cropping or re-editing later.
- Use the scene editor to tweak small details; even small prompt changes can improve realism.
- Create a short final scene dedicated to contact info: phone number, website, or a short CTA like “Call now.”
- Allow time for generation—these AI platforms can take a while depending on length and complexity.
Where to try it
I tested Sora during the demo. You can look for it at sora.gpt.com or search “Sora AI” in Google to find the platform and examples. Explore sample videos on the site to see the level of realism you can achieve.
Final thoughts
AI tools are making it easier than ever to create quick, affordable promotional videos for your business. The process I recommend is straightforward: write a clear script with ChatGPT, paste and edit scenes in Sora, choose duration and aspect ratio, and generate variations until you get the desired result. With a little practice you can produce effective videos for Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube without needing actors or a videographer.
If you want more tips or examples, check out my original video from Salazar Digital – Marketing & Web Design and try these steps on your next promo. Good luck—now go create a video for your brand!
Salazar Digital – Marketing & Web Design
