Chapter 1. Introduction to AI Image and Video Generation

The way we create visuals is changing—and AI is at the center of that transformation. Whether you’re a designer, marketer, educator, or hobbyist, today’s tools make it easier than ever to turn ideas into images and videos with just a few words.

This chapter provides a broad introduction to the new creative landscape. We begin by looking at how AI is reshaping the creator world—from professional workflows to beginner-friendly platforms. You’ll see how this shift is opening doors for more people to participate and produce at scale.

Next, we introduce the core techniques used in AI visual generation. From text-to-image and image-to-image to video creation and animation, you’ll get a sense of how these tools work and what they can do.

We then highlight some of the most popular platforms for image and video generation. Each one offers different strengths—some are better for polished visuals, others for experimentation or speed.

Together, these sections give you a solid foundation for working with AI visual tools and understanding where this fast-moving field is headed.