The Top Visual Generation Tools Creators Need to Know
AI image and video creation is experiencing unprecedented growth.
Last week, we saw the “Ghiblification” of the internet as people explored OpenAI’s image generation.
Sam Altman revealed that ChatGPT added one million new users in a single hour following their latest image generation release, shattering their previous record of reaching that milestone in five days.
But let’s not lose sight of all the other tools that are just as note-worthy.
Here is a roundup, or rather a snapshot, of our current “must know” AI tools:
- OpenAI Image Generator: Now built right into ChatGPT, it makes realistic images that follow your instructions better than ever before.
- Midjourney v7: This allows you to hyper personalize your artistic taste to the outputs, and has “draft” modes so you can craft your ideal image step-by-step.
- Runway Gen-4: This allows you to generate consistent characters with just a single reference image, taking visual storytelling to the next level.
- Adobe Firefly: This is the go-to tool for commercial use since it’s trained on licensed images and Adobe Stock. It’s perfect for helping creators avoid copyright issues with their AI-generated content.
- Krea: This tool allows you to use “video re-style” while still maintaining the motion and consistency of the original footage.
- Ideogram 3.0: This tool excels at making images with accurate text, which is perfect for creating thumbnails, posters, and marketing materials.
- Luma Labs: This tool allows for video generation that includes complex camera motions.
And perhaps the news that’s most relevant to creators involves image generation that can create YouTube Thumbnails with natural language and crude sketches.
But there’s just too much to cover here, so we will dedicate today’s Creator Tech section (see below) to cover this in depth.
These tools bring features such as consistent characters, personalization, text manipulation, and generation with natural language.
It has never been easier to create stunning visual content that can tell stories and build brands.
The Student Entrepreneur: Why Education Businesses Are the New Career Path
I was shocked when I discovered that 73% of college graduates never use their degree in their careers.
It made me question everything I thought I knew about higher education.
The reality I’m seeing in 2025 is that tech companies are laying off thousands, job markets are more unstable than ever, and AI is rapidly eliminating entry-level positions.
So I had to ask: Is getting another degree really the safest bet anymore?
In my latest YouTube video, I make the case that starting an education-based business might actually be the smartest career move for students right now.
And it makes sense when you think about it–you already possess valuable knowledge that others would pay to learn.
When you document your own educational challenges and solutions, you create valuable content that serves as both your portfolio and your product.
Take another look at how you’re positioning your content business. Your most valuable assets aren’t fancy equipment or complex business strategy.
They’re the authentic solutions to problems you’ve already overcome.
YouTube’s algorithm is increasingly favoring educational content, essentially telling the world “we need more creators educating and solving problems.”
The simplest business is to find a problem you’ve solved, create content that helps others solve it too, and establish a way for them to pay you.
This “solve as you learn” approach might just be the most recession-proof business strategy in today’s uncertain economy.
From Sketch to Thumbnail: How Natural Language is Transforming Creator Workflows
The ability to transform simple sketches into polished YouTube thumbnails is becoming a reality.
And like all powerful tools, it comes with both creative potential and ethical considerations.
What makes this technology revolutionary is the natural language component.
Instead of needing to master complex design software, you can simply describe what you want changed: “remove those people from the background” or “make these scribbles look like a Hollywood masterpiece.”
The AI handles the technical execution while you focus on creative direction.
Here is an example from @reliantlane and @apollonator3000:
On the other hand, you can also start with someone else’s thumbnail and mold it to your own.
Here is an example from @ColinandSamir who recreated a Mr. Beast thumbnail.
It’s noted that Colin and Samir don’t condone this, and “firmly don't think this is the path forward for creativity...”
We have discussed in previous editions how AI is creating more new jobs rather than just eliminating them.
Your ability to clearly articulate what makes a thumbnail effective now matters more than your drawing skills.
The best thumbnails will come from creators who understand psychological triggers and audience expectations.
These tools don't replace thumbnail designers – they transform creators into art directors who can execute their vision without technical limitations.
- Microsoft announces updates to Copilot
- Adobe launches new AI video extension tool in Premiere Pro
- Notion for Creators is looking for small creators to give free Notion Plus with AI. Apply now!
- Substack is rolling out a new “TikTok-like feed” in its app
- OpenAI Academy introduces online classes to help users with AI education and using the platform