What is an AI Tool? How Artificial Intelligence Tools Work [2024 Guide]
Discover the power of AI tools and understand how they revolutionize tasks with our comprehensive 2024 guide to artificial intelligence tools.
February 21, 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has a long and complex history, but it’s undeniable that it has become ever-present across industries and uses in the last few years. From the dawn of ChatGPT to the dozens of AI tools used in marketing, security, data analysis, and more, AI now pervades daily life and transforms business functions. 

The best AI tools on the market can make processes smarter, teams more efficient, and people more productive. The first step in using AI tools effectively is gaining a thorough understanding of what AI tools are and which ones will best serve your needs. 

What is AI?

AI, or artificial intelligence, refers to a computer system that can perform a task that would otherwise require a human to complete. Recognizing speech, generating written text that follows language structures and responds to tone specifications, making decisions, and solving problems are all examples of AI capabilities. 

The purpose of AI is to mimic human cognitive functions through computer systems. 

How Does AI Work?

AI uses algorithms and computer models that continuously learn from human inputs and data. These models allow machines to learn and adapt as more data is added. To initiate this process, an AI model must be given a large amount of data so that it can identify trends and pinpoint correlations. 

The more data an AI model can work with, the more effectively it can perform. 

What is an AI Tool?

An AI tool is an application or software program that leverages AI models and algorithms to perform a specified task. Using machine learning techniques and a specialized algorithm developed with a certain goal output in mind, AI tools can help with a wide variety of business needs from customer journey personalization to data analysis and content creation.

How AI Tools Work

AI describes any algorithm or model that adapts and improves with every iteration of its use and every input of data. An AI tool uses that same concept, using machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to deliver solutions for a predefined problem. 

Humans create AI tools by defining models and entering large amounts of data so that the algorithm can identify patterns and generate its own data that follows those same parameters. 

Of course, every AI tool works differently based on its purpose. 

Benefits of AI Tools

There are plenty of reasons why AI tools continue to gain popularity across organizations. The following are some of the most impactful benefits of using AI tools. 

Time & Resource Saving

AI helps humans to automate processes that are tedious, repetitive, and time consuming. Implementing AI productivity software tools frees up time for individuals and organizations alike, which in turn frees up resources. 

No more paying skilled workers to waste their time sorting data or running analytics. Instead, companies can leverage these workers for more high-priority tasks while AI tools complete repetitive tasks.

AI greeting

One AI tool that can save sales and marketing teams countless hours while improving results is Tavus. Tavus can turn a single recorded video template into thousands of personalized video messages. 

This AI sales tool allows teams to follow up with customers on what feels like an individual basis, without every team member taking hours out of every week to record the same video over and over again. 

In marketing efforts, create email marketing campaigns that include Tavus videos that speak directly to prospects by name, mention their organization or recommended products, and spark a feeling of connection early on in your communications. Without AI tools like Tavus, this degree of personalization at scale would be impossible.

Increased Productivity  

By automating tasks that are repetitive and tedious, AI tools allow for increased productivity among employees. This allows organizations to be more strategic in their hiring and task allocation efforts, leaving space for activities that truly move the needle instead of using company resources on administrative tasks that no one enjoys doing.

Adaptability

Because AI tools are always learning from new data and patterns, they are highly adaptable and flexible. This allows them to better complement human skills by inspiring creativity and pinpointing trends before humans may otherwise be able to. 

Using machine learning, AI tools can recommend updated models based on shifts in customer behavior and response patterns. 

AI Tool Examples: What AI Tools Are Used For

Most people think of ChatGPT or in-depth data analysis functions when discussing AI tool examples. In reality, there are AI tools to assist with almost every business function and decision. 

The following examples are some of the most common and impactful AI tools.

AI Video Generation

AI Video Generation

How this AI tool works: AI video generation tools use algorithms and user inputs to create video output. This form of content creation can revolutionize personalized email campaigns, sales flows, customer education, and more. 

While some AI video generator tools use avatars and robotic voiceovers with lip-syncing that doesn’t quite match, Tavus leverages user inputs and recorded video templates to create thousands of individualized videos based on a single recording. This method allows for authentic human voice and expression, without requiring countless hours of recording. 

When to use AI video generation: 

  • Customer welcome emails
  • Recruiting processes
  • Sales outreach
  • Marketing communications
  • Consumer retention touchpoints

With Tavus, you can use AI generation for all of the cases above, and better yet, you can automate the process of sending them. By creating a video template and setting up a programmatic video trigger that integrates with the rest of your processes, you can send prospects and customers personalized videos based on their actions without lifting a finger. 

Through integrations with Salesforce, Mailchimp, and more, Tavus enables users to set up event-based triggers that automate the creation and sending process once set up.

Learn more about Tavus

Data Analysis

Data Analysis

How this AI tool works: Instead of dedicating endless hours of skilled work to sift through large sets of data to identify patterns and trends, organizations can input large datasets into AI programs to thoroughly categorize the data. AI data analysis tools can also offer predictive analysis, which can be helpful for a wide range of uses from security to marketing. 

When to use AI data analysis: 

  • Customer data
  • Access control data
  • Fraud detection
  • Social media monitoring
  • Marketing campaign segmentation and personalization

AI Writing Tools

AI witing tool

How this AI tool works: AI writing tools generate human-sounding text using natural language processing programs. Such tools with large datasets to work from can even understand context and nuanced language uses. 

When to use AI writing tools: 

  • Content creation for social media captions
  • Editing assistance
  • Drafting assistance for website content
  • Idea generation for blog topics

AI Image Creation

How this AI tool works: AI image creation tools can process and generate visual data to create new images based on text and image inputs. 

When to make AI images:

  • Marketing materials
  • Social media videos
  • Inspiration for branding assets 

Workflow Automation Tools 

Automation tool

How this AI tool works: Instead of requiring staff members to complete tedious and repetitive tasks, organizations can use AI to automate workflows in a variety of departments. In many cases, relying on AI for repetitive tasks can even improve accuracy

When to use AI for workflow automation:

  • Data extraction
  • Invoice processing
  • Appointment scheduling
  • Defect detection
  • Order processing

Speech Recognition & Analysis

Speech Recognition & Analysis

How this AI tool works: AI programs can recognize spoken language and convert it into text. Some tools can take it a step further and analyze text content, creating summaries and key takeaways or rating customer service calls based on a rubric or past data. 

When to use speech recognition & analytics: 

  • Record meeting audio
  • Transcribe spoken content
  • Analyze customer service calls
  • Document company calls

Recommendation Engines

Recommendation Engines

How this AI tool works: By analyzing past user behavior such as customer purchase history, clicks, searches, and products placed in cart, AI can understand customer preferences and suggest relevant content or products. 

When to use AI-powered recommendation engines: 

  • Upsells or cross-sells for ecommerce
  • Content suggestions on blog platforms

AI Personal Assistants

AI Personal Assistants

How this AI tool works: AI personal assistants combine language processing abilities with workflow automation and analysis programs to understand user queries and facilitate the desired outcome. 

When to use AI personal assistants: 

  • Scheduling appointments
  • Organizing calendar slots
  • Customer support services
  • Automating tasks

AI Chatbots

AI Chatbots

How this AI tool works: AI chatbots use language processing capabilities to converse with website visitors and customers. They provide automated responses to user queries based on company-specific data.

When to use AI chatbots: 

  • Website help functions
  • Routine interaction automation
  • Customer contact information capture

More About AI Tools

The world of AI tools is overwhelming, especially if you’ve been operating without them. Get answers to top questions about AI tools. 

What exactly does AI do?

AI uses machines to perform tasks that would usually require human intelligence. By learning from data, AI can perform tasks including problem-solving, processing and generating language, interpreting videos and images, recognizing speech, and analyzing data.

Is ChatGPT an AI tool?

Yes, ChatGPT is a generative AI writing tool. It can produce human-like writing based on user prompts. 

Which is the best AI tool? 

The best AI tool for your needs depends on your specific goals and desired outcomes. For example, someone who needs a free way to generate a summary of their company meeting notes might find that ChatGPT is the best AI tool. On the other hand, sales and marketing teams looking for personalized video software will find that Tavus is the best AI tool. 

Use the Best AI Tool

Tavus is the best AI marketing tool because it allows organizations to scale their personalization efforts without sacrificing productivity or strategy. Preserve your team’s time while fostering authentic connections with your customers and prospects using Tavus to create personalized videos. 

Upload one video, and get dozens, thousands, or even a million individualized videos back with the power of AI.

Get started with a demo

Access More AI Tools 

Especially when it comes to video content, AI capabilities are nearly endless. Explore even more AI tools and imagine what this technology can do for your business. 

AI Video Editor

AI video editors use the predictive and creative powers of AI to help enhance and alter videos that you’ve already recorded. Whether you want to change a background, adapt pacing, adjust colors, or fine-tune the audio, there are AI video editing rolls available to move you toward your goals. 

More about AI video editing 

Free AI Video Generator

AI video generators can create audiovisual outputs based on text inputs, making them particularly valuable for users who do not want to get behind the camera. Most of the free AI video generator options have minimal options or capabilities and only create very short videos. 

Tavus is a paid AI video generator that uses a video template to create personalized video content based on user-defined variables. 

Use the Tavus AI video generator.

AI Text to Video Generator 

AN AI text-to-video generator can create video outputs based on text prompts and scripts. These are particularly useful for organizations that do not need their videos to feature humans or that prefer AI-generated avatars to human actors. 

Learn more about Tavus’ text-to-video generator

AI Talking Head Video Generator 

A talking head is a video of an animated character that can be programmed to lip sync to appear as though it were speaking. 

Try a talking head video generator here.

AI Voice Generator 

AI can generate many different types of audio outputs, including human-like voices. Some programs will use pre-programmed voices, while others like Tavus can use previously recorded audio to generate the voice of a real person. 

Once you follow the Tavus onboarding process and upload a video template, Tavus will automatically fill in all of your defined variables with a generated voice that sounds just like yours. 

Try the Tavus voice generator here. 

AI Spokesperson Video Creator 

Organizations can use an AI spokesperson video creator to generate a video of an AI-created avatar or a real person. This figure can deliver product education, company updates, and more. 

Since Tavus makes it simple to create countless iterations of a single video template, you can use Tavus as an AI spokesperson video creator.

AI Script Generator 

Many AI tools can process text prompts to help you create an excellent script for your next video. By giving an AI script generator a detailed prompt with all relevant details and project goals, you can create the perfect script while saving time. 

Try an AI script generator here. 

AI Video Maker 

Any program that can generate an audiovisual output can be considered an AI video maker. The best AI video maker is Tavus, which you can leverage to create thousands of high-quality videos in the time it takes to record just one. 

Try the best AI video maker today.

Chat GPT Video Generator

Chat GPT does not have a video generator capability yet, but it can be used in conjunction with tools like Tavus to quickly and easily create thousands of unique videos. Use ChatGPT to make video scripts, or use the modified GPT model in Tavus to generate the perfect AI script for your video. 

Then, record your template in Tavus and define your variables to create the base for thousands of videos. 

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