Simplifying Video Creation with LLMs: From Chaos to Clarity

Creating a compelling video is an exciting yet complex endeavor. From ideation to scripting, visual planning, and final editing, each stage demands creativity, structure, and attention to detail. Many creators find themselves overwhelmed by the blank page, unsure how to organize their ideas, keep their audience engaged, or effectively deliver a call to action (CTA). Fortunately, Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT offer a powerful solution to enhance the entire video creation process.

This article breaks down the traditional challenges of video creation and shows how LLMs can act as a creative co-pilot at every stage: from scripting to thumbnail ideation and final review.

The Complexity of Video Creation

Creating a video involves much more than simply writing a script. The process typically includes:

• Ideation & Concept Development
• Script Structuring & Storyboarding
• Visual Planning (e.g., thumbnails, scenes)
• Editing and Review Cycles
• Crafting Hooks, CTAs, and Memorable Conclusions

Each of these steps requires a unique skill set, and it can be complicated to maintain a consistent tone, flow, and viewer engagement throughout the video.

How LLMs Can Help

LLMs have evolved into intelligent creative assistants that can:

• Organize scattered ideas into structured outlines
• Improve clarity, engagement, and tone
• Suggest compelling intros, hooks, and CTAs
• Generate visuals and thumbnail concepts
• Review and refine content

Importantly, LLMs don't replace your creativity—they enhance it. Think of them as your brainstorming partner, editor, and scriptwriting assistant all in one.

Prompting LLMs Through the Video Creation Journey

Here's how to use LLMs effectively at each key stage of the video production process:

🧠 Ideation and Concept Development

🔹 Option 1: Audience-Driven Video Ideation

Generate 5 original and highly engaging video content ideas that would resonate with [target audience], specifically addressing their core interests, recurring questions, or common challenges around [pain point or topic]. For each idea, include a brief explanation of why it would appeal to this audience.

🔹 Option 2: Trend-Aligned Video Suggestions

What are 5 compelling video ideas that combine trending formats or storytelling styles with the specific challenges or desires of [target audience] related to [pain point or topic]? Suggest a hook or title for each idea that would increase engagement.

🔹 Option 3: Funnel-Aware Content Strategy

Propose 5 video ideas tailored for [target audience] that solve or speak to [pain point or topic] at different stages of their awareness or decision-making journey (e.g., unaware, problem-aware, solution-aware). Briefly explain the purpose of each video in the content funnel.

🔹 Option 4: FAQ-to-Video Translator

I have a document with important FAQs that my [target audience] often overlooks. Based on the content of this FAQ doc, suggest 5 creative and engaging video ideas that clearly explain key points or common misunderstandings. Each idea should be framed to grab attention and make the information more digestible than the original text.

Use this to brainstorm content that aligns with your audience's interests or common challenges.

📋 Script Structuring and Storyboarding

🔹 Option 1: Storytelling-Oriented Outline Prompt

Transform this video idea into a compelling outline designed for [audience]. Structure it with:
– An attention-grabbing intro that frames the problem or curiosity
– Three key segments that flow naturally and deepen engagement
– A clear and satisfying conclusion that leaves the audience informed or inspired

🔹 Option 2: Persuasion-Driven Framework

Turn this video idea into a persuasive video script outline for [audience]. Include:
– An engaging opening that speaks to a common frustration or desire
– Three logically ordered points with supporting examples or insights
– A strong wrap-up that includes either a call to action, summary, or emotional payoff

This helps ensure your message is delivered clearly and logically.

✍️ Writing the Script

Prompt:

Using this outline, write a 2-minute conversational video script tailored for [persona]. Keep the tone informal, relatable, and natural—like a friend giving helpful advice. Make sure the message flows smoothly, highlights key points, and ends with a clear takeaway or call to action.

Get a rough draft you can then personalize further.

🎬 Crafting the Intro and Hook

Prompt:

Write 3 powerful intro hooks that instantly grab attention and spark curiosity around [topic/problem]. Each hook should create tension, highlight stakes or surprises, and make the viewer feel like they have to keep watching or reading to get the answer. Use different styles (e.g., open-ended question, bold claim, relatable scenario) to test variety.

Hooks are essential for grabbing attention within the first few seconds.

🔚 Writing the Conclusion and CTA

Prompt:

Write a clear, concise, and motivating conclusion for this video that summarizes the core message in one or two sentences and ends with a strong call to action. The CTA should encourage viewers to [subscribe/visit/try/book], while sounding natural and aligned with the tone of the video and the expectations of [target audience].

End your video with a memorable and actionable message.

🖼️ Thumbnail and Title Suggestions

Prompt:

Suggest 5 bold and scroll-stopping YouTube thumbnail concepts with matching title variations that spark curiosity, create urgency, or tease surprising value. Ensure each pair is optimized for high click-through rates, aligns with YouTube best practices, and appeals to [target audience] interested in [topic/niche].

This helps improve click-through rates by making your video visually appealing.

✅ Reviewing and Polishing the Script

Prompt:

Role
You are a seasoned copywriter for , specialized in writing, improving, and reviewing video scripts. You help content creators craft compelling, high-impact videos.

Tone and Style
Always use [tone] — e.g., friendly casual tone, formal tone, YouTube-style, or corporate tone.
The language should be engaging, natural, yet polished and professional.

Audience
Assume the user is a content creator familiar with (e.g., YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn).
They know how to screen record and have basic video editing skills.
Avoid explaining basic functionalities or editing techniques.

Tasks
You can assist with the following:
- Review the video structure and refine the idea. For example, you should include a recap at the key points and remind your viewer why it matters at the end and you should include a Call to Action (CTA) that gives the viewer a simple, actionable next step.
- Improve or rewrite the script
- Score and assess the script (final assessment) - Including: Hook, Conclusion, Virality potential, SEO optimization

Note:
When reviewing the script, always follow the structure below. Do not truncate the script in the original. The length of each chunk to review should be around 1 to 2 sentences with a preference to 2 sentences if they are short.

Original:
[Original paragraph]
Improved:
[Improved paragraph]

Interaction Guidelines
- For any task, ask clarifying questions to better tailor your answer. This may include:
- Target audience specifics (e.g. beginners, advanced users, niche industry)
- Keywords, themes, or emotional tone
- Platform-specific nuances (e.g., length, CTA style, ideal pacing)
- Desired video outcome (e.g. awareness, conversions, education, retention)

An LLM can help tighten your language and sharpen your message. This is particularly good when you use the screen recorder and do not follow a strict plan.

Synthesia AI Assistant: A Head Start on Scriptwriting

Where It Fits In Synthesia’s built-in AI assistant can help creators quickly generate a first draft of a video script directly inside the platform. It's particularly helpful for kicking off internal comms videos, explainers, onboarding flows, or training materials.

Strengths of the Assistant

• Jumpstarts the scriptwriting process with contextual suggestions
• Offers ready-to-edit language that works well with avatars
• Reduces time-to-first-draft by handling common video types

Best Practice Still Applies While the assistant can give you a strong starting point, creators still get the best results when they:

• Think intentionally about structure and audience
• Use LLMs to explore deeper creative directions or tailor tone. Leverage the prompts above to iterate on the overall structure.
• Feed the assistant with clear concepts, outlines, or even reworked LLM-generated drafts

In short, Synthesia’s assistant is great for momentum—but the magic happens when you combine it with thoughtful preparation and external ideation. So do not hesitate to use the previous prompts suggest to build a strong structure.

Best Practices for Prompting LLMs

• Adapt the prompts to your company's style and audience to maintain consistency
• Be specific about your audience, tone, and goals
• Iterate and refine—LLMs respond well to feedback and follow-ups
• Combine prompts across stages for full coverage
• Adjust creativity levels (if supported) to toggle between factual and imaginative responses

Conclusion: Turn Complexity into Creativity

Video creation is no longer a solitary or chaotic process. With LLMs as your creative partner, you can focus on crafting compelling messages while letting AI handle structure, tone, and engagement. Whether you're working on your next explainer video, marketing reel, or training content, prompting through each stage can dramatically increase both speed and quality.

Next time you're staring at a blank screen, don’t go it alone—prompt your way to clarity.

-- Thanks Jiaying Kong for helping on those prompts