The Universal Ads AI Video Generator is a powerful new in-platform video creation tool that enables brands of all sizes to build TV-ready commercials in minutes. Designed to make premium CTV advertising as simple as buying on social media, the tool lets advertisers upload existing marketing assets or website content, customize visuals and messaging, and launch polished 15-second ads, all directly within the Universal Ads platform.
Follow these steps to get started with using the AI Video Generator:
1. Access the AI Video Generator
- Open the burger navigation menu at the top left of the page.
- Select Creatives under the Manage section to open the Creative Library.
- On the Creative Library page, click Create New Creative +.
- From the Create New Creative page, select Generate with AI, and then click Get Started.
- You will now have the option to either share a website link (step 2a below) or upload assets directly (step 2b) to the video generator. Choose either method and then once complete, proceed to step 3.
2a. Add Media and Product links (Website Link flow)
Use this flow if you want the tool to automatically extract business details and assets from your website. If you prefer to upload assets manually, skip to Step 2b.
- In the provided field, enter the URL of your business website, product catalog, or e-commerce page (e.g., Amazon or Shopify), then click Create. The tool will begin reviewing and extracting assets from the site. This may take a few minutes.
- Once the tool has successfully gathered assets, it will open the Once the tool has successfully gathered assets, it will open the Add Media and Product Details page. Here, the tool will pre-fill as much information as possible based on your site.
- Carefully review each section to ensure all information and assets are accurate:
- Brand / Product name: the name of your brand that will appear in the video.
- Industry
- Brand Logo: the logo to be used to represent your brand.
- Product description: This will help generate your video script. Be as descriptive as possible (up to 1,000 characters) for the best results.
- QR Code: If you'd like to include a QR code in your video, enter the destination URL here.
- Brand Color
- Assets: The tool will pull available assets from your site. Select the ones you'd like considered for the video. Not all selected assets may be used. To add more, click + Add Assets and upload additional files.
- When everything looks good, click Next: Select Your Product Image. Proceed to Step 3. (The following steps will be the same for users using the Add a Link or Upload Assets flow.)
2b. Add Media and Product links (Upload Assets flow)
Use this flow if you prefer to manually upload your business assets.
- Skip the URL field and click Continue without a URL.
- You will be directed to the Add Media and Product Details page, where you’ll manually enter your business information and upload assets.
- Complete and review each section carefully for accuracy:
- Brand / Product name: the name of your brand that will appear in the video.
- Industry
- Brand Logo: the logo to be used to represent your brand.
- Product description: This will help generate your video script. Be as descriptive as possible (up to 1,000 characters) for the best results.
- QR Code: If you'd like to include a QR code in your video, enter the destination URL here.
- Brand Color
- Assets: Upload the assets you'd like considered for the video. Not all selected assets may be used. To add more, click + Add Assets.
- When everything looks good, click Next: Select Your Product Image. Proceed to Step 3. (The following steps will be the same for users using the Add a Link or Upload Assets flow.)
3. Choose a Hero Image
In this step, you will select one image from the selection you just added in the previous step as the hero image for your ad. The video generator will create AI-generated visuals and videos using this image to showcase throughout the ad.
- Select the image from the options presented or upload a new image using the + Add Product Image button.
- Once satisfied with your selection, proceed by clicking on Next: Select Your Script.
4. Select Your Script
It’s now time to select the script for the voiceover in your video. You can either select one of the AI-generated options, which are broken out by different advertising objectives (e.g., Awareness or Retention) or if you prefer, you can also add in your own voiceover script.
Script Option 1. Select an AI-Generated Script
- Based on your product description, the tool will generate five scripts aligned with different objectives:
- Awareness
- Consideration
- Conversion
- Retention / Re-engagement
- Advocacy / Loyalty
- Select the script that best fits your campaign.
- Click Next: Select Your Video.
Script Option 2. Use Your Own Script
- Enter your custom script in the provided text box (max 200 characters).
- Click Next: Select Your Video.
5. Generate Your Video
Once you've selected your script, the AI Video Generator will begin creating four ad variations for you to choose from. This process typically takes 3-5 minutes.
Please note: Do not exit the AI Video Generator until the video has been completed, as doing so will result in the loss of your progress.
- After generation is complete, you'll be presented with four video options.
- Preview each video to evaluate how well it represents your brand and choose one video to fully render.
- Please note: You can only choose one video, so pick the version that best aligns with your brand's message and visual identity.
- Click Render, name your video, and click Publish Creative.
- Please note: Selecting Update File will restart you from step 1. Be careful to only click this button if you need to restart the process from the beginning.
- The video will now be saved to your Creative Library.
6. Use Your Video in Your Ad
Follow these steps outlined in the Create an Ad article to upload your video to your ad.