TechCapsules

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Perplexity’s AI-powered chatbot, Ask Perplexity, has introduced a groundbreaking feature on X, enabling users to create AI-generated videos directly through the platform. This marks the first time an AI chatbot on X offers video generation, allowing users to produce short, engaging clips with audio and dialogue based on simple text prompts. The feature, which rolled out recently, is part of Perplexity’s push into multimodal AI capabilities, following the launch of Perplexity Labs, which introduced AI-generated reports and web apps. How to Generate AI Videos with Ask Perplexity on X Creating a video is straightforward and accessible to all X users. Follow these steps: 1. Open X (formerly Twitter) and log into your account. 2. Compose a new post or reply to an existing one, tagging @AskPerplexity. 3. Include a text prompt describing the video you want to create. Optionally, attach an image to enhance customization. 4. Submit the post or reply, and wait for Ask Perplexity to respond with an AI-generated video. The bot generates videos up to eight seconds long, complete with visuals, native audio, and dialogue for multiple characters if specified in the prompt. For example, users can request a scene with specific characters or settings, and the AI will craft a short clip to match. High Demand and Creative Potential Since its launch, the feature has sparked significant engagement on X, with users posting imaginative prompts for videos featuring fictional scenarios, celebrities, or even political figures. The surge in demand has occasionally led to delays in video generation, as noted by the Ask Perplexity account, which humorously remarked, “Some of y’all need help,” in response to the volume of creative requests. Perplexity has implemented content filters to prevent misuse and curb the spread of misinformation, addressing concerns about the platform’s lax content moderation. Technical Insights and Comparisons While Perplexity hasn’t disclosed the specific large language model powering this feature, its performance suggests it rivals advanced video models like Google’s Veo 3. The ability to process text and image inputs for customized video outputs highlights the sophistication of Perplexity’s AI. This development intensifies competition with other AI chatbots on X, such as Grok, created by xAI, as both vie for user engagement through innovative features. Broader Context and Future Prospects The video generation tool is exclusive to X for now, but Perplexity’s recent expansion to platforms like WhatsApp, where users can access its AI for research and image generation, suggests potential for cross-platform integration. The company’s focus on accessible, multimodal AI tools aligns with its mission to transform how users interact with information. Perplexity Labs’ earlier launch of tools for creating reports, dashboards, and mini-apps further underscores this ambition. For those eager to explore the latest in AI innovation, Perplexity’s video generation feature offers a glimpse into the future of content creation.