Introduction
Video editing is a race against the clock—especially when clients demand quick turnarounds or your YouTube upload schedule is relentless. But what if you could halve your editing time without compromising quality?
Enter AI plugins for Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects. These tools automate everything from color correction to motion tracking, letting you focus on storytelling, not grunt work. In this guide, we’ll explore the top AI plugins to turbocharge your workflow in 2024.
Why Use AI Plugins for Premiere Pro & After Effects?
- Automate Repetitive Tasks: No more manual audio syncing or rotoscoping.
- Enhance Creativity: Generate effects, transitions, or B-roll with text prompts.
- Reduce Errors: AI ensures consistency in color grading, audio levels, and more.
- Scale Output: Edit faster to take on more clients or projects.
Top 7 AI Plugins for Premiere Pro & After Effects
1. Runway ML (Premiere Pro + After Effects)
Key Features:
- AI Magic Tools: Remove backgrounds, erase objects, or upscale footage.
- Text-to-Video: Generate B-roll clips from prompts (e.g., “rainy cityscape at night”).
- Frame Interpolation: Convert 24fps footage to 60fps for cinematic slow-mo.
Pricing: Free tier; Pro starts at $15/month.
Time Saved: 3+ hours per project.
2. Adobe Sensei (Built-in AI for Premiere Pro)
Key Features:
- Auto Reframe: Resize videos for Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube automatically.
- Scene Edit Detection: AI identifies cuts and transitions to streamline editing.
- Speech-to-Text: Generate captions in minutes.
Pricing: Included with Creative Cloud ($59.99/month).
Time Saved: 2+ hours per project.
3. Descript (Premiere Pro Integration)
Key Features:
- Text-Based Editing: Delete filler words by editing the transcript.
- AI Voice Cloning: Fix audio mistakes by typing corrections (no re-recording).
- Overdub: Generate natural-sounding voiceovers.
Pricing: Free for basic use; Creator plan at $12/month.
Time Saved: 4+ hours for podcast or interview edits.
4. Motion Array AI Assistant (After Effects)
Key Features:
- Auto-Animate: Convert static text or logos into dynamic animations.
- AI-Driven Templates: Customize pre-built templates with one click.
- Smart Tracking: Automatically track objects for VFX or text placement.
Pricing: $29.99/month (includes 100+ templates).
Time Saved: 5+ hours on motion graphics.
5. Colourlab AI (Premiere Pro)
Key Features:
- Auto Color Match: Sync color grades across clips instantly.
- Cinematic LUTs: Apply AI-generated looks inspired by blockbuster films.
- Skin Tone Detection: Perfectly balance complexions in interviews.
Pricing: $29/month.
Time Saved: 2+ hours on color grading.
6. Rotobot (After Effects)
Key Features:
- AI Rotoscoping: Automatically isolate moving objects (e.g., actors, vehicles).
- Mask Refinement: Adjust edges and shadows with AI assistance.
Pricing: $199 (one-time purchase).
Time Saved: 6+ hours on complex VFX shots.
7. Boris FX Continuum (Premiere Pro + After Effects)
Key Features:
- AI Title Animator: Generate animated titles from text prompts.
- Smart Relight: Adjust lighting in scenes without re-shooting.
- Depth Scanner: Create 3D effects from 2D footage.
Pricing: $695 (one-time) or $55/month.
Time Saved: 3+ hours on titles and effects.
Step-by-Step: Integrate AI Plugins into Your Workflow
- Install Plugins: Download from official sites (e.g., Runway ML, Boris FX).
- Automate Repetitive Tasks:
- Use Descript to edit podcasts via transcripts.
- Apply Colourlab AI for batch color grading.
- Enhance Creativity:
- Generate B-roll with Runway ML’s Text-to-Video.
- Animate logos using Motion Array AI Assistant.
- Review & Export:
- Use Adobe Sensei to auto-reframe for social platforms.
- Render final cuts in half the time.
Real-World Example: Cutting a YouTube Video in Half the Time
Before AI:
- 8 hours: Trimming clips, color grading, adding captions, rotoscoping.
After AI: - 4 hours:
- Descript edited audio via transcript (1 hour).
- Runway ML removed backgrounds and generated B-roll (1 hour).
- Colourlab AI batch-graded clips (30 mins).
- Adobe Sensei added captions and reframed for YouTube (1.5 hours).
Comparison Table: Which Plugin Solves Your Pain Point?
| Plugin | Best For | Time Saved | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runway ML | B-roll generation, cleanup | 3+ hours | $15+/month |
| Descript | Audio/video editing | 4+ hours | $12+/month |
| Colourlab AI | Color grading | 2+ hours | $29/month |
| Rotobot | Rotoscoping | 6+ hours | $199 (one-time) |
| Boris FX Continuum | Titles & VFX | 3+ hours | $55/month |
FAQs
Q: Are AI plugins compatible with older Premiere Pro versions?
A: Most require CC 2021 or newer. Check plugin specs before purchasing.
Q: Do I need coding skills to use these tools?
A: No! Plugins like Runway ML and Motion Array have drag-and-drop UIs.
Q: Can AI plugins replace human editors?
A: No—they handle repetitive tasks, but your creative vision is irreplaceable.
Q: Are there free AI plugins?
A: Yes! Runway ML and Descript offer robust free tiers.
Conclusion
AI plugins for Premiere Pro and After Effects are no longer optional—they’re essential for staying competitive. By automating tasks like rotoscoping, color grading, and captioning, you’ll reclaim hours for creative experimentation or client acquisition. Start with Runway ML or Descript to see immediate time savings, then scale up with specialized tools like Rotobot or Boris FX.