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What Is a Step-by-Step Guide for Making Viral AI Videos with Sora 2 and Veo?
Making a video that gets millions of views with AI tools is about skill, not just technology. The goal is to create content that feels valuable and captivating, not like generic computer output. Follow this process to turn a single idea into a widely-seen video.
Step 1: Find Your Hook
Before you use any AI tool, think about your first three seconds. This is the most critical part of your video. Write down ten different opening lines that would make someone stop scrolling. Focus on creating a strong sense of curiosity, surprise, or emotion. Your opening determines if someone stays or leaves.
Step 2: Write a Simple Script
Once you have a strong hook, use a tool like ChatGPT to write a script that is 30 to 45 seconds long. The script should have a clear beginning (setup), a middle (build-up), and an unexpected ending (twist). Use short, rhythmic sentences. This structure makes your video easy for viewers to follow and helps them stay engaged.
Step 3: Create a Storyboard
Take your script and put it into a storyboarding tool to visualize each scene. This step allows you to map out your video and check its pacing before you generate any visuals. Planning your shots ensures your message is clear and helps you avoid wasting time on creating scenes you will not use.
Step 4: Generate Your Visuals
Use an AI visual generator like Google’s Veo to create the scenes from your storyboard. Be specific with your instructions. Ask for lighting that looks like it is from a movie and characters with expressive faces. To hold attention, introduce a new image or camera movement every two seconds. These quick changes act as pattern interrupts that keep viewers watching.
Step 5: Animate the Scenes
Bring your static images to life with an animation tool like OpenAI’s Sora 2. The key is to add subtle movements that feel natural and handcrafted, not robotic. Pay attention to small details, such as syncing mouth movements with dialogue and adding gentle motion to background elements to make the world feel alive.
Step 6: Edit for Rhythm and Emotion
This is where you assemble your video. Layer in sound effects and music to build an emotional tone and a strong pace. Cut out any unnecessary moments or pauses to keep the video tight and impactful. It is a good practice to test different versions with a few of your best hooks or music choices to see what performs best. Viral videos often hit a peak emotional moment and then end quickly.
Step 7: Analyze and Improve
Post your video across multiple platforms, including YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok. Review the analytics, paying close attention to the audience retention graphs to see where viewers drop off. Identify your top-performing videos and rework them into new content. Every successful video is often built on the lessons learned from many previous attempts that did not perform as well.