Build an AI-Powered Video Editor and Promo Video Generator from Scratch

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on creating a full-stack AI video editor and promo video generator application. This tutorial walks you through building the entire system from the ground up using React, Next.js, Tailwind CSS, Neon (PostgreSQL), Gemini AI, and Ingest for background tasks. An accompanying video demonstrates the complete process.

This project enables users to create professional videos through two methods: manual frame-by-frame editing or AI-powered generation. The application features a clean dashboard, real-time preview capabilities, customizable animations, and cloud-based rendering for seamless exports.

Application Overview

The AI video editor provides an intuitive interface where users can manage existing videos or create new ones. The dashboard displays previously created projects and offers two primary creation paths: generate from scratch or use AI assistance. Both methods lead to a powerful editor with real-time preview capabilities.

Frontend Setup: React and Next.js

Begin by setting up the frontend using React and Next.js with Tailwind CSS for styling. Initialize a new Next.js project and configure Tailwind CSS for a responsive design. Create components for the dashboard, video editor interface, and preview player. Focus on building a modular structure that allows easy integration of backend services later.

Backend Architecture: Neon and Database

For the backend, implement Neon (PostgreSQL) to handle video metadata, user data, and generated content. Set up database tables to store video projects, frames, text content, styling preferences, and export statuses. Create API routes in Next.js to interact with the database for saving and retrieving video projects.

AI Integration with Gemini

Integrate Gemini AI to automate content generation. When users choose the AI option, the system accepts a video topic and duration. Gemini processes this input to generate relevant text, style suggestions, and animation ideas. Connect the AI service through API calls within your Next.js backend, ensuring secure handling of API keys.

Background Task Management with Ingest

Handle heavy AI processing tasks using Ingest. This service manages background jobs asynchronously, preventing UI freezing during content generation. Implement task tracking to monitor AI generation progress in real-time. When tasks complete, automatically refresh the UI to display newly generated videos.

Video Editor Interface Features

The editor offers comprehensive customization options:

• Frame management with add/edit/delete capabilities
• Real-time preview player
• Aspect ratio selection (1:1, 16:9, 9:16)
• Audio file upload and synchronization
• Per-frame text editing with font size, color, and family adjustments
• Background options including solid colors and gradients
• Animation selection and positioning

Implement a color picker component for text customization and allow live preview of all changes. Ensure the editor maintains a clean, user-friendly layout with intuitive controls.

AI Video Generation Workflow

When generating videos with AI, users simply input a topic and desired duration. The system then:

• Submits the request to Ingest for processing
• Tracks task execution in real-time
• Auto-refreshes the UI upon completion
• Populates the editor with AI-generated frames
• Applies default animations and styling

Users can further customize AI-generated videos by editing individual frames, adjusting text, colors, or backgrounds while maintaining the original structure.

Cloud Deployment and Export

Deploy the application using Vercel for seamless frontend hosting. For video rendering, implement Google Cloud Run and Google Cloud Storage. When users export videos, the system:

• Initiates cloud-based rendering
• Stores the final video in Cloud Storage
• Provides download links upon completion
• Handles large file processing without server strain

This approach ensures reliable video exports without local resource constraints.

Key Takeaways

• Full-stack development using React, Next.js, Neon, and cloud services
• AI-powered content generation with Gemini and background task handling
• Real-time video editing with customizable frames and animations
• Cloud-based rendering for reliable video exports

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need advanced coding experience to build this application?
A: Basic knowledge of React and Next.js is sufficient. The tutorial provides step-by-step guidance for beginners.

Q: Can I customize the AI-generated content?
A: Yes. All AI-generated videos can be edited in the interface to adjust text, colors, animations, and backgrounds.

Q: What video formats are supported for export?
A: The system exports videos in MP4 format, compatible with most platforms and devices.

Q: Is cloud rendering mandatory for video exports?
A: While local rendering is possible, cloud rendering ensures better performance and scalability for large projects.

Conclusion

Building this AI video editor demonstrates the power of combining modern frontend frameworks with cloud services and AI capabilities. The application empowers users to create professional videos through both manual editing and AI automation. With features like real-time preview, customizable animations, and cloud-based rendering, it provides a complete solution for video creation needs.

The modular architecture allows for future enhancements such as additional AI models, advanced animation libraries, or collaborative editing features. By following this guide, you’ll gain valuable experience in full-stack development and AI integration.

Start building your own AI-powered video editor today and unlock new possibilities in content creation!

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