What is Generative AI and What Can You Use It For?
Generative AI tools can generate content (text, images, audio, data, etc.) based on user instructions, known as 'prompts.' Read the article The Art of Prompting (opens in new tab) to learn more about crafting effective 'prompts.'
The potential applications of generative AI tools are endless. In this article, we focus on the most common and relevant applications in the cultural sector. In DEN's AI exploration, we heard the following application areas for generative AI. While not exhaustive, this gives an indication of the multitude of applications.
Generative AI Tools
1. Writing, Editing, or Translating Text
- ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini: These chatbots generate or edit text based on information from the internet or specific sources you provide, such as a document. The tools have countless applications, including writing social media posts, blogs, newsletters, and other communication outputs. Think also of retrieving an artist's biography, brainstorming ideas, desk research, analyzing an Excel sheet, and drafting a project plan. You can also have your text rewritten for a specific audience (e.g., youth or individuals with low literacy).
- Jasper AI is developed to support marketers. By entering specific goals, audience information, and keywords, Jasper generates targeted content: from email campaigns to blog posts. You can choose from various templates for different platforms and optimize the content for readers and search engines using the tool.
2. Creating Images
- With DALL-E and Midjourney, you can create images or even AI artworks. Midjourney and DALL-E—a combination of Salvador Dali and the Pixar robot ‘Wall-E’—merge art and technology. You can visualize almost anything you can imagine, including unique artworks. The tools can generate a concept or final version of photorealistic images, illustrations, logos, product photos, theater sets, seasonal brochures, advertisements, or images for Instagram posts.
- Looka is a user-friendly AI tool for creating unique logos. By entering your preferences, brand colors, and industry, you can arrive at several designs that can serve as a starting point for the final design.
3. Generating or Translating Audio
- Eleven Labs is a tool for generating voice-overs in various languages. You can choose from standard voices or use your own voice. Enter your text, select a voice and language, and instantly get your audio file. This makes audio and video more accessible to a diverse and/or international audience.
- Sonix is a tool that converts audio into written text (transcripts) with the option to translate them into other languages. With the text-to-speech function, you can convert the transcript back into spoken audio. This makes promotions or offers more accessible to a broader audience.
4. Creating or Editing Videos
- With Runway ML and Sora, you can create videos based on your prompt and edit existing footage. Runway ML is designed for creatives such as filmmakers, animators, and artists. With user-friendly tools, you can quickly and affordably create unique cinematic videos for advertisements, video art, or concepts for theater and film productions. Many examples of productions can be found online, such as the film 'Desert Odyssis (opens in new tab)'.
- Synthesia and HeyGen are tools for creating videos with virtual actors, avatars, or digital representations of real people. Using your prompt, you can specify what your virtual character says. Possible applications include digital interactive museum tours, interactions in theater performances, or producing educational videos. The quality of videos is improving rapidly. Discover this instructional video (opens in new tab) and get inspired by this video (opens in new tab) from two AI artists.
5. Productivity
- Fireflies helps you quickly and easily take meeting notes. The tool transcribes automatically using voice recognition. Additionally, it analyzes and organizes your notes automatically. This saves you time and allows you to focus on the conversation's content.
- UnreadAI assists users in gathering and organizing information from various channels, such as emails, chats, news, and podcasts. The tool provides daily summaries tailored to the user—a sort of personal assistant.
The Possibilities of Generative AI Are Endless!
We’ve only highlighted a selection of application areas and AI tools here. Haven’t found the right tool for your problem or application? Check out the overviews from Super Human (opens in new tab), Future Tools (opens in new tab), or There’s an AI For That (opens in new tab).
By strategically using generative AI tools, you can perform certain tasks more efficiently, enrich your offerings, and reach a broader and more diverse audience. It’s essential to use these tools carefully and purposefully. Quality prompts and the right tool choice are crucial. Learn how to write effective prompts in this article (opens in new tab).
Attention Point
The use of generative AI tools has limitations, such as data security, privacy, and bias. Additionally, the use of generative AI can come at the expense of the work of creative makers. Therefore, make a conscious decision when using these tools and always use your common sense. DEN aims to inform the cultural sector about the possibilities of generative AI tools but does not take responsibility for (incorrect) applications of them.
Develop Your AI Policy with DEN's Step-by-Step Plan
AI is evolving rapidly; with DEN's step-by-step plan (opens in new tab), you can get a grip on the possibilities and risks. Write a clear AI policy in eight chapters, with clear steps and practical examples. This way, you comply with the European AI Act and bring clarity to your organization.
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