In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the intersection of artificial intelligence and creative arts is opening new doors for independent creators, musicians, and designers. One of the most exciting trends is the production of AI-generated music videos, blending synthetic sound with fully illustrated dreamscapes, all created with tools like MidJourney. Even more impressive, you can create these professional-looking visual compositions for under $20. This article explores how.
Getting Started with AI Music and MidJourney
Making an AI music video may sound complex, but recent innovations have made it surprisingly simple and affordable. The process typically involves four key components:
- Generating AI music
- Creating visuals using MidJourney
- Editing and syncing audio-video
- Exporting and publishing the project
Let’s break down each step to understand how you can create a compelling AI music video on a modest budget.
Step 1: Generate Original AI Music
To start, you’ll need a custom music track. There are several AI tools available that allow you to produce music in various genres — from ambient and cinematic to EDM and lo-fi — without any prior musical training.
Recommended AI music generators under budget:
- Soundraw.io – Offers limited free access and flexible pricing
- AIVA – Good for cinematic and orchestral pieces
- Beatoven.ai – Free tier available for up to 15 minutes of music
After generating your track, download it in either MP3 or WAV format. Keep your selected genre in mind as it will influence the visual style you’ll generate later.
Step 2: Create Visuals with MidJourney
MidJourney is an exceptional AI image generator that creates powerful and emotional visuals through Discord prompts. While MidJourney doesn’t support animation directly, you can generate a series of related images that suggest movement or emotional transitions over time.
Setting Up MidJourney:
- Join the MidJourney Discord server
- Choose a Basic Plan — currently $10/month (your main expense)
- Use the
/imagineprompt to start generating visuals
Try prompting analytical or thematic visuals depending on your song’s feel. For example:
/imagine futuristic city skyline at sunset, cinematic lighting, ultra-realistic
/imagine abstract patterns of sound waves in neon colors
/imagine ethereal forest under moonlight, dreamlike atmosphere
Create 10–20 images representing changes in emotion, pace, or tone based on your music. Try arranging them chronologically to echo the progression in your audio timeline. Save your AI visuals and make sure they’re all high-resolution JPGs or PNGs.
Step 3: Edit and Animate Your Visuals
Now comes the fun part: turning your images into a video. You don’t need expensive software. There are several intuitive and free or freemium options for animation and video editing:
- DaVinci Resolve – A professional-grade software with a free version
- CapCut Desktop – Free and simple for beginners
- Canva Video Editor – Excellent for light editing and transitions
Steps to animate:
- Import your AI-generated visuals and audio to the editing tool
- Set the duration of each visual frame (2–6 seconds per image)
- Apply cinematic transitions such as crossfades, slow zooms (Ken Burns effect), and pans
- Sync major transitions with beats or melodic shifts in the music
Many editors allow you to add light motion effects to still images. Apply gentle zoom-ins, zoom-outs, or pans to avoid static sequences. These animations simulate actual video, giving your visuals life and movement in sync with the soundscape.
Step 4: Export and Publish Your Music Video
Once you feel happy with your cuts and transitions, export the video in 1080p. Keep your file size optimized for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram Reels. Always check audio levels and visual quality before uploading.
Free or affordable publishing platforms include:
- YouTube – Great for full-length videos
- TikTok – Ideal for short, stunning visuals
- Instagram Reels – Good exposure to visual and music-loving communities
If you used commercial AI tools, ensure that your generated content allows monetization and proper attribution. Many platforms like AIVA and Soundraw offer clear guidelines and royalty-free use under subscription.
Bringing It All Together Under $20
Here’s a simple breakdown of cost:
- AI Music Generator: Free tier or $5–$10/day usage pass
- MidJourney Basic Plan: $10/month
- Video Software: Free (CapCut or Resolve)
Total: Approximately $15–$20
With just a bit of creative input and the power of AI, artists today can produce high-quality, emotionally resonant music videos that look like they were made in Hollywood studios. Whether you’re a musician, visual artist, or experimental creator, this process opens up exciting possibilities with minimal investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to know music theory to use AI music generators?
- No. Most AI platforms are designed for beginners and guide you through genre, mood, and tempo selection without requiring traditional musical knowledge.
- Can MidJourney generate animated video?
- No, MidJourney produces static images. However, you can use video software to animate these stills using techniques like fading, panning, or zooming.
- Is it legal to publish AI-generated music videos online?
- Yes, but ensure the AI tools you use offer commercial rights or royalty-free usage upon subscription. Always read the terms of service carefully.
- What if I can’t afford MidJourney?
- You can try alternatives like BlueWillow or Leonardo.Ai, many of which offer limited free generations. Results may vary but are still high quality.
- Can I monetize these videos on YouTube?
- Yes, as long as your audio and visuals are royalty-free or properly licensed through the tool providers.
- How long does it take to create one of these videos?
- Depending on complexity, most creators can finish an AI music video in 4–8 hours, especially after getting familiar with the tools.
AI is revolutionizing how people tell visual and musical stories. With a little experimentation and about $20, almost anyone can create content that feels not just professional, but otherworldly. It’s not just about tools — it’s about the imagination behind the screen.