Best Free AI Video Generation Tools in 2026
A practical comparison of AI video tools you can actually use without paying β based on real free tier limits, not marketing claims.
The Free Tier Problem
Most AI video tools advertise a "free plan" that gives you 25 seconds of total generation before hitting a paywall. That's not enough to evaluate anything.
This guide only covers tools where the free tier is genuinely sustainable for a content creator β meaning you can use it weekly without paying.
The Shortlist
1. Kling AI β Best Overall Free Tier
66 credits refresh every 24 hours. That's roughly 1-2 videos per day on the free plan, sustained indefinitely. Watermarked and 720p, but functional.
Read the full Kling AI review β
2. ε³ζ’¦ AI (Jimeng) β Best for Chinese Users
ByteDance's video tool integrated into CapCut's ecosystem. No credit limit on the free tier as of early 2026. If you're creating content for Chinese platforms, this is the most frictionless option.
3. ζΊθ°±ζΈ ε½± (CogVideoX) β Unlimited Generations
Zhipu AI's video tool offers unlimited free generations with multiple style options: 3D animation, black-and-white, oil painting, cinematic. The weakest of the three on photorealism, but useful for stylized content.
4. Pika β Best for Beginners Outside China
500 credits per month, no credit card required. Pika's interface is the simplest of any major video AI, making it the fastest tool for getting a first result.
What "Free" Actually Gets You
| Tool | Daily/Monthly Limit | Watermark | Max Resolution | |------|--------------------|-----------|--------------------| | Kling AI | 66 credits/day | Yes | 720p | | Jimeng | Unlimited | No | 1080p | | CogVideoX | Unlimited | No | 720p | | Pika | 500 credits/mo | Yes | 720p | | Runway | 125 credits (one-time) | Yes | 720p |
Runway's "free" plan runs out in a single session. It is not a sustainable free tier β it's a trial.
Which One Should You Start With?
- In China: Start with Jimeng (ε³ζ’¦), switch to Kling when you need longer videos
- Outside China: Start with Kling, add Pika for quick social media clips
- Budget zero, needs volume: Combine Jimeng + CogVideoX, both unlimited
The right answer isn't one tool β it's knowing when to use each.