MakeThisVid generates 8-second video clips — 1080p with audio — from a text prompt or photo in under two minutes. Important: most email clients (Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail) do not play MP4 video inline. The best approach is to embed a thumbnail image that links to the hosted video, or to host the video on your newsletter's web version (Substack, Beehiiv, Ghost, Mailchimp campaigns). Commercial use included.

AI Newsletter Video Maker: Generate Video Content for Your Newsletter

<p>Video is the highest-engagement content format — but email clients are inconsistent about playing it. Gmail and Outlook don't render MP4 video inline at all. Apple Mail supports it on some devices. The practical approach: generate a strong 8-second clip, host it on your newsletter's web version or a dedicated landing page, and embed a thumbnail image in the email that links through to the video.</p><p>MakeThisVid generates the video clip. The distribution setup — thumbnail, hosted URL, click-through link — is a one-time configuration in your email tool of choice. The result is a newsletter that delivers visual impact without the inbox-rendering risk.</p>

How to Use MakeThisVid

From prompt to downloadable MP4, ready to deploy.

  1. Pick a plan or credit pack

    Lite ($14.99/mo, 20 credits), Standard ($29.99/mo, 50 credits), Pro ($79.99/mo, 200 credits). One-time packs start at $9.99 for 5 credits — no subscription required.

  2. Generate a concept clip for your newsletter

    Describe the visual theme of the issue or a specific article. E.g. "Abstract data visualization, glowing network lines, dark background, calm and intellectual." Or: "Editorial desk with open notebook and coffee, warm morning light, focused and thoughtful."

  3. Generate at 720p or 1080p

    1 credit per 720p video, 2 credits per 1080p. Most renders complete in 45–90 seconds. Credits refund automatically on failure.

  4. Host the video and create a thumbnail

    Upload the MP4 to YouTube (unlisted), Vimeo, or your newsletter platform's web version. Export a thumbnail frame as a JPG. Embed the thumbnail in your email with a link to the video.

  5. Send and track clicks

    The thumbnail-link approach works in every email client. Subscribers who click through see the video on the web version. Track clicks to measure video engagement. Commercial use included.

Who Uses MakeThisVid for This

Newsletter web version header

Embed a video at the top of your newsletter's web version. Subscribers who click through from email land on a visual-first experience that increases time-on-page and social sharing.

Content marketing newsletters

Add video to brand newsletters to differentiate from text-heavy competitors. A video-thumbnail link in an email significantly increases click-through rates compared to text and image alone.

Substack and Beehiiv native video posts

For newsletter platforms that support native video (Substack, Beehiiv, Ghost), embed the MP4 directly. These platforms handle video rendering correctly for web and deliver a thumbnail in email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most do not. Gmail and Outlook render MP4 as a broken attachment or ignore it entirely. Apple Mail supports it on some devices but not all. The reliable approach is a thumbnail image that links to a hosted video.
Generate the video with MakeThisVid, host it on YouTube (unlisted), Vimeo, or your newsletter's web version, take a screenshot as a thumbnail, embed the thumbnail in the email with a link, and add a play button overlay. Subscribers click through to watch.
Substack and Beehiiv both support native video uploads in posts. Ghost supports video embeds. These platforms handle rendering for web and send a thumbnail in email automatically.
Yes. Every plan and credit pack includes a commercial use license for newsletter content, including paid subscriber newsletters.
8 seconds, 720p or 1080p, 16:9 aspect ratio. Audio always included. Renders complete in 45–90 seconds.
From $0.40 per 720p on the Pro plan ($79.99/mo, 200 credits) to $0.75 on Lite ($14.99/mo, 20 credits). 1080p costs 2 credits. One-time packs start at $9.99 for 5 credits.
Animated GIFs are an alternative — they render inline in virtually every email client. You can convert a short MakeThisVid clip to GIF using a free converter, then embed the GIF directly. This loses audio but works everywhere.

Generate your first newsletter video

Describe the visual theme of your next issue. 45 seconds to a downloadable MP4.

Try MakeThisVid