AI search startup Perplexity has rolled out a powerful new feature for its chatbot on X (formerly Twitter), allowing users to generate short, AI-powered video clips with sound. Dubbed “Ask Perplexity,” the chatbot now responds to tagged prompts with eight-second videos that include dynamic visuals, music, and even voice dialogue ushering in a new wave of AI-generated multimedia on the social platform.
To use the feature, users simply tag @AskPerplexity in a post on X and include a short, descriptive prompt. The bot then replies with an AI-generated video based on the user’s input. These clips are crafted using generative AI models, and often include voiceover narration or character dialogue to bring the scenes to life. For example, a user might prompt the bot with “A robot walking on Mars at sunset,” and receive a cinematic mini-clip depicting exactly that.
While the feature has impressed users with its creative capabilities and quick turnaround, it also raises questions about content moderation and misinformation. Critics argue that as AI-generated content becomes more realistic and easier to produce, platforms like X must invest in tools to verify and flag misleading videos.
Perplexity’s expansion into video content is part of a larger trend among AI companies seeking to blend conversational AI with visual storytelling. This move also aims to boost user engagement on X, which has increasingly leaned into AI tools under Elon Musk’s ownership.
The integration of AI video generation with a social media platform like X could revolutionize how users communicate and consume content. However, it also underscores the urgency for clearer guidelines on the ethical use of generative AI, especially in public forums.
For now, the feature remains free to use, and anyone with an X account can experiment by tagging @AskPerplexity with a creative idea. As AI-generated videos flood timelines, the boundary between imagination and reality continues to blur making it both an exciting and challenging time for content creators and consumers alike.
