China’s ByteDance has introduced Jimeng AI, a software capable of generating videos from text prompts, in an effort to enter the burgeoning text-to-video market, an area also being explored by ChatGPT creator, OpenAI.
Since the unveiling of OpenAI’s text-to-video model, Sora, in February, Chinese companies have been quick to develop and release similar tools. Although Sora is not yet available for public use, several Chinese tech firms have launched accessible models. ByteDance-owned Faceu Technology has made Jimeng AI available on the Apple App Store for Chinese users, following its Android release on 31st July.
This launch by will see the TikTok parent company competing with other series of text-to-video model releases in China. Last month, Kuaishou, one of China’s largest video apps, introduced its Kling AI text-to-video model to a global audience, with its beta version accessible worldwide via email registration.
Additionally, Chinese AI startup, Zhipu AI, launched its video-generating model Ying, and shortly thereafter, another startup, Shengshu, released its Vidu app. These developments highlight the rapid advancements in text-to-video technology within the Chinese tech sector.
Faceu Technology operates under ByteDance’s Jianying business, best known for its video editing app CapCut. Jimeng AI offers subscription plans at 69 yuan ($9.65) per month, 79 yuan for a single month, or 659 yuan annually. Each plan allows users to create approximately 2,050 images or 168 AI videos per month.
