AI image and video models aren't human, but they do have distinct "personalities," according to the creators who use them. The new phenomenon is a reaction to the rapidly expanding generative AI industry, highlighting how creators manage a dizzying number of choices.
Generative AI has experienced a massive surge in growth over the past few years, but it wasn't until 2025 that AI image, video and other generative media models took center stage. Like how chatbots have redefined text generation, these creative AI models are transforming content creation and creative work, for better or worse.
Google and OpenAI have long been leaders in the AI race. Prior to this year, they were known for their Gemini and ChatGPT chatbots. Now, Veo 3, nano banana and Sora 2 have put the tech titans firmly at the head of the pack among creative AI models. New AI innovations from Adobe and AI creative start-ups, such as Runway, Pika and Luma, have also bolstered the field this year.
For AI companies to stay competitive in a crowded market, generative media has evolved from a niche offering to a must-have necessity. Companies are focusing on upgrading their AI models to maintain an edge and attract new users. Improvements typically involve creating content that is detailed, at a higher resolution and, for video, includes sound and extends the duration of clips. Hallucinations, or errors, are disappearing with every model update, which is part of why it's becoming increasingly difficult to spot AI-generated content.
Altogether, there have never been so many options for creating AI content. When creators have to choose a model to use, it's no longer about which model will produce serviceable results. Now, it's a debate about which will be the best fit for a specific project or task. As a result, each AI model now has its own personality.
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Humanizing AI tools with personalities
Creators use the term "personalities" colloquially -- AI models aren't human and therefore don't have personalities. The term really refers to a model's ability to handle specific tasks and its reputation for excelling in particular areas. It also refers to each model's individual style at a baseline.
"Creators are humanizing these tools. They call them 'the creative one' or 'the detailed one' because they're building actual relationships with their AI. It's not just software anymore," said Tiffany Kyazze (@TechTiff), founder of the AI Flow Club, which teaches people how to use AI tools. "These personalities help creators build trust with their tools, work through creative blocks, and find workflow comfort."
For creators who use AI tools daily, selecting the right model has become an integral part of the creative process, much like choosing the right camera lens or paintbrush.
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