Want to get your message in front of customers around the world—without hiring a whole film crew or learning five languages? This guide is for you. I’ll walk through how to use Hourone, an AI video tool, to create marketing videos in multiple languages. I’ll cover what Hourone does well, where it stumbles, and how to get the most out of it (without pulling your hair out).
No fluff. No “omnichannel storytelling.” Just a practical path to real multilingual videos, even if your budget’s tight and your team is small.
Why Multilingual Videos Matter (and What’s Actually Possible)
Let’s be real: English-only marketing hits a wall pretty fast. If you want to grow internationally—Europe, Latin America, Asia—you need to speak people’s language. That means more than just slapping auto-generated subtitles on your English video.
The catch? Creating videos in multiple languages the old way is expensive and slow. That’s where AI-powered tools like Hourone come in. You write or upload a script, pick a digital presenter (think: photorealistic avatar), choose a language, and Hourone spits out a video.
But before you get excited, let’s set expectations:
- Hourone can help you make decent, quick multilingual videos.
- It won’t replace a big-budget agency or native actors.
- It’s best for explainer videos, product demos, social posts—not Oscar-winning ads.
If you’re okay with “good enough” and want to move fast, Hourone is worth a look.
Step 1: Get Your Script Right (Don’t Skip This)
Before you touch Hourone, nail your script. This is the one thing AI can’t do for you—at least, not well. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Write for clarity. Simple sentences work best. Avoid idioms, slang, or jokes that don’t translate.
- Keep it short. Attention spans are short online. Two minutes or less is usually plenty.
- Think visually. If your video will show on-screen text or graphics, keep language flexible.
Pro tip: If you’re not fluent in your target languages, work in English first and translate later. Don’t rely on Google Translate for anything important; invest in a native speaker or a solid translation service for your final version.
Step 2: Translate Your Script (Without Losing the Message)
Hourone can translate for you, but—honestly?—machine translation is still hit or miss. Automated translations can sound robotic or just plain wrong, especially for marketing.
What actually works:
- Use a professional translator for key markets. It’s worth it for your main video scripts.
- If you must use AI translation:
- Edit the result. Double-check for weird phrasing or cultural missteps.
- Test the translation on a native speaker if you can.
Ignore: The idea that you can just “set it and forget it” with machine translation. Bad subtitles or awkward voiceovers will turn off viewers faster than you think.
Step 3: Sign Up and Set Up Your Hourone Account
Now, head over to Hourone and sign up. The process is straightforward; they’ll walk you through onboarding. If you’re just testing, start with a trial or a lower-tier plan so you can see if the output fits your needs.
What to know: - The interface is web-based—no software to install. - Account setup is quick, but rendering videos can take time, especially during peak hours. - Plans vary by video length, number of languages, and features. Don’t overpay if you’re just experimenting.
Step 4: Choose Your Presenter and Video Style
Hourone’s big selling point is its AI presenters: photorealistic avatars that “speak” your script in dozens of languages. Here’s how to pick:
- Match your audience. If you’re targeting Latin America, pick a presenter who’ll resonate there. Same goes for Asia, Europe, etc.
- Check language support. Not all avatars support every language or accent. Make sure your choices align.
- Keep it natural. Some avatars look great; others can dip into uncanny valley territory. Preview before you commit.
What works well: - Neutral, professional presenters for B2B. - Friendly, casual avatars for consumer brands.
What doesn’t: - Overly animated or “cartoonish” avatars for serious topics. - Using the same presenter for wildly different languages or cultures. It feels lazy.
Step 5: Build and Customize Your Video
Now for the fun part. Hourone lets you lay out your video with slides, text, images, and your presenter. Here’s how to get the most mileage:
- Upload your translated script. Or paste it in directly.
- Set language and voice. Pick the right accent and dialect (Spanish from Spain isn’t the same as Spanish from Mexico).
- Add visuals. Images, logos, product shots—they all help.
- Tweak timing. Make sure the visuals match what’s being said.
- Preview often. Don’t wait until the end to check for awkward pauses or mispronunciations.
Watch out for: - Stilted delivery. Sometimes AI voices mispronounce names, brands, or jargon. You might need to spell things out phonetically or tweak the script for clarity. - Lip-sync issues. It’s not Hollywood-level, but most viewers won’t mind—unless it’s way off. - Overcrowded slides. Keep text minimal; let your presenter do the talking.
Step 6: Render and Review (Don’t Skip the Final Check)
Once you’re happy with the preview, render your video. This can take a few minutes (sometimes more if the site’s busy). After it’s done:
- Watch the whole thing. Check for:
- Mispronunciations or weird intonation.
- Out-of-sync visuals.
- Typos or translation mistakes.
- Get feedback from a native speaker if you can. They’ll catch awkward phrasing or cultural missteps you’ll miss.
If something’s off: Go back and tweak. Sometimes you’ll need to adjust punctuation or spelling for the AI to say things naturally.
Step 7: Export and Distribute
Hourone lets you download your video in a standard format. From there:
- Upload to YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, or your website.
- A/B test different versions if you’re targeting multiple markets.
- Add subtitles if needed (Hourone can generate these, but double-check accuracy).
What to ignore: Don’t bother with 20+ language versions unless you have a real plan to distribute each one. Focus on your top markets, and do those well.
What Hourone Gets Right—and Where It Falls Short
The Good: - Fast, affordable way to make videos in multiple languages. - No need for cameras, studios, or hiring talent. - Easy to update or tweak videos as your messaging changes.
The Not-So-Good: - Avatars still feel a bit artificial—don’t expect Pixar-quality. - Machine translation is only as good as you edit it. - Limited by template options; truly custom videos are tough.
Who should use it: Startups, small marketing teams, or anyone who needs quick, decent multilingual video without a Hollywood budget.
Who should look elsewhere: If you need high-end, emotionally driven ads for TV, or if your brand is super-sensitive about tone and nuance.
Keep It Simple, Iterate, and Don’t Overthink
Making multilingual marketing videos isn’t magic—and it doesn’t have to be a massive project. Start small. Pick your highest-impact markets. Test what works. Don’t be afraid to make a “minimum viable video” and improve from there.
Hourone’s not perfect. But it’s fast, affordable, and good enough to get your message out in multiple languages. Focus on clarity, review everything, and remember: done is better than perfect.