(Text, Image, Audio, Video, Multimodal)
Generative AI can work with different forms of data — and each type uses specialized models and techniques. Here’s a detailed breakdown you can teach.
1. Text Generation
Definition: Creating new text content that is human-like, coherent, and context-aware.
Examples:
- Writing blog posts, product descriptions, poetry, stories
- Answering questions conversationally (chatbots)
- Code generation
Popular Tools & Models:
- ChatGPT (OpenAI GPT models)
- Claude 3.5 (Anthropic)
- Gemini (Google DeepMind)
- GitHub Copilot (code generation)
Real-Life Uses:
- Automating customer support
- Drafting marketing content
- Assisting programmers
2. Image Generation
Definition: Creating images from scratch or transforming existing ones based on prompts.
Examples:
- Creating AI artwork or illustrations
- Designing ad banners, posters, product mockups
- Image-to-image transformation (turning a sketch into a realistic photo)
Popular Tools & Models:
- DALL·E (OpenAI)
- Midjourney
- Stable Diffusion (open-source)
- Adobe Firefly
Real-Life Uses:
- Advertising creatives
- Game art design
- Virtual interior design
3. Audio Generation
Definition: Producing new music, speech, or sound effects with AI.
Examples:
- AI-generated music compositions
- Voice cloning
- Audiobook narration
Popular Tools & Models:
- Suno AI (music)
- ElevenLabs (voice cloning)
- AIVA (music composition)
Real-Life Uses:
- Podcasts & audiobooks
- Personalized voice assistants
- Film & game sound design
4. Video Generation
Definition: Producing video clips entirely from text prompts or editing existing videos intelligently.
Examples:
- Creating explainer videos without filming
- Generating cinematic scenes
- Converting images into animated sequences
Popular Tools & Models:
- RunwayML (Gen-2)
- Pika Labs
- OpenAI Sora
Real-Life Uses:
- Ad campaign videos
- Movie pre-visualization
- Social media content creation
5. Multimodal AI
Definition: AI that can handle multiple input and output formats (text, image, audio, video) in one system.
Examples:
- A chatbot that answers questions and generates images in the same conversation
- AI assistants that understand voice, text, and visuals together
Popular Tools & Models:
- GPT-4o (OpenAI)
- Gemini 1.5 Pro (Google)
- Claude 3.5 Sonnet (Anthropic)
- LLaVA (open-source multimodal model)
Real-Life Uses:
- Customer service with image & text support
- AI tutoring systems (text + diagrams)
- Virtual shopping assistants
| Type of Generative AI | Input | Output | Example Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text | Text prompt | Text content | ChatGPT |
| Image | Text prompt | Image | Midjourney |
| Audio | Text prompt / sample audio | Music / Voice | ElevenLabs |
| Video | Text prompt / image | Video clip | RunwayML |
| Multimodal | Text, image, voice | Text, image, audio, video | GPT-4o |
💡 Live Demo Suggestion for Class:
- Text: Ask ChatGPT to write a news headline.
- Image: Feed that headline into DALL·E or Midjourney to create an image.
- Audio: Convert the headline into speech using ElevenLabs.
- Video: Use RunwayML to create a short video of the scene.
Students will clearly see how each type works.