How to Generate AI Content for Free or Low Cost

Companies pay their content creators close to $50K per year. Cisco, Meta, Netflix, Microsoft, and Google payscales are in the $80K range.

On freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer, content writers charge around $26 per hour.

If you’re working on a tight budget, how do you afford to pay so many people to keep up with a tight editorial schedule?

The answer is automation.

In this guide, I’ll share with you how you can reduce your marketing costs by combining AI content with the talents of your skilled human creators. 

We’ll look at several tools for effective content generation across multiple platforms, and find out if Google can detect AI content — or if matters at all. 

By the end of this post, you will know how to generate AI content for free or low cost using cutting-edge technology at your disposal.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents:

• How to Generate AI Content for Free or Low Cost
  • Benefits for Marketers and SEO Professionals
• What is the AI Everyone is Using to Write?
  • Does Google Have an AI Writer?
  • Is There an AI That Writes Stuff for Free?
  • Limitations of Current AI Writing Tools
• AI Image Generators
  • How Do I Make an AI Image of Myself?
  • What AI Are People Using on TikTok?
• Can Google Detect AI Content?
  • Google’s Algorithms: Detecting Quality Content
• How to Make AI-Generated Text Less Detectable
• Does YouTube Detect AI-Generated Content?
  • Detecting Deepfakes and Synthetic Media
• Conclusion

How to Generate AI Content for Free or Low Cost

As businesses look to cut costs while staying ahead of the competition, many are turning to AI-powered tools to streamline processes and generate fast results.

Machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) models have advanced significantly in the last two years, enabling AI tools to create volumes of text and images on a variety of topics in just minutes.

Benefits for Marketers and SEO Professionals

• Time-saving: Generating quality content using traditional methods can be time-consuming. With AI-powered tools, you can create hundreds of pieces of content quickly and efficiently.
• Data-driven insights: Many AI-based platforms offer data analysis features that help identify trending topics or keywords in your niche. AI-based insights provide you with the opportunity to craft content that appeals to your target audience.
• Creative assistance: Some advanced solutions even provide suggestions for headlines, meta descriptions, and subheaders based on popular search queries related to your topic.

AI is quickly becoming the norm for content creation, allowing businesses to produce high-quality content at a much lower cost than traditional methods.

In the following sections, we’ll look at two types of AI tools: AI writers and AI art generators.

What is the AI Everyone is Using to Write?

AI writers can be classified as generalized AI and specialized AI. 

Chatbots like ChatGPT are generalized AI tools that allow you to ask questions about any topic. The quality of the response you get depends on the quality of your input — also called prompts. Even with a good, highly detailed prompt, you won’t get an article that’s good enough to publish.

On the other hand, with a specialized AI like Content at Scale, you get a 2,000-plus-word killer blog post that is well-researched, well-written, and fully optimized for SEO.

If you want to write tweets, headlines, meta descriptions, emails, or snippets, then ChatGPT will work wonders for you. But if you need to produce long-form, high-ranking content in bulk, Content at Scale is your best option. 

Does Google Have an AI Writer?

Google developed its own AI chatbot called Bard in response to ChatGPT. Both use artificial intelligence technology to understand the context and requirements of your prompts before generating unique text based on the provided inputs.

Here are some of the features of Google Bard:

• Google integration: Bard’s technology is designed to seamlessly integrate with the Google ecosystem, providing users with access to a wealth of information from various Google products such as Google Search and Scholar. By tapping into these resources, Bard can deliver real-time and current information to its users.
• Sentiment analysis: Bard has a remarkable function that enables it to assess the sentiment expressed in text. This feature helps you measure public opinion and keep track of your brand’s reputation, enabling you to generate tailored emotional reactions.
• Real-time language translation: Google Bard is equipped with advanced NLP features that allow it to provide instantaneous language translation. This makes it an indispensable tool for individuals who communicate in multiple languages.
• Voice-based interaction: Google Bard also has voice-based interaction, which makes it an efficient virtual assistant for a variety of tasks. Users can give commands to access information, search the web, set up appointments, and much more. This feature is especially useful for people who are busy or have accessibility needs as they can operate Google Bard hands-free.

Is There an AI That Writes Stuff for Free?

Yes, there are several Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools available to help you generate content for free or at a low cost. These AI-powered writing assistants can save time and effort while creating engaging and informative content for your website or blog.

1. ChatGPT: ChatGPT is one of the most advanced language models in the market. It is free to use although you can upgrade to ChatGPT Plus for $20 a month to get priority access.
2. DeepAI Text Generator: This tool uses deep learning algorithms to create human-like text based on user input. For developers who wish to incorporate it into their applications, DeepAI Text Generator is accessible as an API. 
3. CopyAI: This AI content generator has a free version that allows you to create up to 2,000 words per month. CopyAI is a good writing tool for amateurs who want to create copy right away.

When selecting a free AI writing tool, consider the following factors:

• Quality: Test different tools to see which one generates content that meets your quality standards.
• Ease of use: Select a user-friendly platform that does not require complex inputs and provides clear instructions on how to generate content effectively.
• Customization options: Look for tools that allow you to customize the generated text according to your specific requirements, such as tone, style, or format.

While it’s possible to get a decent output from a free AI content generator, its length, scope, and quality may be limited.

If you want to take your content marketing to the next level and produce top-notch blog articles in bulk, choose a paid platform like Content at Scale. Even if you subscribe to its most expensive plan, you’ll be able to get the lowest rate per article.

Limitations of Current AI Writing Tools

Although AI writing tools have come a long way in terms of speed and quality, there are still limitations to what they can do. 

For example, they can’t understand language nuances and context. Most of all, they can’t replicate human emotion which is important when you’re trying to connect with your audience.

The best way to integrate AI into your content workflow is to have it work side by side with a skilled human editor. At Content at Scale, we call this artificial intelligence optimization or AIO.

What are the best AIO practices?

1. Always review and edit any text generated by an AI tool before publishing it on your website. This ensures the information is factual and relevant while maintaining consistency with your brand’s voice.
2. Incorporate high-quality backlinks from reputable sources into your articles. This can help boost credibility and signal value to Google’s algorithms regardless of whether the content is machine-generated or not.
3. Don’t rely solely on automated tools. Combine them with human creativity and expertise for higher SEO rankings and better user engagement.

Check out our CRAFT framework tutorials for complete guidelines on how to make your AI content stand out.

Want to learn every step involved in our C.R.A.F.T. framework? You’re in the right place. To learn more about AIO and C.R.A.F.T, read our individual guides:

• C – a full guide on cutting the fluff
• R – a full guide on optimizing your content for SEO
• A – a full guide on adding blog images and visuals
• F – a full guide on how to fact-check
• T – a full guide on how to trust-build in your content

Additionally, subscribe to our blog, watch our C.R.A.F.T. and AIO tutorials on our YouTube channel, and read this blog to understand the AIO model.

AI Image Generators

AI not only can write text these days, but it can also generate images that are visually stunning and highly engaging.

How do they work?

An artificial intelligence model analyzes data and patterns to understand what makes up a compelling visual design. The algorithm then generates new designs based on these patterns using machine learning techniques such as neural networks and deep learning algorithms.

Some of the most popular AI image generator tools today include:

• Bing Image Creator.
• DALL-E 2 by OpenAI.
• Midjourney.
• DreamStudio.
• Dream by WOMBO.
• Craiyon.

If you’re interested in exploring the world of AI-generated art, these tools offer a great starting point. With just a few clicks, you can produce beautiful and unique images that showcase your creativity.

This image of a butterfly resting on the snout of a dragon was created with DALL-E 2. Source: Pocket Lint

AI-generated images can help you elevate your content marketing strategy by making it more visually appealing and engaging for your audience. You can use them on social media posts, blog articles, email newsletters, or any other digital platform where visual content is required.

How Do I Make an AI Image of Myself?

Creating an AI-generated portrait has become increasingly popular, thanks to advancements in AI software. If you don’t have a great photo for your social media profiles, you can use an AI image generator to draw a picture of yourself.

Some popular options include:

• This Person Does Not Exist.
• DeepArt.io.
• DALL-E by OpenAI.

What AI Are People Using on TikTok?

TikTok, the popular short-form video platform, has seen a surge in users incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create unique and engaging content. With various AI applications available for free or at low cost, creators can easily generate eye-catching visuals and captivating text-based content. 

Some of the most popular AI tools that TikTok creators use include:

• DeepArt.io: DeepArt.io is an online tool that uses deep learning algorithms to transform images into artistic masterpieces based on famous painting styles. Users simply upload their photos and choose from a variety of art styles to apply to their images. Users then share the result as a visually stunning video on TikTok.
• RunwayML: RunwayML offers a suite of machine-learning models that allow users to experiment with different visual effects like style transfer, motion capture, and more. By integrating these models into their videos, TikTokers can add an extra layer of creativity and innovation to their content.
• ChatGPT: ChatGPT from OpenAI enables users to generate high-quality text for captions or even entire scripts for their videos.
• DALL-E: DALL-E is another AI tool developed by OpenAI that generates unique images from text descriptions. By providing a simple prompt, users can create custom visuals for their TikTok videos, adding an extra layer of personalization and creativity.
• Wombo.ai: The Wombo.ai app has gained popularity on TikTok due to its ability to animate still images or photos with lip-syncing and facial expressions in sync with popular songs or audio clips. This entertaining feature allows creators to bring static images to life in their video content.

Incorporating AI tools into your TikTok content creation process not only saves time but also enhances the overall quality and appeal of your posts. With these powerful applications at your disposal, you can easily generate engaging, innovative, and visually stunning videos that resonate with your audience.

Can Google Detect AI Content?

One of the biggest questions that comes with AI content is how Google will rank it. Will it penalize websites that are populated with AI-written content? Is it able to distinguish AI content from human content?

Google’s Algorithms: Detecting Quality Content

Google uses a wide range of intricate algorithms to assess the worthiness of websites and rank them suitably. Some key factors that influence these rankings include relevance, user experience, backlinks, domain authority, and more. 

In the most recent update to its guidelines, Google says it doesn’t care whether your content is machine-generated or human-written. What it cares about is whether your content offers something valuable to users. Specifically, content should meet EEAT qualities: expertise, experience, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness.

If your content is spammy or was written for the sole purpose of manipulating search engine rankings, Google will flag it no matter who wrote it. 

Regardless of whether your text is written by humans or generated by an AI tool:

• Your primary goal should be creating articles that are unique and helpful.
• Avoid duplicate or low-quality material with little added value.

How to Make AI-Generated Text Less Detectable

Artificial intelligence optimization (AIO) can make your text less detectable. When you’re editing AI content, look for sentences that sound robotic and rewrite them so they flow naturally.

You can also try rearranging sections and look for instances of keyword stuffing. While SEO keywords are important for getting search engines’ attention, stuffing too many keywords into your writing makes it sound unnatural, which could turn off readers and trigger Google spam filters.

Keep in mind that AI tools are meant to be used as writing assistants rather than replacements for human writers. While they can help you produce good content more quickly, you should never publish AI content without going through human eyes.

Does YouTube Detect AI-Generated Content?

YouTube uses machine learning algorithms to identify and filter various types of inappropriate or harmful content. These systems have been designed to recognize patterns that indicate potential violations of their community guidelines. While these algorithms may not specifically target AI-generated content, they do analyze videos for signs of manipulation or other red flags.

Detecting Deepfakes and Synthetic Media

Deepfakes, which involve using advanced AI techniques like deep learning to create highly realistic but fake video footage, have emerged as a significant concern when it comes to online misinformation. 

Recognizing this threat, YouTube has taken steps toward detecting deepfake videos by partnering with organizations like the Deepfake Detection Challenge (DFDC). The DFDC aims to develop open-source tools that can accurately identify manipulated media before it spreads across social networks.

In addition to AI-driven detection systems, YouTube also relies on its user community for flagging suspicious content. Users can report videos they believe violate the platform’s guidelines, including those suspected of being AI-generated or manipulated. Once flagged, these videos are reviewed by human moderators who determine if further action is necessary.

While YouTube may not have specific measures in place solely targeting AI-generated content, it does employ various methods to detect and manage such material. The combination of machine learning algorithms, partnerships with organizations like DFDC, and active participation from users helps maintain authenticity on the platform and combat misinformation.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to generate AI content for free or low cost, there are a variety of tools and resources available. From AI writing assistants to image generators, these tools can help streamline the content creation process while also producing high-quality results.

However, AI tools should be used as a supplement to humans rather than a replacement. Ultimately, the best content is still created by people who can use their expertise, creativity, and insight to produce unique and original work. 

By combining the strengths of AI and human creativity, you can create content that is both efficient and high-quality. As AI technology continues to improve, it’s exciting to imagine how it will shape the future of content creation.