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How small businesses can win in 2026

Nick Warner
Written byNick Warner
Last UpdatedDecember 4, 2025
Small business entrepreneurs using AI technology in a modern office
Create AI videos with 230+ avatars in 140+ languages.
Summary

Explore how AI video generators can help small businesses thrive in 2026 with insights from industry trends, expert opinions, and actionable strategies.

Embracing AI for Small Business Growth

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are finding new opportunities to grow by utilizing AI technologies. As detailed in LinkedIn’s "How Small Businesses Can Win in 2026" report, embracing AI can enhance speed and scale for businesses eager to thrive. With almost 60% of U.S. small business leaders planning to adopt AI in 2026, the impact of AI on resource optimization reveals a growing momentum toward innovation through AI tools. Furthermore, the impact of AI on business growth highlights the broad advantages that extend beyond mere technology adoption.

The advantages go beyond technology adoption. Businesses that integrate AI find themselves stepping into a world of automation and efficiency, which fosters more time for core business activities. This narrative emphasizes the importance of being tech-savvy and the urgency for businesses to stay up-to-date with the latest technological trends.

AI Video Generators: A Game Changer for Businesses

Among the most impactful AI advancements are AI video generators. These tools allow you to create videos from text effortlessly, revolutionizing how businesses can convey their messages. A platform like HeyGen puts the power of video AI creation at your fingertips, enabling you to produce high-quality, personalized video content quickly. What’s great about AI video generators is that they require no advanced technical skills, making AI accessible to everyone—from educators crafting e-learning modules to marketers launching video-driven campaigns.

Person using AI video generator on laptop

The versatility of AI video creators extends beyond traditional content creation. Innovative advances mean small businesses can also leverage these tools for personalized customer interactions. This feature is particularly useful for producing product demonstrations, customer testimonials, and virtual tours which cater to more personalized customer experiences.

Creating an Engaging Brand Presence with Video AI

As AI-generated video becomes more prominent, it offers SMBs a powerful medium to build brand credibility. Video content's role in brand marketing is emphasized by LinkedIn, highlighting the role of video in reinforcing brand positioning, with short-form video content standing out in particular. This aligns perfectly with the capabilities of a video AI generator, which can turn text into visually engaging content that boosts your brand's visibility on social media platforms and beyond.

To maximize visibility, businesses should focus on search engine optimization (SEO) within their AI-created content. By aligning videos with trending topics or trending seasonal keywords, brands can elevate their reach and engagement, thus reflecting a modern and tech-forward company image. Check out best practices for creating video ads to enhance your video marketing strategy effectively.

Building Trustworthy Brands with AI-Generated Content

For small businesses, building trust and authenticity is crucial. Leveraging AI-generated video content aligns perfectly with this, as it allows for consistent messaging and a personalized approach that can resonate with your audience. HeyGen provides a suite of tools to maintain brand consistency while scaling your content output and fostering deeper connections with your customer base.

Understanding your audience is key to building such trust. SMBs are encouraged to engage in market research, using AI analytics tools to gain insights into customer behavior and preferences. This enables a tailored AI video creation strategy that speaks directly to the consumer's interests and pain points.

Cultivating Professional Networks for Long-Term Success

LinkedIn’s report underscores the importance of networks in driving business growth. Nearly 75% of leaders believe that building a professional network is vital for business expansion. AI tools can facilitate this by identifying and connecting you with potential customers and collaborators. By integrating AI in your networking strategies, you can turn these connections into opportunities for growth.

Small business owner building network with AI tools

Furthermore, AI technology can help small businesses track relationship progress effectively. With tools that manage interactions and predict future opportunities, AI can transform networking into a data-driven effort that yields tangible outcomes. To ensure smooth integration, discover how to streamline AI tool adoption.

AI as a Catalyst for Creativity and Efficiency

While AI technology enhances efficiency, it also opens new doors for creativity. SMBs using AI tools report less-than-expected gains occasionally, but with time, businesses will better understand AI's strengths and limitations. This insight will allow businesses to harness AI creativity, automate repetitive tasks, and focus on more strategic initiatives. Platforms like HeyGen exemplify how text to video AI can streamline content creation, saving time and resources while improving output quality.

Small business team using AI for creative work

Industry experts suggest a balanced approach where AI assists rather than replaces human creativity. The synergy of human intuition and AI's computational prowess can result in more innovative ideas and dynamic content for businesses.

Looking Toward a Future with AI-Powered Video Creation

The future looks bright for small businesses willing to adopt AI technologies. As businesses increasingly become content creators, tools like HeyGen's AI video creation platform offer accessible, scalable solutions that cater to the diverse needs of SMBs. Whether you're crafting a training video or a marketing campaign, AI-powered tools are poised to redefine how businesses communicate and grow. Sign up here to start using HeyGen and explore the potential of AI video creation for free.

Innovation never rests, which means continual learning and adaptation are key elements for those who wish to succeed. By staying informed of new AI developments and best practices, businesses can remain competitive.

Reflecting on the Path Forward

Looking forward, the main question remains: How will your business harness AI to stay ahead? The integration of AI video generators into your strategy could be the transformative step needed to gain a competitive edge. As businesses set their sights on growth and success in 2026, embracing the possibilities that AI offers might just be the ticket to not only winning but thriving in an ever-evolving market.

Ultimately, the future holds immense potential for those who adapt and leverage AI as a tool for sustained growth and development. By embracing the technology responsibly, businesses can unlock new avenues for success and customer engagement.

About

Nick Warner is Head of Creator Growth at HeyGen, where he helps creators and brands scale their content with AI video tools. He writes about AI, video technology, and how creators can use these tools to tell better stories and reach wider audiences.


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