Captions Rebrands as Mirage: AI Video Research & Tools

Mirage: Captions Rebrands with AI Research Focus

Captions, a video creation and editing application powered by artificial intelligence and backed by over $100 million in venture funding, has announced its transformation into Mirage. The company is currently valued at $500 million.

This change in branding signifies a shift towards a more ambitious goal: establishing itself as an AI research laboratory. The focus will be on developing multimodal foundational models specifically tailored for short-form video content, intended for platforms like TikTok, Reels, and Shorts.

A New Vision for AI Video

The company believes this specialized approach will differentiate it from conventional AI models and competitors including D-ID, Synthesia, and Hour One. A key objective is to pioneer advancements in the field of AI-driven video creation.

The rebranding strategy aims to consolidate all of the company’s services under a single brand identity. This includes the popular creator-focused platform, Captions, and the recently introduced Mirage Studio, which is designed for brands and advertising production.

Mirage Studio: AI-Powered Ad Creation

“We believe the true competition in AI video is yet to commence,” stated CEO Gaurav Misra in an interview with TechCrunch. “Our new identity, Mirage, embodies our expanded vision and dedication to redefining the video landscape, beginning with short-form content, through cutting-edge AI research and model development.”

Launched in June, Mirage Studio provides brands with the capability to produce concise advertisements without the need for traditional actors or substantial financial investment. Content is generated entirely by AI, based solely on an uploaded audio file.

The platform utilizes AI-generated backgrounds and customizable AI avatars. Users also have the option to upload personal photographs to create avatars resembling their own likeness.

Distinguishing Features and Pricing

According to the company, the platform excels in creating AI avatars that exhibit remarkably natural speech patterns, movements, and facial expressions. Furthermore, Mirage asserts that it does not rely on pre-existing stock footage, voice cloning techniques, or lip-syncing.

Mirage Studio is offered under a business subscription plan, priced at $399 per month for 8,000 credits. A 50% discount is currently available for new subscribers during their first month.

Ethical Considerations and Deepfake Concerns

While these tools offer benefits for brands seeking to optimize video production and reduce costs, they also raise concerns regarding the potential impact on professionals in the creative industries. The increasing prevalence of AI in advertising has already sparked criticism, as exemplified by the recent Guess advertisement featuring an AI-generated model.

The growing sophistication of this technology also makes it increasingly challenging to differentiate between authentic and deepfake videos. This presents a significant challenge, particularly given the rapid dissemination of misinformation.

Addressing Deepfake Risks and Promoting Media Literacy

Mirage recently addressed the issue of deepfake technology in a company blog post. The company acknowledged the inherent risks of misinformation while simultaneously expressing optimism about the positive applications of AI video.

Moderation measures have been implemented to mitigate misuse, including preventing impersonation and requiring explicit consent for the use of an individual’s likeness. However, the company emphasized that technical solutions alone are insufficient.

Mirage believes that fostering a “new kind of media literacy” is crucial, encouraging individuals to approach video content with the same level of critical analysis applied to news reporting.