With the endless scroll of social media and the click of a button providing instant access to information, it’s hard to tolerate low-quality content. In fact, according to Wyzowl, 91% of consumers feel that video quality impacts their trust in brands. With video viewership skyrocketing, businesses can’t afford to compromise on the quality of their video content if they want to succeed.
With the increasing demand for high-quality video content across various platforms, especially with the rise of 4K and 8K displays, several businesses adopt AI techniques to improve their video content delivery. In this article, we’ll explain what AI video upscaling is, how it enables businesses and individuals to thrive in today’s digital world, and provide best practices for optimizing your video management workflows.
In this article:
Understanding How AI Video Upscaling Works
Essentially, video upscaling is a term that refers to the action of improving the quality of a video footage. Using either traditional algorithms or the newer AI approaches, video upscaling improves image clarity and detail, resulting in a sharper, more refined picture.
Traditional upscaling methods, such as using video editing software, often result in blurry and pixelated output due to simple pixel interpolation. However, AI upscaling involves the use of advanced machine learning algorithms to enhance video resolution by analyzing each frame in a video and predicting missing details, transforming low-quality videos into content that meets modern standards.
AI upscaling uses complex algorithms (for example, Super Resolution Generative Adversarial Network) powered by artificial intelligence to improve video resolution, sharpness, color accuracy, and visual fidelity, generating a more detailed and refined video.
Top 7 Best AI Video Upscalers
1. Cloudinary
Cloudinary is a robust media optimization platform that offers developers powerful tools for video upscaling, transformation, and delivery. With advanced algorithms and dynamic quality controls, it helps streamline high-quality video delivery while adapting to diverse devices and network conditions.
Unlike standalone upscaling apps, Cloudinary focuses on smart, programmatic solutions, making it a great fit for developers and teams looking to integrate performance-optimized video workflows into their websites or applications.
- Default Quality Setting: Set a global baseline for video quality in your product environment directly from the Cloudinary dashboard.
- Automatic Quality Selection (q_auto): Allows Cloudinary to intelligently adjust video quality based on user bandwidth and device type, using presets like q_auto:best, q_auto:eco, or q_auto:low.
- Manual Quality Control: Use the quality transformation parameter (q) to manually set video quality levels from 1 (lowest) to 100 (highest).
- WEBM Transcoding Optimization: Prevent pixelation when converting MP4 to WebM by applying maximum quantization settings via qmax, ensuring smoother playback.
- Bitrate Management: Fine-tune video data usage with the bit_rate parameter to balance file size, load speed, and quality. Accepts values like 120000, 250k, or 2m.
Pros
- Developer-Focused: Ideal for programmatic use via APIs and SDKs.
- Dynamic Optimization: Adapts in real-time to user environment.
- Extensive Format Support: Compatible with modern formats and delivery channels.
- Seamless Integration: Easily fits into existing media pipelines.
Cons
- Requires Technical Knowledge: Best suited for developers or technical users.
- No Standalone GUI for Non-Developers: Not designed for drag-and-drop use cases.
Pricing
Cloudinary offers a generous free tier, with access to core features and transformations. Paid plans vary based on usage, storage, and delivery needs. Full pricing details are available on Cloudinary’s pricing page.
Bottom Line
Cloudinary isn’t just a video upscaler, it’s a comprehensive media management platform designed to optimize, transform, and deliver high-quality content at scale. If you’re a developer seeking automation, performance, and control, Cloudinary’s intelligent video tools are second to none.
And the best part? You can get started for free. Try Cloudinary today and experience smarter video optimization.
2. VideoProc
VideoProc Converter AI is a powerful and flexible AI video upscaling tool. It offers a comprehensive suite of features to elevate video quality and enhance footage with ease.
Key Features
- AI Super Resolution: Upscales low-resolution videos to higher resolutions (such as 4K or 8K) using advanced AI algorithms, enhancing detail and sharpness without adding unwanted artifacts.
- AI Frame Interpolation: Increases frame rates for smoother playback, ideal for slow-motion effects or improving video fluidity.
- AI Video Stabilization: Reduces camera shake and motion blur, especially helpful for handheld or action footage.
- Broad Format Support: Supports over 370 input formats and more than 420 output formats—perfect for any editing workflow.
- Level-3 GPU Acceleration: Harnesses full GPU power for faster encoding and processing.
Pros
- Excellent Upscaling Quality: Produces sharp, detailed video, significantly better than most online converters.
- Beginner-Friendly Interface: Easy to use with just a few clicks.
- All-in-One Tool: Ideal for upscaling, stabilizing, interpolating, and editing video.
- Editing Features Included: Cut, merge, crop, and apply visual effects with ease.
Cons
- Paid Full Version: While a free trial is available, full features require a purchase.
Pricing
- Premium 365: $25.95/year for 3 computers.
- Lifetime License: $45.95 for only one installation. This gives you a one-time purchase with lifetime updates.
- Family License: $57.95 for up to 5 PCs (with the same benefits as a Lifetime license), making it best for families or teams.
Bottom Line
VideoProc Converter AI uses artificial intelligence to quickly enhance your video quality. Just upload your footage and let the tool handle the rest.
3. Winxvideo AI
From the same parent company as VideoProc, Winxvideo AI is a robust, AI-powered video upscaling and enhancement solution. With its built-in Super Resolution engine, it excels at transforming older, low-quality footage, such as early smartphone recordings or heavily compressed online videos, into HD and even 4K UHD quality.
But this tool isn’t just for upscaling; it offers a full suite of enhancement features designed for both beginners and advanced users. Here’s what sets it apart:
Key Features
- AI-Powered Upscaling: Upscale videos and images by 2x, 3x, or 4x, up to 4K for video and 10K for images.
- AI Frame Interpolation: Boost frame rates up to 480fps for ultra-smooth playback or slow-motion effects.
- Video Stabilization: Smooth out shaky footage from handheld cameras, drones, or GoPros.
- Format Conversion & Editing: Convert between popular video/audio formats and apply basic edits or compression.
- GPU Acceleration: Process videos faster by tapping into your GPU’s capabilities.
Pros
- Intuitive interface ideal for beginners
- Wide video format support (MP4, AVI, MOV, WMV, FLV, etc.)
- Flexible upscaling options (2x, 3x, 4x)
- Deinterlacing support for improved playback
Cons
- Free trial limits processing to the first 5 minutes per video.
- Like VideoProc, most features are behind a paywall.
Pricing
- Identical to VideoProc.
4. TensorPix AI
TensorPix AI is a web-based platform built to upscale and enhance videos and images using powerful AI-driven tools. From restoring vintage footage to eliminating compression artifacts or resizing videos, TensorPix automates what once took professionals days to achieve.
Key Features
- AI Filters: Choose from multiple AI filters tailored to improve sharpness, clarity, and overall video quality.
- Simple Interface: Designed with usability in mind, upload videos from any device and enhance them in a few guided steps.
- Cloud Storage: Higher-tier plans retain enhanced files indefinitely, offering long-term access and convenience.
- Free Previews: Users can generate previews of their enhancements for free, with duration and quality determined by plan level.
Pros
- Completely Web-Based: No downloads or installations required works directly from your browser.
- Beginner-Friendly Workflow: Simple enhancement process suited for all skill levels.
- Flexible Plans: Choose from subscriptions or a pay-as-you-go model.
- Rollover Credits: Monthly credits accumulate and remain valid for up to 12 months.
Cons
- Limited Free Plan: Basic features and short preview lengths in the free version.
- Upscaling Limitations: While useful, the quality of upscaling can vary and may not match that of higher-end tools.
- Limited API Access: You’re locked into their Premium or higher tier if you want to use their API for custom workflows.
Pricing
- Free Plan: Basic functionality, but severely limited compared to other free trials.
- Standard Plan: $12/month – 12 credits/month, 10 GB storage, up to 3 videos can be processed at once
- Premium Plan: $27/month – 35 credits/month, 100 GB storage, and API access, up to 5 videos can be processed at once
- Elite Plan: $66/month – 110 credits/month, 500 GB storage, API access, up to 7 videos can be processed at once.
5. AVCLabs AI Video Upscaler
AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI is a downloadable, AI-powered software solution designed to boost video quality and resolution. Unlike many browser-based tools, this desktop application offers a full-featured enhancement suite that’s ideal for users looking for more precision and control.
Key Features
- AI Super-Resolution: Upscales videos using deep-learning algorithms, allowing quality jumps from SD to 8K.
- Face Refinement Tools: Sharpens blurry faces, restores detail, and includes optional face blurring for privacy.
- Natural Enhancements: Boosts color and sharpness while maintaining a realistic aesthetic, no oversaturation or artificial glow.
- User-Friendly Interface: Designed for non-experts, with a simple workflow that automates most of the process.
- Format Support: Compatible with MP4, MOV, M4V, and other popular formats.
Pros
- Exceptional upscaling to 4K and 8K resolutions
- Beginner-friendly UI with automated workflows
- Frame-by-frame enhancement tools
Cons
- Requires a High-Performance GPU: Because it’s desktop software that relies on your PC’s hardware, it needs a GPU with at least 4 GB memory.
- Limited Information on Free Trial: No information about what their free version offers compared to the paid versions.
- Best for Small Teams: No Enterprise plans, with each license only valid for one computer.
- No Automation or API Access: There are no developer tools or APIs to automate workflows, just the existing UI.
Pricing
- Monthly Subscription: $39.95
- 1-Year Plan: $119.95
- Lifetime License: $299
6. CapCut AI Upscaler
CapCut’s AI-powered video upscaler is a free online tool that enhances video quality by upscaling resolution. As part of CapCut’s broader video editing ecosystem, this feature blends ease of use with AI-driven performance, making it a go-to choice for quick, quality improvements.
Key Features
- AI-Powered 4K Upscaling: CapCut uses advanced AI algorithms to upscale videos to 4K while preserving and enhancing visual clarity.
- Deblurring and Detail Recovery: Restores sharpness and fine detail in videos that may be blurry or low-quality.
- Wide Format Support: Accepts multiple video types and resolutions, offering flexibility for various projects.
- Simple Workflow: A clean and intuitive online interface allows users to upscale their videos in just a few clicks.
Pros
- Effective Quality Boost: Produces significantly sharper videos with enhanced resolution.
- Beginner-Friendly Interface: Easy for all skill levels, no technical experience required.
- Free Editing Suite: Beyond upscaling, CapCut includes filters, transitions, text, and multi-track editing tools.
- No Cost: 100% free to use with no sign-up or payment details required.
Cons
- No Paid/Premium Version: They only offer one version of their software, meaning it may lack more comprehensive features that other paid software comes with.
- No Automation or API Access: There are no developer tools or APIs to automate workflows, just the existing UI.
- Only Upscales Video: CapCut’s Upscaler doesn’t come with any additional features, meaning you’ll need to rely on other software for parts of your media workflows.
Pricing
CapCut’s AI video upscaler is completely free to use. However, that often means that there may be limitations for what their software can handle.
7. Vmake AI Video Upscaler
Vmake AI Video Enhancer is a web-based tool designed to elevate the quality of both videos and images using artificial intelligence. With a robust suite of enhancement and editing features, it caters to casual creators and professionals alike, especially those working in eCommerce, social media, or advertising.
Key Features
- AI Video Enhancement: Sharpens and enhances video resolution to create clean, high-definition output.
- Background Removal: Automatically removes unwanted video backgrounds—useful for product demos or professional content.
- Object Eraser: Seamlessly deletes unwanted elements from videos.
- Video Stabilization: Smooths out shaky clips for cleaner playback.
Pros
- User-Friendly Design: Clean and intuitive UI makes the platform accessible for all experience levels.
- Strong Output Quality: Delivers high-quality results across both video and image tools.
- Flexible Pricing: Pay only for what you use, great for occasional users or budget-conscious professionals.
Cons
- No Free Version: In order to use their AI Upscale features, you need a subscription.
- No Automation or API Access: There are no developer tools or APIs to automate workflows, just the existing UI.
- No Visible Price for Credits: While similar tools also use a credit system on top of a subscription, Vmake doesn’t list how much those credits are or how they factor into workloads.
Pricing
The free tier for Vmake only covers some of their AI Video Editing and generation features, not upscaling. Their paid Pro tier is $9.99/mo or $69.99/yr, unlocking most of the software features.
Wrapping up
AI video upscaling is transforming the way we experience and consume video content. By leveraging the power of deep learning, this technology enables us to restore and enhance archival footage, improve streaming quality, and elevate the visual experience for content creators and viewers alike.
If you’re looking to optimize your video delivery processes, Cloudinary’s Video API and programmable SDKs provide a comprehensive solution for you to manage your videos, simplifying your workflows and delivering high-quality video content efficiently. Sign up for a free account to get started today!
