By now, artificial intelligence has been around for a few decades. But it’s only been in recent years that it has truly started transforming our lives, reshaping ways of thinking and doing. The technology has been groundbreaking for education, interpersonal relationships and connections, and much more.
Across industries, AI is creating new opportunities and changing practices. One of those areas is writing. Now, businesses and individuals alike can leverage AI tools to create valuable content far more quickly and efficiently. In particular, generative AI has taken the US market by storm, with over 70% of companies, especially marketers, using ChatGPT or similar tools.
AI is here to stay. Already, it has impacted content creation and work in general. There is plenty of text-based software that relies on natural language processing, for example. AI writing tools, also called assistants, have had a dramatic impact on the writing process, improving productivity and reducing expenses. And they are only gaining traction.
History and Evolution of AI Copywriting Tools
Copywriting experienced an amazing transformation with an overwhelming number of technological advancements in the last half-century. Even simple word-processing programs represent a significant revolution. Here’s a brief overview of how AI writing tools began—and how they’re going.
How AI Writing Tools Started
The first spellchecker software programs are considered to be the oldest versions of any writing assistant tools. Lester Donald Ester, an American computer scientist, was one of the pioneers in charge of innovation in the field of word processing and created the first spellchecker.
The first software program for spellchecking worked according to a fairly simple principle. The mistakes were compared against words in a preexisting dictionary or information within the program. As technology advanced, so did these applications. Once computers became available to the general public, many programs had integrated spell checkers that provided automated suggestions during the writing process.
Over time, once we were introduced to the World Wide Web, digital written content became an important communication medium with users across the globe. By now, many of us—professional writers or otherwise—have heard of (and may even use) free online spelling and grammar checkers like Hemingway, Language Tool, Ginger, QuillBot, and Grammarly.
The Evolution Over Time
Remember ELIZA? This natural language processing program that communicated with the user based on their input was developed by Professor Joseph Weizenbaum back in 1966. It’s one of the earliest versions of the chatbots people use today.
By using substitution and pattern-matching algorithms, ELIZA was able to communicate to the users in a specific manner. There were many versions of this program because amateur programmers attempted to copy and even enhance the scripted patterns the program was based on.
Over time, natural language processing became more complex. We’ve already witnessed how AI capabilities are not limited to short-form content—there are already novels generated by AI.
AI platforms now have specific input forms developed for different content purposes and layouts. AI writing assistants can design content for a specific platform format, audience type, and writing style.
When machine learning technology is added to the mix, there is (virtually) no limit to what the AI writing tool can create. Copywriters and marketers use these tools for generating landing pages, email newsletters, product descriptions, articles, social media posts, and much more.
How AI Writing Software Works
Artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and machine learning are terms we hear fairly regularly, but many of us don’t fully understand their intricacies. What do they actually mean, and how do they apply to AI writing software?
Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are complex programs developed to mimic the cognitive functions of humans. Their algorithms are designed to process big data to receive the initial information scope that the program will be using. It’s a similar model to the first 10,000 words that were fed to the oldest spellchecker but more complex.
Machine learning is a subset of AI. As it sounds, it’s essentially a training process for machines. Programs are given large amounts of data with specific rules for categorizing, combining, and using the information. In the world of writing, machine learning analyzes the structure of the syntax, the scope of its meaning, and how it deals with other semantic elements.
After training, AI writing software uses this data to generate content in a similar manner, based on the input, structure guidelines, and interactions initiated by the user.
The Increasing Popularity of the AI Writing Assistant
The use of AI writing software tools is undoubtedly on the rise. According to an MSG report, the market was valued at over $389 million USD in 2021 and is expected to quadruple by 2030, with a CAGR of 18.4% during the forecast period. Due to the vast scope of applications, AI writing assistant software has impacted market dynamics globally.
With more and more tools on the market, from Word and Google Docs to search queries, AI writing assistants can significantly improve writing quantity and quality. It is important to keep in mind that the market can be divided into:
- on-premise
- cloud-based
Both types have their pros and cons. More and more users are opting for using any cloud-based software because it is more flexible in terms of access, but there are still some security risks associated with any cloud platforms. That’s not to say on-premise AI writing assistant software is completely without security risks—no software is risk-free.
AI writing software is most commonly used in content creation, SEO, marketing practices, and other business operations related to communication and the written word.
In Content Creation and SEO
Content creation takes many different forms and applications. AI content writing tools, therefore, can assist with everything from creating a holistic content marketing strategy to social media content, landing pages, newsletters, and beyond.
Unfortunately, any type of content, no matter how well it may be written, will remain invisible to search engines like Google unless it is properly optimized. Because of this, SEO plays a critical role in content creation and can benefit from the use of AI writing assistant tools.
Increased performance speed
Writing a well-structured article, for example, can take a few hours or even days to complete. It starts with research, creating a first draft, editing, and optimization before publishing. AI writers help cut the time it takes to complete this process and increase the speed at which the final product is delivered.
Better Scalability
Writing tools—particularly when powered by AI—can help individuals, teams, and companies achieve better results at a fraction of the cost. They can also help scale projects, allowing organizations to produce higher volumes of content more quickly and efficiently.
We’re living in an age that demands mass production, and failing to create high-quality content at scale will force businesses to fall behind their competitors. The best AI writing software helps boost companies’ performance by cutting down the personnel needed to deliver the final product, consequently saving time. The savviest brands are using these tools to supercharge their teams and increase their productivity tenfold.
Now that there are so many tools available, including an increasing number of generative AI models, there are, understandably, many questions about the quality of AI tools’ output, as well as questions surrounding what, exactly, these tools can do.
AI tools can assist with:
- Keyword strategies and already optimized first drafts: AI tools can be used to assess the competition and perform keyword research.
- Readability: While AI tools can help ensure that the style and structure of an article are uniform—but AI-generated content can come across as repetitive if a human doesn’t intervene.
- Consistency: AI tools aid users in producing consistent content. However, it’s important to be aware that because of this, multiple users can create strikingly similar content, which adversely affects branding and could prompt accusations of plagiarism.
It’s also important to be aware that AI writing aids have a limited knowledge base. They are only aware of events that have occurred up to a specific point in time. For example, ChatGPT’s original training data doesn’t extend beyond 2021.
Still, even though they have certain knowledge gaps, these tools are constantly being updated and are growing in popularity across industries.
In Business and Marketing
AI’s business value is obvious in the marketing realm. Many companies and brands use generative AI tools to create detailed content marketing plans, for example. The tools can also help create blog post drafts, draft Instagram posts and campaigns, and much more.
Whether you’re working on email marketing or a social media strategy, an AI tool can be used to draft, plan, and generate the content needed.
Moreover, AI tools for generating images and other visual cues rely on text-based inputs, and most AI writing assistants can create a detailed prompt that users can simply copy into another tool.
Ultimately, the content AI helps create can typically be as simple or complex as the user wants it to be.
Review of the Best AI Writing Software in 2024
There are more and more artificial intelligence writing tools available on the market. Some of them offer free versions, like ChatGPT, that only require users to create an account. In the case of ChatGPT, free accounts help gather data to fine-tune the model’s performance. Meanwhile, some tools offer a trial plan.
This section will provide a detailed review of the features of the top AI writing tools in 2024.
#1 ChatGPT
ChatGPT is an AI generative model that interacts with the user through a dialogue form, similar to the pioneering chatbot, ELIZA. Most users are already well acquainted with this platform since it is one of the most highly marketed and popular models.
This tool has the widest array of applications since it is able to interact with the user, create content related to virtually any topic (especially in the technology, business, and management niches), summarize data, build tables, and even write code.
There are free and paid versions of this model that are constantly being updated. The free version is more limited. ChatGPT 4 is the most recent version that offers even more applications in different business segments.
ChatGPT is also being used more and more to create content in a variety of languages. This is helpful for geolocating content and has many additional benefits as well.
Key Features
- The advanced reasoning feature underscores the application of the broad general knowledge and domain expertise the model has.
- Creativity and collaboration are not limited only to text-based input. ChatGPT4 can interact with users about different writing tasks, including creative writing genres—from blogs and books to songs and screenplays. Upgrading to the premium version brings about numerous benefits, such as providing a more in-depth analysis of a specific writing style or voice.
- Visual input is a new feature that allows users to provide images and infographics that ChatGPT will analyze, such as creating a meal from a picture of ingredients or producing a picturesque depiction of a city skyline.
- ChatGPT 4 can handle over 25,000 words at a time, a huge upgrade from versions 3 and 3.5.
#2 Jasper AI
Before ChatGPT, Jasper (formerly known as Jarvis) was one of the—if not the—content writing tool of choice. While ChatGPT has displaced it in terms of popularity, the tool is still frequently used to create massive amounts of content. Jasper also boasts high originality, especially when compared with similar tools—meaning you’re unlikely to find the same writing elsewhere on the internet.
Users report that Jasper can provide a creative spin on the original author’s tone and voice. It can be a great way to fuel creativity, especially when copywriters experience writer’s block and need to brainstorm. The chat feature makes the experience similar to the chatbot form of ChatGPT.
When it comes to limitations, apart from the pricing that might be a bit higher compared to other tools, is the censorship limit. Like many open-source chatbots, AI tools are not able to deliver “sensitive” or mature content, which means that certain industries can’t take advantage of these features.
Key Features
- Semantic and syntax features are solid because Jasper can identify and correct grammar errors, make tone and voice adjustments, and reformat sentence structures.
- Content passes most plagiarism checkers with up to around a 80% success rate and can deliver SEO-optimized content.
- The tool offers an image generation feature that is text and image-based and can create visuals for a plethora of uses. It is not as versatile as Dall-e, but it can do some simpler visual generation.
#3 Rytr
Rytr is a great AI writing tool for a variety of use cases, and like the previous two on this list, once the chatbox function has been included in the updated version, the interactivity is sufficient, and users can choose between pre-set cases or content defined by an algorithm.
Pre-set use cases available with the pro version allow writers to flex their creative muscles, but in terms of practical business value, apps like Grammarly Business or Jasper seem to have a better output compared to Rytr.
One of the advantages Rytr has to offer is the choice of tone and structure of content that does not feel as generic compared with text generated by ChatGPT or Jasper (without sufficient prompting).
Key Features
- Written content is readable, and the tone can be adjusted.
- The content is highly original and unlikely to be found elsewhere.
- The tool has an excellent idea generator based on pre-set cases or through idea input.
- The application is available as an independent product and as a plugin, so it can be used along with other writing products.
#4 Grammarly Business
Grammarly made a name for itself as a premier tool for checking spelling and grammar mistakes. The free version of the tool will quickly analyze the quality and structure of the content via a plugin or within the app.
Premium users have access to a wider range of features like a plagiarism checker and tone and sentence restructuring suggestions where necessary. The plagiarism checker can automatically highlight the content that is the same or similar to any existing web sources. Users should be aware that Grammarly formulates its tone and sentence structure suggestions based on pre-set conditions and that these ideas may not always be helpful.
GrammarlyGO is the platform’s latest feature. This writing assistant helps with rephrasing content based on given inputs or already existing prompts. Currently, this feature is a bit limited since it’s still in its beta version.
Key Features
- The working features in the app enhance creativity and support the entire writing process.
- The product is available on its platform and as a plugin.
- It provides insight into the writing progress, with grammar content and a custom database where individuals and teams can gain insight into their copywriting practices, weaknesses, and overall productivity.
#5 Frase.io
Frase.io has the most structured features and a friendly UI for newbies and experts alike. As with Grammarly, users can store their data and content.
The interface is well organized and offers a competitive search overview, along with latent semantic indexing (LSI) and main keyword optimization features. This makes the writing process more organic and allows for more seamless integration of keywords into sentences.
The tool is similar to those from OpenAI but offers more structure and less interaction with the bot. It also comes with prompts and has an AI outline generator that assists with creating a first draft and writing a brief before users dive more deeply into the writing process.
As standalone software, Frase is the most helpful during the content creation phase. It assists with everything from research and draft creation to optimization and final editing. The platform can be easily integrated with other tools like Grammarly or any plagiarism checker.
Frase is a bit more rudimentary compared to some of the others on this list. The content can be repetitive, similar to that of ChatGPT’s free versions. However, it still offers strong performance and experience.
Key Features // Product Highlights
- The formatting features include a plagiarism checker, style editor, and citation finder, allowing writers to focus on their most important task—writing.
- The content generation process is supported in its entirety and is easy to understand.
- It performs a comprehensive competitor analysis with a content comparison chart where the users can view how their content would perform against the competition.
AI Writing Tools: Pros and Cons
The artificial intelligence writing tool frenzy has been keeping many content and copywriters on their toes. The debate about whether or not writers—and professionals in other fields—will be replaced by machines rages on. Right now, however, AI writing software is assisting us with creating compelling, informative content that can help drive sales, generate material at scale, and spread our message.
Technology is, of course, becoming increasingly sophisticated. But as of now, AI tools demand the supervision of an experienced writer. That’s the only way to produce strong, high-quality content.
Pros of AI Tools
There are many advantages to using AI writing software. For one, introducing automation into the process allows writers to produce content far more quickly and at scale. Ultimately, they can do more in a shorter amount of time.
Another important benefit is that the software helps boost writers’ creativity. People can tap into these tools to overcome writer’s block by using them to brainstorm ideas or make suggestions. In some cases, they can even aid the research process and produce complete outlines and templates within minutes. It’s also possible to produce entire first drafts, although writers should always thoroughly edit and revising any content the tools generate, particularly when it comes to niche and highly specialized topics.
Finally, using AI tools can help lower costs. However, this is potentially a double-edged sword: when businesses use these tools more, they may be tempted to replace human professionals with technology. Already, some writers are seeing wage cuts. As the technology becomes more advanced, AI could potentially eliminate jobs in the writing sphere.
Cons of AI Tools
As with any technology, AI writing software does come with some drawbacks. For example, some worry that over-reliance on these tools could lead to a loss of that human touch. The content could begin too sound generic or redundant.
However, some tools could potentially be trained to emulate a specific style, tone, or voice if users input the necessary information. Still, this takes a certain amount of skill, time, and planning—which in some ways defeats the very purpose of using the technology in the first place.
There are also the many unknowns regarding AI tools. For example, how will Google rank content that has been entirely created by a machine? What will happen to a variety of industries, such as digital marketing and advertising? How will AI affect businesses in the short- and long-term? Moreover, there could be questions we have even thought to ask yet.
The Future of AI in Writing
Anytime a new and exciting innovation appears on the market, there is an onslaught of hype, along with expectations for new versions, upgrades, integrations, and use cases. But much of the future of AI in writing is still unknown. There are many practical and ethical implications, and we will need to examine them more closely as these tools become more and more sophisticated.
There are plenty of clear benefits that AI writing tools have to offer. That’s why so many businesses are eager to tap into their enormous potential. Google is entering the race with it’s experimental chatbot Bard and an AI-powered workspace, which is expected to function similarly to the GrammarlyGO writing assistant. Many other tech companies, both small and large, are no doubt on their way to releasing their own AI tools, too.
Can we expect any significant changes with AI writing tools? Undoubtedly, we will see them become increasingly advanced, with more and more features. We will also see the market expand into new niches and geographical areas. It’s also likely that new players will enter the game with alternatives to household names.
Conclusion
Choosing the best AI writing tool largely depends on personal preference and budget, as well as what you’re looking for. Free tools like Grammarly are available for standard spell and style checks, while ChatGPT and other generative AI tools can aid with producing higher volumes of content, performing research, and checking facts.
There has been an explosion of these types of tools on the market as of late. Many writers are using multiple tools in conjunction to help with various tasks, although it’s important to use them responsibly. Writers should bear in mind that these tools are by no means perfect, and they will need to put in the time and effort into editing, revising, and checking to ensure that they are producing high-quality material. That said, they can help substantially with creating content at scale in a shorter span of time.
It’s also important to understand how to use each of these tools—and how to use them well. For example, when leveraging ChatGPT, it’s critical to craft quality prompts, which can take some time to master. Only then can they tap into the full features and potential of the tools and reap the benefits.
When used properly, these tools do offer plenty of advantages, although it’s also critical to be cognizant of the drawbacks as well. As more and more entrepreneurs and writers share their experiences, we are seeing new possibilities and communities emerge. People are sharing their experiences with these and other tools and offering revolutionary use cases and ideas—all toward the shared goal of helping everyone improve their writing and boost their content.
If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out our other AI articles.
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- AI In Healthcare Examples & Trends of Progress
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- At The Fringe of The Norm: The Limits of AI
FAQs
What are AI writing tools?
AI writing tools are software that supports writers in creating or improving the content they produce. There are several different types of these tools that can help with various aspects of the writing process, such as research and fact-checking, grammar and spellchecking, and much more.
How do AI writing tools work?
While there are different types of artificial intelligence writing programs, generally speaking, they typically mimic natural language processing with the help of machine learning processes. The goal of the software is to create content that sounds like it was written by humans for specific purposes and genres.
What are the benefits of using AI writing tools?
AI writing tools have many benefits, such as boosting creativity, checking grammar and spelling, improving SEO, reducing the time spent on creating content, and improving productivity.
Are there any drawbacks to using AI writing tools?
The constant use of AI writing tools can lead to potentially creating generic content that seems to lack some personality. In addition, there are some potential ethical concerns, like privacy issues and improper usage. By relying too heavily on AI writing tools, content and copywriters could be limiting their skills and creativity.
