In an erawhere artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a part of the newsroom,it is crucial to focus on the practical applications of these technologiesrather than solely on the algorithms themselves. Sophia Smith Galer, asuccessful independent content creator on TikTok with over 17 million likes,recognized the potential of AI in content creation and took matters into herown hands by developing Sophina, an AI-powered chatbot that turns text intoviral video scripts.
SmithGaler's decision to create Sophina stemmed from her awareness of the growingpopularity of large language models and the risk of someone training an AI toolon her content without her consent. Despite lacking coding experience, she tookthe initiative to develop her own tool before others could do so. Sophina wastrained using transcripts from approximately 100 of Smith Galer's TikToks thathad reached a certain threshold of views.
WhileSophina may not perfectly capture a user's unique style, it provides anexcellent starting point for creating engaging video scripts. Smith Galeremphasizes the tool's ability to save time, which is a significant benefit forjournalists who are often overburdened and looking to experiment withshort-form video content. By streamlining the script-writing process, Sophinaenables content creators to focus on other aspects of video production.
As afreelancer, Smith Galer lacked access to formal continuing professionaldevelopment programs. Developing Sophina served as a means for her to stretchherself professionally and harness the power of AI. She also relied on herextensive TikTok community, consisting of over half a million followers, forguidance when choosing the platform to build her tool. Ultimately, she optedfor Bootstacks, a no-code solution well-suited for those starting out with AI.
Theprocess of training Sophina required multiple iterations, with Smith Galerfine-tuning the tool to reduce the excessive use of exclamation marks andemojis. Once the tool was ready, she made it publicly available behind apaywall to ensure financial sustainability and communicate its value. However,she encourages NGOs and fact-checkers who may not have the financial means toaccess the tool to reach out to her, as she is committed to making the interneta better place.
SmithGaler believes that her background as a journalist played a crucial role in thedevelopment of Sophina, but she also recognizes the tool's potentialapplications beyond journalism. She envisions Sophina being used by academicsand anyone with an important message to share on platforms like TikTok andInstagram, where such content is in high demand.
Bypioneering the development of an AI-powered tool for viral video scriptcreation, Smith Galer has not only enhanced her own content creation processbut has also paved the way for others to leverage AI in their creativeendeavors. Sophina serves as an example of how journalists and content creatorscan harness the power of AI to streamline their workflows and create engagingcontent for their audiences.
