The «bitter lesson» machine (AI Video Automation)

The video showcases an experiment applying the “bitter lesson” by using AI models and data-driven iteration to optimize TikTok video engagement, automating the collection and analysis of performance metrics to improve content without human bias. Despite some technical challenges, the creator demonstrates progress in generating and refining AI-produced videos and music, while promoting AI skill certification through an upcoming Nvidia webinar.

The video explores the concept of the “bitter lesson,” which posits that over time, general methods leveraging computation and data outperform systems built on specialized human knowledge. The creator sets up an experiment using AI models like FAL, Cling, and Omnihuman to generate videos and music, aiming to optimize TikTok video views through data-driven iteration rather than human intuition. The goal is to gather performance data such as views, likes, comments, and shares to improve subsequent videos by analyzing which factors contribute most to engagement.

To facilitate this, the creator developed a script that automatically collects TikTok video statistics and records various input parameters like image prompts, video prompts, song choice, lip sync status, titles, and video length. These data points serve as the foundation for iterative improvements, allowing the system to learn from past performance without human bias. The experiment is hosted on MCP servers, which handle image and video generation, and the creator manually manages audio selection for now, with plans to automate this in the future.

The video demonstrates two AI-generated clips—one with lip sync and one without—to compare their performance. Initial data shows that the lip sync video performs better in terms of views, likes, comments, and shares. Using this feedback, the creator uses AI tools to generate a new video prompt, title, and hashtags, aiming to improve engagement further. The process involves generating new content, uploading it to TikTok, and then analyzing the resulting data to continue refining the approach in a feedback loop.

Despite some technical issues with the Omnihuman model, the creator switches to the Cling model for video generation and reports improved engagement metrics on the latest video iteration. The video editing is done manually using Premiere Pro due to copyright restrictions on music. The creator emphasizes that this experiment is an early-stage proof of concept inspired by the bitter lesson, acknowledging it is not perfect but expressing enthusiasm for continuing to refine the system and share results with the community.

Finally, the creator highlights the importance of certification for AI skills, promoting an upcoming Nvidia webinar that helps software engineers gain recognized credentials in generative AI and agentic AI systems. This certification can provide proof of expertise for career advancement. The video concludes with an invitation to follow the experiment’s progress, access the MCP service on GitHub, and participate in the Nvidia webinar, thanking viewers for their time and encouraging them to stay tuned for future updates.