Definition
Generative AI or gen AI, is artificial intelligence (AI) that is used to produce original content like text, images, video, audio or software code based on a user’s prompt or request [1].
There are different
types of generative models, which include text-to-video or text-to-3D, text-to-image
AI. Generative AI is built on foundation models (large AI models) that can
multi-task and perform out-of-the-box tasks, including summarization, Q&A,
classification, and more. Furthermore, foundation models can be customized for specific
use cases with very little example data and minimal training.
A good example
of text-to-image generative AI would be a scenario where you have an idea for
your novel about Lagos Street life. You enter text that describes it like
"Book cover showing busy Lagos market scene with danfo buses, traders, and
modern city skyline in background, dramatic sunset lighting" into an AI
image generator. Within a few seconds, you will see four book cover designs
that visualize the story atmosphere you typed.
Not only is this easy to use for self-publishing authors, but getting started is straightforward and simple. In fact, you can experiment with generating book covers right now without paying illustrators or waiting weeks for revisions.
Origin
The advancement of
generative AI has been rapid, and ongoing. Early models, like Markov chains and
RNNs set the stage, but had problems with generating nuanced and coherent
outputs. The introduction of Generative adversarial networks (GANs) pushed the
boundaries of image creation and produced strikingly realistic visuals, but had
stability issues.
The turning
point came with the emergence of transformer-based models, such as BERT and GPT.
They transformed natural language processing (NLP), showing an unprecedented
ability to understand and generate human-like text. Newer versions like GPT-2
and GPT-3 further demonstrated the immense potential of generative AI,
captivating the world with their impressive text generation capabilities.
Context and
Usage
Some of the use cases
of Generative AI are as follows:
- Audio & Speech: Powers natural-sounding voice assistants, multilingual dubbing, music composition, personalized voice cloning and accessibility tools.
- Business: Automate customer support, enhance knowledge retrieval, accelerates drug discovery, forecast financial trends and improves data-driven decision-making
- Images: Create digital artwork, design product, visualize fashion concepts, produce advertising visuals and enhance medical imaging.
- Text: Powers chatbots, virtual assistants, content creation, document summarization and even code generation tools like GitHub Copilot.
- Video: Produce animation, create movie special effects, gaming, develop marketing videos and realistic training simulations [3].
Why it Matters
AI is currently
experiencing a massive growth with the generative AI market expected to be
worth more than $3 trillion within the next decade. The breakthroughs made in 21st-century
such as the 2022 release of ChatGPT is behind the AI boom. The industry has since
developed rapidly, with other powerful models and tools emerging from various
players like Google, Anthropic, and Meta.
Business now
require a good understanding of generative AI as the technology provides
powerful solutions for creating content, personalizing customer experiences,
and streamlining operations [4].
Related AI System Types
- Multimodal AI: Systems capable of processing and integrating multiple data types simultaneously.
In Practice
A good example
of a real-life case study of generative artificial intelligence can be seen in
the case of DALL-E 3. DALL-E 3 is the third iteration of the DALL-E series with
a major advancement in AI-driven image generation based on textual descriptions.
This includes generating images of objects, scenes, and even abstract concepts.
It can also be integrated into different applications and platforms, enhancing
its functionality. This includes use cases in design, advertising,
entertainment, and more [5].
References
- Stryker, C., Scapicchio, M. (n.d). What is generative AI?
- Google Cloud. (n.d). Generate text, images, code, and more with Google Cloud AI.
- Geeksforgeeks. (2025). What is Generative AI?
- Shopify Staff. (2025). Is Generative AI? How It Works & Business Impact.
- Nguyen, T. (2025). What Is Generative AI? An In-Depth Look at Machine Creativity.