Companies are moving beyond asking workers to use ChatGPT and searching for specialists who can build their own AI tools, automate business processes and turn AI-generated video into finished content, according to new data from freelance marketplace Upwork.
AI video became the most-searched AI-related term in September on Upwork. New data from the platform also show rising interest in specialized AI developers as businesses seek talent to build AI-powered products, automate workflows and integrate AI into existing systems.
AI SaaS developer was the fastest-growing AI-related search year over year, while AI workflow automation ranked second. AI agent developer, AI architect, AI integration and Python AI developer also featured among the fastest-growing searches.
AI Video Leads Demand for Creative Skills
Four video-related terms ranked among Upwork’s 10 most-searched AI-related terms in September: AI video, AI video creator, AI video generator and AI video editor. AI video overtook AI automation, which led searches in July and August.
Demand extended beyond generating video. Video editing software grew both year over year and month over month, while corporate video, short video ads, Final Cut Pro and AI video generation remained above year-earlier levels despite slowing from August.
Businesses Seek Talent to Build and Integrate AI
AI SaaS developer recorded the fastest year-over-year growth among AI-related searches. AI agent developer, AI architect and Python AI developer also ranked among the fastest-growing terms, suggesting clients are seeking specialists to build AI-enabled software and connect AI systems to business operations.
Demand for implementation work also persisted. AI Builder contracts grew for three consecutive months, while AI implementation and AI integration deliverables each recorded a second consecutive month of growth. AI workflow automation was the second-fastest-growing AI-related search.
General AI Searches Lose Ground
Searches for ChatGPT declined both year over year and month over month, alongside terms such as data scraping, API and social media imagery. The contrast with growth in specialized AI roles suggests some businesses are moving beyond general-purpose tools toward specific technical capabilities and business applications.
Creative AI services are also gaining traction. AI ad creation and AI animation tools each recorded two consecutive months of growth.
