HeyGen turns a short script into a clean video with an on screen presenter and a natural voice. There is a limited free option to try the workflow. Paid tiers unlock higher resolution, a larger avatar library, faster processing, and translation. Use this guide to pick the right setup and publish with minimal friction.
Start here: Create your first AI video
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What HeyGen is and who it serves
HeyGen is an AI video platform that builds full videos from text, audio, or images. It suits explainers, product demos, sales outreach, onboarding, and content that needs to ship quickly without a studio. Higher tiers add better export quality and team features.
Try it while you read: Open HeyGen in a new tab
The three parts that make HeyGen work
Avatars
Pick a presenter from a large stock library, create one from a photo, or train a digital twin from a short recording. Each option balances realism and speed differently.
Voices
Use a built in voice, clone your own, or bring a voice from a partner service. Small changes to rate and pauses make a big difference.
AI Studio
Build scenes with a script first editor. Tie elements to words in your script and the timing is handled for you.
Quick launch: Start a project
Choose the right avatar
| Avatar type | What you provide | Speed | Realism | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock avatar | Script only | Instant | High | Fast explainers and announcements |
| Photo avatar | One or more clear photos | Minutes | High | Social clips and training series |
| Digital twin | Two to three minute video of you speaking | Minutes to hours for training | Highest | Leadership messages and courses |
| Talking photo | A single headshot | Instant | Basic | Testimonials and simple posts |
Recording tips for a convincing digital twin
Use a phone or camera with high resolution on a tripod. Sit in soft front light with a simple background. Record at least two and a half minutes. Begin with a calm fifteen seconds, then speak clearly with natural expression. Avoid jerky movements.
When ready, create your avatar: Make your presenter
Make the voice sound human
Record a clean sample if you plan to clone your voice. A quiet room matters more than fancy gear. In the editor, add short pauses where a person would breathe or emphasize. If you use a library voice, test a few and choose the one that feels natural on both speakers and earbuds.
Set up your voice now: Create or choose a voice
Helpful controls
- Voice Director to add emphasis on specific words
- Voice mirroring to copy the pacing and emotion from your own guide take
Build a complete video in AI Studio
- Open a blank canvas or pick a template. Choose landscape for YouTube or portrait for Shorts and Reels.
- Paste your script or upload audio. Fix names with phonetic spelling and insert short pauses for rhythm.
- Place your presenter and size it.
- Add product shots, screen recordings, captions, music, and your brand colors and fonts.
- Attach each callout to the script so timing lines up.
- Preview the layout and submit for render, then download in the best quality your plan allows.
Do it along with the guide: Start your first video
Translate and localize
Upload a file or paste a link, choose the target language, and generate a version that sounds native. This is the fastest way to repurpose training and product guides for other markets.
Test the translator: Translate a video
Automate and collaborate
Templates and the API let you generate many versions by swapping names, products, or fields from a CRM. Teams can share workspaces, comment, and review before publish.
See templates in action: Browse templates
Pricing in plain language
There is a free option for testing. Paid plans add higher resolution, longer videos, collaboration, and faster processing. Choose based on how often you publish and where the videos will live.
Compare plans and pick one: View pricing
Common mistakes and quick fixes
- Sentences that run long make any delivery feel robotic. Keep lines short and clean.
- Silent screens lose attention. Add b roll and always include captions.
- Backlight flattens faces. Use soft front light.
FAQ
Yes. The free option lets you test the workflow and basic features.
Length depends on the plan. Higher tiers allow longer exports.
Paid plans are designed for commercial use. Review the terms inside your account.
There are many options out of the box and you can add your own.
A large set of languages and dialects is supported for dubbing with lip sync.
Start now: Create your first AI video
