How to Create Your Own Animated AI Avatar

Jump to:

1. Making a video with a stock AI avatar (from our library)
2. Making a video with a personal AI avatar (that looks like you)

Here's an example of what you can do with our AI avatars:

Ruben's AI avatar video garnered 1 million views on TikTok and an additional 5 million views on LinkedIn.

What is an AI avatar?

At Synthesia, an AI avatar is a digital representation of a human created using artificial intelligence.

These avatars can mimic human-like speech, expressions, and gestures to deliver scripted content in video format.

They are designed to look and sound like real people, making them an effective alternative to traditional on-screen presenters.

What are AI avatars useful for?

AI avatars transform video content creation with these key benefits:

1. Quick, Easy, and Cost-Effective

• Fast production: Create videos in minutes, skipping lengthy filming and editing
• User-friendly: No technical expertise or expensive equipment needed
• Low cost: Eliminates expenses for on-screen talent, studios, and production crews

2. Scalable

• Mass production: Generate large volumes of content efficiently
• Multilingual support: Create videos in multiple languages for diverse audiences
• Effortless updates: Easily modify videos to reflect new information or branding

3. Editable

• Flexible adjustments: Update scripts, voices, or visuals without reshoots
• Dynamic customization: Experiment with styles to optimize messaging
• Quick fixes: Correct errors or outdated information in minutes

This makes them great for:

• Influencer videos
• YouTube and social media content
• Sales outreach
• Marketing campaigns
• Product demos
• Customer engagement
• Explainer videos
• How-to videos
• Customer support & FAQs
• Personalized videos
• Training videos
• Onboarding videos
• Internal communications
• Leadership updates
• Multilingual videos

Ho‎w to make an AI avatar video

You can create a professional video with an AI avatar in minutes in 5 simple steps with Synthesia:

Step 1: Create a new video

Step 2: Paste in your script

Step 3: Choose an AI avatar

Step 4: Edit your video

Step 5: Generate your video

You can follow along with this demo:

Or follow the step-by-step guide below. Let's get started!

Step 1: Create a new video

Log in to Synthesia, then click 'New video'. You can start from blank or choose one of a wide variety of templates. I recommend you choose a template for the best results. You can customise everything later.

After selecting a template you can click the ‘Add scene’ button on the left to see the various layout options that come with your chosen template. You can use these scenes to start to build out the structure of your video.

‎Step 2: Paste in your script

Take your video script and type or paste it into the script box of each scene.

Synthesia will use that text to generate a text-to-speech voiceover for your avatar.

Your avatar can speak in more than 140 languages. You can either type your script in your target language, or type it in another language and translate it later. You can also adjust the pronunciation and add pauses and emphasis to improve the narration.

‎Step 3: Choose an AI avatar

Now it's time to add a face to that voice-over in the form of an AI avatar.

Synthesia has 230+ avatars of every face shape, hairstyle, eye color, and clothing option, with or without facial hair.

To add an AI avatar, click 'Avatar' on top of the video canvas and choose an avatar style you like. Switch between the full-body view, circle view, or voice only.

‎Step 4: Edit your video

Now, it's time to customize your video with visuals.

You can add shapes, text, colors, animations, transitions, screen recordings, music, and more.

You can upload your own photo and video footage or search through our stock footage collection.

‎

Step 5: Generate the video

Your video with a photo-realistic AI avatar is done!

Click on 'Generate' and let Synthesia do its magic. You can download your video as an MP4 or hit 'Publish' to make your video shareable with a link.

Ho‎w to make a video with a personal AI avatar (that looks like you)

If you want to create videos, but don't feel comfortable in front of a camera or just want to make videos faster, make a realistic custom avatar of yourself using Synthesia.

Personal avatars are available for all paid plans in Synthesia.

Steps for creating a personal AI avatar

1. Navigate to the Avatar Creation Page

• Log in to Synthesia and click on "Avatars" under "Assets" on the left hand side
• Select "Create a Personal Avatar"
• Or you can just click here

2. Choose your background

• Choose a visually appealing and distraction-free background
• Use a space with natural lighting to enhance video quality
• The recording background is crucial as it tells a story and adds context to your video

3. Set up your camera

• Using a laptop webcam:
  • Webcam height: Align your eyes level with the webcam for a natural angle
  • Lighting: Film near a window or strong light source for natural illumination
  • Background: Avoid flat, dull backdrops; opt for something more engaging
• Using an iPhone as a webcam
  • Setup: Connect your iPhone and MacBook using the same Apple ID and enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices
  • Positioning the camera: Place the iPhone camera close to the top of your screen. Use MagSafe mounts, tripod mounts, or improvise with desk items
• Using a DSLR camera
  • Connecting the camera: Link the DSLR to your computer using USB-A, USB-C, or HDMI cables
  • External audio: Connect external audio devices like lapel microphones or podcast mics for improved sound quality
  • Browser permissions: Ensure your computer browser allows access to the camera and audio feeds

4. Start recording!

• Record yourself in any of the supported languages
• Don’t worry about maintaining constant eye contact; Synthesia will correct this automatically

Once you're done, your personal avatar will now be available to choose when you create a video in Synthesia (see the instructions above for how to do that)