How to Make an Avatar for Videos in 5 Minutes

Hey there 👋

If you're looking for an avatar maker app to create a cartoon avatar from a photo, this guide isn't for you.

But, if you are interested in all things AI and video, keep reading to learn how to create a human-like talking avatar from text using a tool called Synthesia.

Or just watch this 2-minute video, which explains it all:

What is an AI avatar?

There are many definitions for an avatar, but it is usually a digital representation of a human in the online space.

The first thing that probably comes to mind is a cartoon avatar, used by people on their social profiles in place of a photo.

At Synthesia, we define an AI avatar as a photo-realistic digital representation of a human that can be used for creating videos in 120+ languages.

This sounds like a mouthful, so let's break this down with Synthesia's own avatar, Anna.

What are AI avatars useful for?

Let's say you need to create a whole bunch of videos, and you don't have a lot of time or money to spare.

Think training videos, explainer videos, how-to videos, and the like.

AI video generation tools like Synthesia allow you to create those videos in your browser window without any cameras or actors, all by using text to speech avatars.

Here's how.

How to make an AI avatar for videos

You can create a professional video with an AI avatar in minutes in 4 simple steps:

Step 1: Type in text

Step 2: Choose an AI avatar

Step 3: Edit your video

Step 4: Generate and download video

Step 1: Type in text

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

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

Here's an amazing bonus: you can make your avatar speak in more than 120 languages by simply typing in text in your target language.

Step 2: 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 140+ 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 3: 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 4: Generate and download video

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

Click on 'Generate' and let Synthesia do its magic. 🪄

Bonus: Create your own custom video avatar

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 avatar of yourself using Synthesia.

Curious to see how it looks? Here's a custom avatar created by Cyber Inc.:

If you want to make your own avatar, here's what you'll need:

• a Synthesia account
• a green screen
• a camera and good lighting
• 10-15 minutes of footage of you reciting a script

For more detailed instructions, read our full guide on creating a custom avatar.

Start creating videos with realistic avatars today

Save time on traditional video production by embracing what AI has to offer.

You don't need to sign up just yet - create a free AI video to get started.