Best AI Avatar Video Generator

Use the table of contents below to navigate quickly to pricing or details on individual AI avatar tools.

AI Avatar Video Generators: Price Comparison

Many AI avatar tools offer free plans primarily for product testing without needing your credit card. However, these free versions might have watermarks, lack premium voices—resulting in a more robotic sound—or limit video duration.

For a direct price comparison, consider the cost per minute. D-ID ($0.59/min), Elai.io ($1.93/min), and HeyGen ($1.93/min) emerge as the most affordable options.

However, when evaluating these tools, remember to check:

1. Monthly available minutes
2. Maximum video duration per clip

These factors are vital if you have specific video requirements. For instance, D-ID limits videos to 5 minutes. While this might not be an issue if you’re merging clips in third-party editors like Adobe Premiere, it’s crucial if you’re using the AI tool’s built-in editor. Also, consider the monthly minutes provided by each platform and tier.

Custom AI Avatar Pricing

Below is a table detailing the costs of custom AI avatar creation. Many AI avatar tools offer a feature where they create an avatar directly based on you or one of your employees. This usually involves recording yourself for a specified duration against a green screen. After this, the tool processes the recording to produce your personalized avatar.

There are also more affordable ‘lite’ versions where the avatars can be produced using recordings from your phone or even just a photo. However, the quality is understandably lower than using footage from a DSLR shot against a green screen, which provides crisp background removal.

It’s important to remember that some tools (e.g., HeyGen and Synthesia) require users to subscribe to their top-tier packages, typically the ‘Enterprise’ level, to use the custom avatar feature.

HeyGen review: 1-minute summary

HeyGen presently reigns supreme in the AI avatar domain with its unmatched natural voices and impeccable lip-syncing, solidifying its position as my premier choice. Notably, HeyGen also offers a competitive edge with its pricing—it’s cheaper per minute compared to most competitors. Synthesia, although currently in second place, could pose a challenge soon, especially after their substantial $90 million funding injection in June 2023. The race between these platforms is heating up, and it’s definitely one to monitor closely!

About HeyGen

As per HeyGen’s LinkedIn profile, the company boasts a team of 14 members. Meanwhile, Crunchbase indicates that they have secured funding to the tune of $9 million. This pales in comparison to one of their main competitors, Synthesia, with a staggering $156 million in funding.

Interestingly, even with a smaller team and significantly less financial backing compared to Synthesia — a dominant force in the industry — I believe that the quality of HeyGen’s product surpasses that of Synthesia. I invite you to judge for yourself; check out the video I’ve posted on YouTube.

HeyGen video editing software

In addition to its AI avatar video service, HeyGen offers a versatile video editor equipped with a myriad of features:

• Media Insertion: Users can seamlessly add text, integrate videos, images, and more. Naturally, there’s an option to upload your own media.
• Audio and Animation: The platform provides an array of music choices and animations to enhance all added elements.
• Flexible Framing: Adjust the video frame with ease, switching between landscape (for desktop viewing) and portrait (optimized for mobile).
• Editing Templates: Drawing inspiration from presentation tools like PowerPoint and Google Slides, HeyGen provides pre-designed editing templates to streamline your process.

For those who prefer using specialized tools, HeyGen gives you the freedom to download the avatar video. This way, you can fine-tune your content using your preferred software, such as Adobe Premiere.

HeyGen Sample Video

Consistent with my methodology for all AI avatar tools in this review, I utilized the same script across different platforms for a fair comparison. At timestamp 02:02, you’ll find the AI avatar video I crafted using HeyGen. If you’re keen on comparing, the video also showcases the results from other tools.

Synthesia Review: 1-minute summary

Synthesia is excellent for crafting internal training videos, such as multilingual sales training for staff. While I currently view HeyGen’s product quality as slightly inferior to Synthesia’s, given the recent $90 million investment in Synthesia in June 2023, the scales might tip soon. Keep an eye on this space!

Understanding Synthesia Video Credits

When browsing Synthesia’s pricing page, you’ll notice the mention of ‘video credits’. Here’s a breakdown of how these credits work:

• The Personal Monthly Tier provides you with 10 video credits each month. Essentially, 1 credit is equivalent to 1 minute of video. Note: There’s a nuance to consider. A video that’s 1 minute and 3 seconds long will use 2 credits. But, if it’s precisely 1 minute, it only costs 1 credit. Remember this when producing your videos.
• Running low on credits within the month? No problem! You can buy additional credits:
  • $30 gets you an extra 10 credits.
  • However, with the Personal tier, there’s a cap – you can only acquire up to 20 additional credits monthly.
• If you find yourself frequently needing more credits, you might want to explore the annual plan or the Enterprise plan. The exact cost for the Enterprise plan isn’t listed on their website.

For a deeper dive into how Synthesia’s credit system functions, visit this page on their website.

About Synthesia

Established in 2017, Synthesia is a company headquartered in London. Crunchbase reports show that they’ve garnered a notable $156 million in funding. A significant portion of this funding, amounting to $90 million, was secured in June 2023.

Their LinkedIn profile provides further insight into their scale, indicating they boast over 200 employees and serve a vast clientele of 50,000 customers.

Diving deeper into their business model, Synthesia is dedicated to AI avatar video generation. This isn’t merely a side operation for them, but rather their primary focus. While some companies might spread their efforts across various domains, including avatar video generation, Synthesia’s undivided attention to this particular feature stands out. Such specialization hints at a likely depth of features and a commitment to quality in their offerings.

Synthesia Video Editing Software: A Brief Guide

If you’re aiming to craft an AI avatar video, Synthesia offers flexibility in terms of production and editing. You can either:

1. Use Synthesia’s in-built tools to design and refine your video. This is especially helpful if, for instance, you’re devising a sales training video for your team. With Synthesia, there’s the added advantage of leveraging templates – akin to what you’d find with Google Sheets or PowerPoint – to incorporate text, images, and more.
2. Export the AI avatar to your preferred video editing software, like Adobe Premiere. This allows you to further customize and tweak the video to match your vision.

For those well-versed with tools like Adobe Premiere, exporting the AI avatar with a transparent background might be the way to go. It offers more control and the familiarity of a platform you’ve mastered. I, for one, lean towards this approach given my prior experience with Adobe Premiere.

However, if you’re someone without much background in video editing platforms like Adobe Premiere, sticking to Synthesia’s software might be more efficient. It’s designed to get you from concept to finished video in a streamlined manner, making it a suitable choice for those new to the editing scene.

Synthesia Sample Video Test

Consistency is key when comparing tools. For this reason, I utilized the identical script across all AI avatar platforms in this analysis.

For a firsthand look at what Synthesia is capable of, jump to timestamp 1:26 in the video provided. There, you’ll witness the AI avatar video I’ve crafted using Synthesia. If you’re keen on drawing comparisons, the very same video features tests from other platforms as well. It’s an excellent resource for a side-by-side assessment.

Colossyan review: 1-minute summary

Given Colossyan’s steep pricing at $3.50 per minute, a restrictive maximum video length capped at 5 minutes, the premium pricing for custom avatars, and less-than-stellar voice and lip syncing quality, it’s challenging to find compelling reasons to opt for Colossyan over competitors like Synthesia or HeyGen. While it doesn’t rank as the least effective option, there are certainly more appealing choices available in the AI avatar video market.

About Colossyan

Founded in 2020, Colossyan is a London-based company specializing in AI avatar generation. As per Crunchbase data, the company secured funding of $6.2 million, a figure considerably less than its competitor, Synthesia, which amassed a whopping $156 million. Colossyan’s team comprises 48 dedicated professionals, as indicated on their LinkedIn page. The disparity in funding between Colossyan and Synthesia paints an interesting picture of the competitive landscape in this industry.

Colossyan Video Editing Software Overview

Colossyan doesn’t just stop at AI avatar video generation; they extend their services into the realm of video editing:

1. Text and Media Integration: Users can seamlessly add text and insert various elements, including videos and images. Plus, there’s the flexibility to upload personal media content.
2. Music and Animations: Every element you add isn’t static; Colossyan allows you to inject life into them with music and animations, enhancing the overall viewer experience.
3. Flexible Video Frames: Depending on where you plan to showcase your video, Colossyan grants the ability to tailor the frame format to suit desktop views, mobile dimensions, or even the square layout favored by platforms like Instagram.
4. Editing Templates: Drawing parallels with popular presentation tools, Colossyan extends a range of editing templates. This brings a familiar feel for those acquainted with software like PowerPoint and Google Slides.
5. Export and Edit: For those who already have a preferred editing environment, like Adobe Premiere, you can simply download the avatar video from Colossyan and proceed with your personal touch in your favorite software.

All in all, Colossyan appears to be a comprehensive tool that can cater to both beginners and professionals alike. Whether you’re looking for an all-in-one solution or just the foundational avatar video, Colossyan offers both in a user-friendly package.

Colossyan Sample Video

In a quest to evaluate various AI avatar tools, I consistently utilized the same script across the board for a fair comparison. At the indicated timestamp 3:04, you’ll find the AI avatar video crafted using Colossyan. If you’re keen on drawing comparisons, the video also showcases avatar outputs from other tools.

Elai.io review: 1-minute summary

While Elai.io delivers a satisfactory service, there are superior and more cost-effective alternatives available in the market. The primary edge Elai.io might have over competitors is its capability to animate cartoon-style characters. Yet, when weighing its overall offerings, there’s limited incentive to choose Elai.io unless a cartoon avatar is a top priority.

About Elai.io

Established in 2021, Elai.io is a relatively new player in the AI avatar space. A glance at their LinkedIn profile reveals a team of 28 individuals, indicating a startup or small-scale operation. Their “About” page boasts of serving 2,000 global customers, which, while commendable for a newer enterprise, pales in comparison to industry heavyweights like Synthesia, which claims a customer base of 50,000. This paints a picture of Elai.io as a budding contender in a market dominated by more established brands.

Elai.io Video Editing Capabilities

Beyond its core AI avatar video service, Elai.io comes equipped with its own video editor, providing a comprehensive toolset for content creation. Key features include:

• Media Addition: Users can integrate text, videos, images, stickers, GIFs, and more. Plus, the platform supports uploading of personal media.
• Music & Animation: Enhance your video with a diverse range of music tracks and animations applicable to all elements.
• Flexible Framing: Cater to various platforms by choosing the frame size optimal for desktops, mobile devices, or square formats suitable for platforms like Instagram.
• Editing Templates: Simplify your editing process using templates reminiscent of presentation tools such as PowerPoint and Google Slides.
• Export Options: For those who prefer specialized video editing tools, Elai.io provides the option to download your avatar video. This allows for further refinement in renowned software such as Adobe Premiere.

In essence, whether you’re a beginner looking for straightforward editing or a pro aiming for advanced customization, Elai.io offers tools tailored for every user’s needs.

Elai.io Sample Video Comparison

In my endeavor to comprehensively compare various AI avatar tools, I employed a consistent script across all platforms. If you jump to timestamp 2:37 in the video below, you’ll get a firsthand look at the AI avatar video produced using Elai.io. For those interested in a side-by-side comparison, this video also showcases the outputs from other tools.

Deepbrain Review: 1-minute summary

Currently, Deepbrain isn’t on my recommended list for AI avatar video generators. With a steeper price per minute, subpar AI voice pronunciation in English, and a less-than-intuitive dashboard/editor, it may not offer the best value for users.

About Deepbrain

Deepbrain AI, previously known as Moneybrain AI, is one of the more seasoned players in the AI avatar video space, having been founded in 2016. This gives it a historical edge over some of its competitors in terms of years in operation. However, despite its tenure in the industry, the quality of its offerings doesn’t necessarily overshadow newer entrants in the field. The reasons behind this disparity in quality given its experience remain unclear.

From an organizational perspective, Deepbrain AI is considerably substantial. They boast a team of 76, as reflected on their LinkedIn page. Financially, they’ve secured a commendable $52 million in funding. The juxtaposition of their considerable resources and their product’s current quality is intriguing and may speak to challenges or strategic decisions within the company that are not publicly known.

Deepbrain Video Editing Software Review

Deepbrain, while renowned for its AI avatar video service, has ventured into the realm of video editing. This editor facilitates:

• Adding text overlays.
• Incorporating various elements like videos, images, and more.
• Uploading personal media.
• Providing music and animation options for all its components.

However, when benchmarked against other AI avatar video platforms, Deepbrain’s editor leaves much to be desired in terms of user-friendliness. I’ve observed truncated texts, making it impossible to discern the full content. Moreover, the software’s functionality isn’t immediately intuitive. Not a big fan.

Deepbrain Sample Video Analysis

Consistent with my approach to evaluating other AI avatar tools, I utilized an identical script to test each platform. For a direct glimpse into Deepbrain’s capabilities, refer to the timestamp 3:28 where I’ve showcased the AI avatar video crafted using Deepbrain. If you wish to draw a comparative analysis with other tools, continue watching the video, as I’ve included those samples too.

D-ID Review: 1-minute summary

D-ID doesn’t seem to offer the best quality when compared to other AI avatar video tools. Given its other drawbacks like watermarks in its videos and lack of editing features, I find it hard to recommend D-ID over some of the other available options.

About D-ID

Established in 2017, D-ID has since garnered attention in the tech industry. Crunchbase records indicate that the company has secured a considerable $47.9 million in funding. As per their LinkedIn profile, they have a workforce of 109 dedicated employees.

An exploration of reviews on G2.com reveals some interesting insights into how D-ID’s services are utilized by its clientele. Notably, several customers leverage D-ID’s toolset to personalize their outreach efforts, enhancing their engagement with clients.

D-ID Video Editing Software Review

Within the domain of AI avatar video tools, many platforms have integrated video editors. Contrarily, D-ID does not offer such a feature, leading me to feel that its dashboard is somewhat basic.

D-ID Sample Video Analysis

Consistent with my evaluation approach for AI avatar tools, I used an identical script to test each platform. For a firsthand view of D-ID’s capabilities, refer to the timestamp 3:52 where I’ve showcased the AI avatar video crafted using D-ID. If you wish to draw a comparative analysis with other tools, they’re also featured in the same video for your convenience.

Veed.io review: 1-minute summary

Veed.io’s AI avatar video capabilities, being relatively new and still in beta, are tucked away behind their most expensive pricing tier. Given their current quality, I’d hesitate to recommend them over other options on this list. However, if you’re an existing Veed.io user, your perspective might differ.

About Veed.io

Veed.io, established in 2018, operates from its headquarters in London. As per their LinkedIn profile, they have a robust team comprising 250 employees. Financially, the company has secured an impressive $35 million in total funding since its inception.

Veed.io Sample Video Overview

For a consistent evaluation, I utilized the same script across all the tools featured in this comparison, aiming to provide a uniform benchmark. However, I faced a limitation with Veed.io. Their AI avatar video feature is locked behind their priciest plan, and I couldn’t justify spending $70 solely for a test, especially considering I did invest in tools like HeyGen and Synthesia on this list, but at a lesser cost.

While I couldn’t conduct a hands-on test, Veed.io has shared a video on YouTube showcasing their AI avatar video capabilities. For those interested in seeing their product in action, the video is available below.

invideo review: 1-minute summary

While browsing top search results for AI avatar video generators, you might come across a recommendation for Invideo. Based on my personal experience, I advise proceeding with caution regarding this tool, especially if you’re seeking a robust AI avatar video generation platform.

Invideo does not offer a desktop version specifically for creating AI avatar videos. Their offering is limited to an app that, as per their website’s claims, should let users animate a picture into a talking head video. That’s the extent of it. When I attempted to use their iOS app, I consistently encountered login errors. My efforts to reach their support were unsuccessful, leaving me with a less-than-stellar first impression.

AI Avatar Video Examples

While I personally prefer the warmth and authenticity of videos featuring real human interaction, the rise of AI avatar videos in the corporate world is undeniable. To some, they might come off as lacking in emotion and personality. Yet, a growing number of businesses are adopting this technology. A few examples:

1. Corporate Training Programs: Beyond the occasional AI-generated avatar you might spot on social media, the prime consumers of this tech are large-scale enterprise companies looking to cut video production costs. Take, for instance, Xerox. This mammoth enterprise, boasting a presence in over 20 languages, previously relied on hiring voice-over artists for multilingual training videos. However, by leveraging text-to-video tools, they’ve slashed their video production costs by half, accelerated their video delivery rate by 30%, and found a more efficient way to update content. With over a thousand sales reps across the globe, such cost and time savings are significant. More on Xerox’s experience.

2. Fashion and Retail Training: Another intriguing example is BESTSELLER, a global fashion giant with an expansive retail footprint. Originally, they employed traditional video methods for training, but the challenges of achieving the perfect take, coupled with the time-intensive updates, made them pivot to AI video generation. Their new process is straightforward: they receive a final script, input it into their chosen AI tool, select an avatar, make minor tweaks, and voila — the training video is ready for their Learning Experience Platform. BESTSELLER’s journey with AI avatars.

3. Personalized Client Outreach: Away from the training realm, businesses are harnessing AI avatar videos for a more personalized touch in their client outreach. It’s becoming a popular tool for pre-sales pitches or software companies aiming to make the onboarding process seamless and engaging.

Ultimately, the allure of AI avatar videos lies in their efficiency. They’re rapidly produced, easily edited, and relatively cost-effective compared to traditional video production avenues. Whether it’s the equipment, time, energy, or the costs associated with hiring professionals, AI avatar videos sidestep these challenges, making them an attractive proposition for many businesses.

Top choices in summary

1. HeyGen (our rating: 4.5 stars)
2. Synthesia (our rating: 4.0 stars)
3. Elai (our rating: 3.5 stars)
4. Colossyan.com (our rating: 3.5 stars)
5. Deepbrain (our rating: 2.0 stars)
6. D-ID (our rating: 2.0 stars)
7. Veed.io (our rating: 1.5 stars)