Creating engaging videos for your business used to require cameras, actors, and hours of editing. Today, AI avatar video generators like HeyGen and Synthesia let you turn text into talking-head videos in minutes. In this guide, we'll compare both platforms, walk you through a simple tutorial, and share tips to help you pick the best tool for your small business.
What Are AI Avatar Video Generators?
AI avatar video generators use artificial intelligence to animate digital avatars that speak your script. You type your text, pick an avatar, select a voice, and the platform builds a realistic video. For entrepreneurs, this means:
- Lower production costs
- Faster turnaround
- Professional-looking results
Whether you need training videos, marketing promos or social media content, these tools can save time and money.
Meet the Contenders: HeyGen and Synthesia
HeyGen Overview
HeyGen is a newer entrant that focuses on creative flexibility. It offers:
- Large avatar library
- Custom avatar creation
- Voice cloning and diverse accents
- Scene layouts and text animations
Entrepreneurs and educators love HeyGen for its playful templates and customization options.
Synthesia Overview
Synthesia is a veteran platform known for corporate-friendly videos. Features include:
- Smooth, polished avatars
- Credit-based pricing model
- AI dubbing and translation
- Bulk personalization and collaboration
Many small businesses choose Synthesia for reliable performance and a minimal learning curve.
Hands-On Tutorial: Creating Your First AI Avatar Video
Let’s build a quick promo using both HeyGen and Synthesia. Follow these steps and feel free to pause to test along the way.
Step 1: Choose Your Platform
If you want more creative control, go with HeyGen. For a straightforward corporate look, pick Synthesia. We’ll cover both.
Step 2: Setting Up a Project in HeyGen
- Click Create Video on the HeyGen dashboard.
- Select Start from Scratch and choose your aspect ratio (e.g., portrait for social media).
- Browse the avatar library and pick one you like. You can filter by gender, age, or style.
- Type in your script. For example:
"Hi everyone! I’m [Name], and today I’ll show you how our new app can boost your productivity."
- Pick a voice from the voice library. You can demo different accents and tones.
- Customize the background color or add images/media in the white space.
- Click Generate and wait for the video to process.
Once complete, download your video or return to the project page to edit.
Step 3: Setting Up a Project in Synthesia
- Go to Workspace and click New Video.
- Choose from templates or select Blank to start fresh.
- Delete default elements for a clean slate.
- Open the Avatar tab, pick an avatar (with or without background).
- Drag your avatar into place. Adjust size and position.
- Type your script into the text box. Example:
"Hello! I’m excited to introduce our latest feature—check the link below to learn more."
- Add background color, music track, or video as needed.
- Enable auto-captioning if you want on-screen text.
- Choose a voice from the voice settings and preview it.
- Click Generate, name your video, and confirm.
Download the final video or click Edit to make tweaks.
Feature Comparison
Here’s a quick look at how HeyGen and Synthesia stack up:
- Ease of Use: Synthesia has a sleeker UI and simpler workflow.
- Creative Control: HeyGen offers more templates, multi-avatar scenes, and layout options.
- Output Quality: Synthesia avatars appear more polished and lifelike.
- Advanced Features: HeyGen shines with voice cloning and custom avatars. Synthesia stands out with AI dubbing and bulk personalization.
- Pricing: HeyGen uses tiered subscriptions with annual discounts. Synthesia runs on credits and also offers yearly savings.
Tips for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
Finding Your Brand Voice
Before you create videos, define how you speak. Are you casual? Formal? Use that tone in your script and match it with the avatar’s style.
Repurposing Content
Once you have a script, reuse it across platforms:
- Short teaser for Instagram Reels
- Longer explainer for YouTube
- Text-only version as a blog post
Budget-Friendly Video Strategies
Start with the free trials both platforms offer. Test a 30-second video first. If it works well, upgrade to a paid plan for more minutes and features.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Needs
If you need a reliable, no-fuss solution for internal training or quick promos, Synthesia is a solid pick. Its clean interface and corporate focus make adoption easy for teams.
On the other hand, if you’re a marketing agency, creator, or educator wanting advanced customization—like multi-avatar scenes and voice cloning—HeyGen delivers more creative freedom.
Conclusion
Both HeyGen and Synthesia are excellent choices for AI avatar video generation. Your decision boils down to:
- How much creative control you need
- Your desired output style
- Your monthly video volume and budget
Ready to try them out? Click the free trial links below, play around with a short script, and see which platform fits your workflow best.
Have questions or success stories? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re using AI videos in your business!