AI Avatar: How to make Custom AI Avatar? | Synthesia @philpallen

In this informative video, Phil Palin, a brand strategist, guides viewers through the process of creating a custom AI Avatar using Synthesia, a top-rated AI video creation platform. He explains that an AI Avatar is a photorealistic digital representation of a human, which can be used to produce business videos. The video covers essential steps, including obtaining consent, setting up proper lighting and equipment, and following Synthesia's guidelines for recording. Palin emphasizes the importance of a good script delivery and provides tips for wardrobe and background. He also discusses the technical aspects of filming, such as using a UHD NTSC 29.97 frame rate and color grading the footage. After filming, users submit their footage and complete a form to ensure Synthesia has all necessary information to create the avatar. The cost for a custom avatar is $1,000 per year as an add-on to Synthesia's plans, which Palin argues is competitively priced considering the technology involved. The video concludes with an invitation to try Synthesia and create a free AI video without a credit card.

Takeaways

• 🚀 **AI Avatar Creation**: Phil Palin demonstrates how to create a custom AI Avatar using Synthesia, a top-rated AI video creation platform.
• 🤖 **Custom Avatar Definition**: A custom avatar on Synthesia is a digital, photorealistic representation of a human that can be used for business videos.
• 🎬 **Consent and Representation**: To create an avatar, one must have explicit consent and should read a consent script to the camera.
• 📹 **Technical Requirements**: Good lighting, a camera, a microphone, and a teleprompter are recommended for filming the avatar at home.
• 💻 **Studio vs. Home Filming**: While a professional studio might offer better results, filming at home with a plain background and proper contrast is also possible.
• 📈 **Video Submission**: The footage submitted determines the avatar's appearance, so it's crucial to follow Synthesia's guidelines for filming.
• 🎭 **Presentation Tips**: Avoid strong shadows, use minimal jewelry, keep hair and beards neat, and use makeup if desired for a professional look.
• 📝 **Script and Consent**: Before filming, read a simple consent statement provided by Synthesia and then read the script multiple times for best results.
• 📦 **Submission Process**: After filming, complete a form with details about the avatar, including the filming method and consent statement confirmation.
• 📅 **Turnaround Time**: The process of creating an avatar takes about 10 days from submission to completion.
• 💵 **Pricing Information**: As of the time of the video, Synthesia offers custom avatars as an add-on for $1000 per year on top of the base subscription cost.
• 🌐 **Synthesia's Versatility**: Synthesia is used for creating various types of videos, including courses, training videos, and marketing materials in 65 languages.

Q & A

What is an AI Avatar as described in the video?

An AI Avatar on Synthesia is a digital, photorealistic representation of a human that can be used to create business videos. It can be a custom avatar of yourself or a team member, with their explicit consent.

What are the key features of Synthesia as an AI video creation platform?

Synthesia is a powerful tool for business owners and creators, allowing them to create custom avatars and generate videos with defined scripts. It is user-friendly and offers a straightforward process for creating avatars.

How does the consent process work when creating a custom avatar on Synthesia?

The creator needs to read a consent script to the camera, ensuring that the avatar is used only with explicit consent. This script is provided by Synthesia.

What are the technical requirements for filming an avatar at home?

Good lighting, a camera, a microphone, and a teleprompter are recommended. Using a green screen or shooting against a plain background that provides contrast can also enhance the quality.

What are the guidelines for wardrobe and appearance when filming the avatar?

It's suggested to wear something on-brand, keep jewelry to a minimum, manage hair to stay away from the face, and avoid long beards. Using makeup can help, and smiling occasionally with closed lips between sentences is recommended for the best results.

How long does it take to create an AI Avatar on Synthesia?

The setup for filming at home can take about 15 minutes. The entire process, including the waiting period for Synthesia to generate the avatar, takes around 10 days.

What are the costs associated with creating a custom AI Avatar on Synthesia?

As of the time of the video, Synthesia offers a personal plan at $30 per month and a corporate plan for which a quote is needed. A custom avatar is an optional add-on costing $1000 per year.

What is included in the Synthesia platform apart from creating AI Avatars?

Synthesia is used for creating videos more efficiently for various purposes including courses, training videos, and marketing materials, and supports content creation in 65 languages.

How can one try out Synthesia without any financial commitment?

One can create a free AI video with Synthesia without the need for a credit card, allowing users to try out the platform before making any commitment.

What kind of content can be created using an AI Avatar on Synthesia?

With an AI Avatar, users can create business videos, marketing materials, training content, and various other types of video presentations.

How does the video script help in creating the final AI Avatar?

The video script defines what the avatar will say. The creator sets the rest of the video, and Synthesia generates the final video based on the provided script and the avatar's appearance.

What are some of the benefits of using an AI Avatar for business purposes?

AI Avatars can save time and resources compared to traditional video production methods. They offer a consistent presentation, can be used in multiple languages, and allow for efficient content creation for various marketing and educational purposes.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to Creating an AI Avatar with Synthesia

In this video, Phil Palin, a brand strategist, introduces the process of creating a custom AI Avatar using Synthesia, a top-rated AI video creation platform. He emphasizes the ease and power of using Synthesia for business owners and creators. The video will guide viewers step by step on how to make their own AI Avatar. Phil explains what an avatar is on Synthesia and the importance of obtaining consent if using someone else's likeness. He also covers the technical aspects of recording the avatar, including the need for good lighting, a camera, microphone, and a teleprompter. The video provides a quick overview of the recording process, including shooting specifications and wardrobe tips. Finally, Phil discusses the cost of creating a custom avatar, which is an optional add-on to Synthesia's plans, and argues that it is competitively priced considering the technology involved.

05:03

📝 Submitting and Reviewing the Custom Avatar Process

After recording the avatar footage at home or in a professional studio, the presenter details the steps for submitting the footage to Synthesia. This includes filling out a form with information such as company name, email, and whether the avatar footage has been recorded. The presenter also discusses selecting the type of avatar (mid-torso or chest up) and providing the footage link, which they used WeTransfer for. They highlight the importance of reading and agreeing to a consent statement that ensures the avatar's use is with explicit permission. The presenter concludes by mentioning the turnaround time of about 10 days to receive the final avatar. They also discuss the costs associated with Synthesia's plans, emphasizing that while the custom avatar feature is an optional and paid add-on, it is a worthwhile investment for businesses looking to efficiently create professional videos. The video ends with an invitation for viewers to try Synthesia, create a free AI video, and engage in further discussion in the comments section.

Keywords

AI Avatar

An AI Avatar, as discussed in the video, is a digital, photorealistic representation of a human being. It is created using AI technology and can be used for various purposes such as business presentations, marketing, and educational content. In the context of the video, the AI Avatar is created with Synthesia, a platform that allows users to generate videos with these avatars speaking scripted lines, enhancing the visual appeal and engagement of the content.

Synthesia

Synthesia is a leading AI video creation platform that enables users to create professional-looking videos with custom AI Avatars. The platform is highly regarded for its ease of use and powerful features, making it a go-to tool for business owners, marketers, and content creators. As mentioned in the video, Synthesia provides straightforward instructions and a user-friendly interface for creating avatars and generating videos.

Custom Avatar

A custom avatar on Synthesia refers to a personalized digital representation of an individual or a team member, created with explicit consent. It is a unique feature that allows users to have an AI version of themselves or someone else speaking and engaging in videos. The creation of a custom avatar involves recording specific scripts and adhering to certain guidelines to ensure the avatar's quality and authenticity.

Script

In the context of the video, a script is the text that the AI Avatar will speak during the video. The script defines the message, tone, and content of the video. It is crucial for the user to define the script accurately as it will directly impact how the AI Avatar communicates the intended information. The video emphasizes the importance of reading the script provided by Synthesia, which includes a consent statement and other relevant dialogues.

Video Generation

Video generation is the process of creating the final video using the AI Avatar and the defined script. After the avatar is created and the script is set, Synthesia's platform generates the video, allowing users to download and use it for various purposes. The video generation process is simplified by the platform, making it accessible even for those without technical expertise.

Teleprompter

A teleprompter is a device used to display a scrolling text for speakers to read from while facing the camera, ensuring they deliver their lines smoothly. In the video, the speaker mentions using a teleprompter during the recording process for the AI Avatar, which helps in providing a professional and seamless delivery of the script.

Green Screen

A green screen is a technology used in video production where a solid color background, typically green, is replaced with other images or video during post-production. The video mentions the use of a green screen as an option for filming the avatar footage, which allows for easier separation of the subject from the background for more professional-looking videos.

UHD NTSC 29.97

UHD NTSC 29.97 refers to the video resolution and frame rate used for filming. UHD stands for Ultra High Definition, indicating a high-resolution video, while NTSC is a television broadcasting standard used in the United States, and 29.97 frames per second is the frame rate. In the video, this technical specification is mentioned to guide users on the required video quality for uploading to Synthesia.

Wardrobe

Wardrobe in the context of the video refers to the clothing and appearance of the person being filmed for the AI Avatar. The video advises keeping the wardrobe simple, on-brand, and avoiding too much jewelry or long hair that could distract from the speaking avatar. The wardrobe choice is essential as it contributes to the overall professional look of the final video.

Consent Statement

A consent statement is a formal declaration that gives permission for the use of one's likeness in the creation of an AI Avatar. The video emphasizes the importance of reading and agreeing to a consent statement provided by Synthesia before the avatar creation process begins. This ensures that the use of the avatar adheres to legal and ethical standards.

Chest Up

Chest up is a term used in video production to describe the framing of a shot that includes the subject from the chest up. In the context of the video, the speaker discusses the option to choose whether the AI Avatar video will be mid-torso up or chest up, affecting the viewer's perspective and the level of intimacy in the video.

Highlights

The video demonstrates how to create a custom AI Avatar using Synthesia, a leading AI video creation platform.

AI Avatars are photorealistic digital representations of humans that can be used for business videos.

Custom avatars can represent yourself or a team member with their explicit consent.

Once created, the avatar appears among built-in avatars in Synthesia Studio for easy video creation.

The process includes reading a consent script to ensure the avatar's appropriate use.

Good lighting, a camera, microphone, and a teleprompter are recommended for filming at home.

A plain background contrasting with your clothing is advised for home filming.

The video provides technical details such as shooting at UHD NTSC 29.97 frames.

Color grading the footage before sending it to Synthesia enhances the final avatar appearance.

A separate file submission is required following Synthesia's instructions for the best results.

A simple form is completed to ensure all requirements are met before submitting the avatar creation request.

Synthesia offers two plans: Personal and Corporate, with custom avatars as an optional add-on.

The cost of a custom avatar is $1000 per year, which is considered competitive for the technology involved.

The custom avatar creation process is detailed and user-friendly, even for non-technical users.

The video provides a direct link to Synthesia for viewers to try creating their own AI video for free.

Synthesia is used for creating various types of videos including courses, training, and marketing materials in 65 languages.

The presenter, Phil Palin, is a brand strategist providing practical advice for building brands.

The video is sponsored by Synthesia, emphasizing the platform's capabilities and pricing structure.