HeyGen: The guide to AI video generation

HeyGen is an AI-powered video generation platform that utilizes generative models to create lifelike digital avatars and synthesized speech from text input. Originally launched as Movio in 2022, the platform has transitioned from basic animation to advanced synthetic media, enabling the production of professional video content without physical cameras, actors, or recording studios.

As of 2026, the technology serves as a primary tool for AI strategy implementation within corporate environments, particularly for scaling training, marketing, and multilingual communication. By leveraging deep learning architectures, HeyGen synchronizes facial geometry with audio data to produce videos that support over 175 languages and dialects.

What is HeyGen?

HeyGen is a web-based generative AI platform specialized in “talking head” video production. It allows users to convert scripts into video format using a library of over 700 stock avatars or custom-created “Digital Twins.”

The core utility of the platform lies in its ability to decouple video production from physical constraints. Organizations use it to:

• Generate personalized sales outreach at scale.
• Localize global training materials within 24 hours.
• Produce consistent social media content using a single digital spokesperson.

Core features and technical specifications

HeyGen’s 2026 feature set focuses on high-fidelity realism and workflow automation. The platform operates on a credit-based system where different tasks (e.g., video generation vs. translation) consume “Premium Credits” at varying rates.

1. Avatar technology (Avatar IV)

The Avatar IV model is the current standard for realism on the platform. It features:

• Hyper-realistic lip-syncing: The engine analyzes phonemes to adjust mouth shapes with high precision.
• Natural gestures: AI-driven hand movements and micro-expressions that reduce the “uncanny valley” effect common in earlier synthetic media.
• Digital Twins: Users can create a personal avatar by uploading 3 to 5 minutes of footage, which the system uses to reconstruct facial geometry.

2. Multilingual video translation

HeyGen’s video translation tool allows users to upload an existing video and translate it into 175+ languages. Unlike standard dubbing, the system:

• Clones the original voice: Maintains the speaker’s unique tone and timber across languages.
• Re-animates the lips: Modifies the video’s visual data to match the new language’s mouth movements.
• Reduces costs: Traditional dubbing can cost up to $1,200 per minute, whereas AI translation typically costs approximately $200 per minute or less depending on credit usage.

3. Video Agent and API Access

For teams looking to scale content production beyond manual editing, HeyGen offers a robust suite of automation tools:

• Video Agent: This allows users to generate full-length videos from a single text prompt. The system autonomously writes the script, selects relevant B-roll, and pairs it with a context-aware avatar.
• Streaming API: Built on WebRTC protocols, this API is designed for low-latency, two-way communication. It is the engine behind real-time interactive virtual assistants that can “listen” and respond to users in under a second.
• REST API: For high-volume asynchronous tasks, the REST API allows you to push data from your CRM or CMS to generate personalized videos at scale (e.g., sending a unique video message to 1,000 different leads).

Example: Automating Video Creation with Heygen

To programmatically generate a video, a developer sends a POST request to the /v2/video/generate endpoint. Below is a simplified example of how you might trigger a video generation using a pre-set avatar and a dynamic script:

JSON

// POST https://api.heygen.com/v2/video/generate
{
  "title": "Automated Welcome Video",
  "test": false,
  "dimension": { "width": 1920, "height": 1080 },
  "video_setting": {
    "avatar_id": "Daisy_Professional_2023",
    "voice": {
      "voice_id": "en-US-Standard-C",
      "speed": 1.0
    }
  },
  "input_text": "Hello, welcome to our platform! We are excited to have you on board."
}

Once the request is sent, the API returns a video_id. You can then use a webhook to notify your system the moment the rendering is complete, allowing for a fully hands-off workflow from script to delivery.

Comparison of HeyGen subscription plans (2026)

The platform offers a tiered pricing structure tailored to different production volumes and quality requirements.

Feature	Free plan	Creator plan	Business plan	Enterprise
Monthly cost	$0	$29 ($24 billed annually)	$149 (+ $20/seat)	Custom
Max resolution	720p	1080p	4K	4K+
Video length	3 mins/video	30 mins/video	60 mins/video	Unlimited
Credits	1 per month	15+ per month	30+ per month	Custom
Key benefit	Testing	Individual creators	Team collaboration	Security & Scale

Note: Factual data points and pricing sourced from HeyGen official documentation.

Ethical standards and security compliance

As synthetic media becomes more prevalent, security protocols are critical to prevent the creation of “deepfakes” without consent. HeyGen implements several safeguards to ensure trust and safety:

• Verbal consent: To create a custom avatar, the user must record a specific statement on camera to prove they are the person in the footage or have explicit permission.
• Content moderation: The platform uses automated filters to block the generation of political, hateful, or sexually explicit content.
• Data protection: HeyGen is SOC 2 Type II compliant and adheres to GDPR and CCPA standards. Data is encrypted at rest and in transit using SSL/TLS protocols.

For organizations concerned about the legal implications of AI, AI consultancy can provide guidance on governance and ethical deployment within the European Union’s AI Act framework.

Practical applications in business

The adoption of HeyGen is most prominent in departments where high-volume video production was previously cost-prohibitive.

Learning and Development (L&D)

Companies like Deloitte use AI video to localize compliance training for 40 countries in a single day. This removes the need for 40 different presenters and studio sessions, ensuring a consistent message globally.

Sales and marketing

Marketing teams utilize “personalized video” where the AI generates thousands of unique clips, each addressing a different lead by name. This has been shown to increase engagement on platforms like LinkedIn.

Customer support

By integrating the HeyGen API with a company’s knowledge base, businesses can deploy 24/7 interactive avatars that answer customer queries through a natural video interface rather than a text-based chatbot. To see how these technologies look in practice, you can book a demo to explore custom implementations.

Conclusion

HeyGen represents a shift from manual video production to algorithmic content generation. By centralizing video creation in a software interface, it reduces production timelines by up to 70% and eliminates the logistical overhead of traditional filming. While the technology is highly efficient for “talking head” content, it is currently less suitable for complex cinematic productions requiring varied camera angles and physical interactions. However, for corporate communication, education, and scaled marketing, it remains an authoritative solution in the 2026 AI landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions on Heygen