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

Phil Pallen
14 Dec 202208:26

TLDRIn this informative video, Phil Palin, a brand strategist, demonstrates how to create a custom AI Avatar using Synthesia, a top-rated AI video creation platform. He explains that an AI Avatar is a digital, photorealistic representation of a human, which can be used for business videos. The process involves setting up proper lighting, a camera, microphone, and optionally a teleprompter. Palin emphasizes the importance of obtaining consent from the person being represented. The video provides detailed instructions on filming, including avoiding strong shadows, using a plain background, and ensuring minimal interruptions. After filming, the footage is sent to Synthesia, where a custom avatar is created. The cost for a custom avatar is $1,000 per year as an add-on to Synthesia's subscription plans. Palin argues that considering the technology and quality, the price is competitive and fair. He also mentions that Synthesia is used for creating videos in 65 languages for various purposes such as courses, training, and marketing materials.

Takeaways

  • 🚀 **AI Avatar Creation**: Phil Palin demonstrates how to create a custom AI Avatar using Synthesia, a top-rated AI video creation platform.
  • 🤖 **Customization**: An AI Avatar on Synthesia is a digital, photorealistic representation of a human that can be used for business videos.
  • 📜 **Consent Requirement**: Explicit consent is needed from the person represented by the avatar, and a consent script must be read to the camera.
  • 🎬 **Video Generation**: Once created, the avatar can be used in videos by defining a script, setting up the video, and letting Synthesia generate the final output.
  • 💡 **Technical Tips**: Good lighting, a camera, microphone, and a teleprompter are recommended for filming at home. A plain background contrasting with clothing is also advised.
  • 📸 **Filming Standards**: The video should be shot in UHD NTSC at 29.97 frames, mid torso up, and color graded before submission.
  • 🎥 **Studio vs Home**: While a professional studio might offer better results, filming at home is feasible with the right setup.
  • 📝 **Script Delivery**: The most important aspect is the delivery of the script, which should be read multiple times for best results.
  • 👕 **Wardrobe Advice**: Wear simple, on-brand clothing with minimal jewelry and ensure hair and makeup are neat to align with the brand's image.
  • ✅ **Submission Process**: After filming, complete a form with details about the recording, including consent and script readings, and provide the footage link.
  • 💰 **Cost Consideration**: As of the video recording, a custom avatar is an optional add-on costing $1000 per year, which is competitive for the technology involved.
  • 🌐 **Synthesia's Offerings**: Synthesia provides services for creating videos in 65 languages, useful for courses, training, marketing, and more.

Q & A

  • What is an AI Avatar on Synthesia?

    -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.

  • Why is explicit consent important when creating a custom avatar of someone else?

    -Explicit consent is important to ensure that the person's likeness is used only with their permission, respecting their privacy and legal rights.

  • How does the process of creating an AI Avatar on Synthesia work?

    -The process involves filming yourself against a plain background with good lighting, using a camera, microphone, and potentially a teleprompter. You then provide Synthesia with the footage and follow their instructions to create the avatar.

  • What are the technical requirements for filming the avatar?

    -The filming should be done in UHD NTSC 29.97 frames, mid-torso up. It's also recommended to use a condenser microphone and to ensure there are no background interruptions or noise.

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

    -The setup for filming at home may take about 15 minutes. After filming and submitting the footage to Synthesia, it takes about 10 days to receive the final avatar.

  • What are some tips for wardrobe and appearance when filming the avatar?

    -It's recommended to wear something simple and on-brand, with minimal jewelry. Men should keep hair neat and avoid long beards. Using makeup can help, and smiling occasionally with closed lips between sentences is advised for the best results.

  • How much does it cost to create a custom AI Avatar on Synthesia?

    -As of the time of the video, creating a custom AI Avatar is an add-on that costs one thousand dollars per year. This is in addition to the Synthesia subscription fees.

  • What are the benefits of using a custom AI Avatar for business purposes?

    -A custom AI Avatar can be used to create more efficient videos for courses, training materials, and marketing. It can also save costs compared to hiring a host or talent, renting a studio, and purchasing camera gear.

  • How can I try out Synthesia for free?

    -You can create a free AI video on Synthesia without the need for a credit card. This allows you to try out the platform and see if it suits your needs.

  • What is the process of providing consent for the use of my avatar?

    -You start with a simple consent statement provided by Synthesia, ensuring your avatar is used only with your explicit consent. You then read the script provided by Synthesia multiple times to capture different takes.

  • What are some alternative uses for AI Avatars created on Synthesia?

    -Apart from business videos, AI Avatars can be used for various purposes such as educational content, virtual presentations, and even entertainment, across 65 different languages.

  • How does the quality of the lighting affect the outcome of the AI Avatar?

    -Good lighting is crucial for the quality of the AI Avatar. It should avoid super strong shadows and provide enough contrast with the background. If filming at home, using additional lights can help achieve better results.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to Creating an AI Avatar with Synthesia

The speaker, Phil Palin, introduces the topic of creating a custom AI Avatar using Synthesia, a top-rated AI video creation platform. He emphasizes the ease of use and the powerful capabilities of Synthesia for business owners and creators. Phil outlines the process of creating an avatar, which includes obtaining consent from the person being represented, and highlights the importance of good lighting, a camera, a microphone, and a teleprompter for filming. He also briefly touches on the technical aspects of filming, such as using a UHD NTSC 29.97 frames mid-torso up setting, and the necessity of a quiet environment for clear audio. The paragraph concludes with a mention of a consent script that needs to be read for the avatar creation.

05:03

📝 Submitting and Customizing Your AI Avatar on Synthesia

This paragraph details the steps for submitting the recorded footage to Synthesia and the subsequent process of customization. Phil explains the need to fill out a form with details such as company name, email, and whether the recording was done in a professional studio or by oneself. He also mentions the importance of reading and agreeing to a consent statement provided by Synthesia. The form includes options for the type of avatar (mid-torso up or chest up) and a link to the footage, which Phil uploaded using WeTransfer. The paragraph concludes with a discussion on the cost of creating a custom avatar on Synthesia, which is a one-time fee of one thousand dollars per year, and Phil argues that it is competitively priced considering the technology and quality involved. He also provides a link for viewers to try Synthesia and encourages them to engage with any questions in the comments section.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡AI Avatar

An AI Avatar, as mentioned in the video, is a digital, photorealistic representation of a human. It is used for creating business videos and can be customized to look like an individual or a team member, with their explicit consent. In the context of the video, the AI Avatar is a core component for creating personalized and engaging video content using the Synthesia platform.

💡Synthesia

Synthesia is described as the number one rated AI video creation platform. It is a tool that allows users to create custom AI Avatars and videos for various purposes such as business presentations, marketing materials, and training videos. The platform is highlighted for its ease of use and powerful features that cater to business owners and content creators.

💡Custom Avatar

A custom avatar on Synthesia refers to a unique, digital representation of a person, created with the user's consent. It is used within the platform to generate videos where the avatar speaks and performs as directed by the user's script. The creation of a custom avatar is a significant part of the video's demonstration, emphasizing personalization and brand representation.

💡Video Generation

Video generation in the context of the video refers to the process of creating a video using Synthesia's platform. This involves defining a script for the AI Avatar to speak, setting the video parameters, and then generating the final video for download and use. It is a straightforward process that enables users to produce professional-looking videos without extensive technical knowledge.

💡Teleprompter

A teleprompter is a device used to display a scrolling text for a speaker to read from while appearing to be looking directly at the camera. In the video, the use of a teleprompter is suggested to help the user record their lines smoothly while creating their AI Avatar. It is an important tool for ensuring clear and professional video recordings.

💡Green Screen

A green screen is a technology used in filming where a solid color background, typically green, is replaced with other images during post-production. The video mentions the use of a green screen as an option for filming the avatar footage, allowing 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 the avatar. UHD stands for Ultra High Definition, indicating a high-quality video resolution, while NTSC is a television broadcasting standard used in certain countries, and 29.97 frames per second is the frame rate, which is a standard for video recording to ensure compatibility with most playback systems.

💡Color Grading

Color grading is the process of altering and enhancing the color of a video to achieve a specific look or mood. In the video, the footage for the avatar is color graded before being sent to Synthesia. This step is crucial for achieving a professional and polished appearance in the final AI Avatar video.

💡Consent Statement

A consent statement is a declaration that ensures the avatar is used only with the explicit permission of the person it represents. In the context of the video, the user is instructed to read a simple consent statement provided by Synthesia before their avatar can be created. This is an important legal and ethical step in the avatar creation process.

💡Wardrobe

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

💡Personal Studio

A personal studio in this video refers to the user's own space where they can set up to film their avatar footage. The video contrasts filming at a personal studio with filming in a professional studio, noting that while professional settings might yield better results, a well-lit personal space with the right equipment can still produce high-quality avatar footage.

Highlights

Phil Palin demonstrates how to create a custom AI Avatar using Synthesia, a top-rated AI video creation platform.

A custom avatar on Synthesia is a digital, photorealistic representation of a human that can be used for business videos.

To create an avatar, explicit consent is required, including reading a consent script to the camera.

Once created, the custom avatar appears among built-in avatars in Synthesia Studio for easy use in videos.

Setting up for avatar filming at home requires good lighting, a camera, a microphone, and ideally a teleprompter.

A green screen can be used, or filming against a plain background that contrasts with your clothing.

Technical tips include shooting in UHD NTSC 29.97 frames and mid-torso up, with no interruptions or background noise.

Wardrobe advice for filming includes wearing simple, on-brand clothing with minimal jewelry and no long hair or beards.

Makeup can be used, and it's important to smile and close your lips between sentences for the best results.

After filming, a simple form is completed to check that all requirements are met before submission to Synthesia.

The process from submission to receiving the final avatar takes about 10 days.

Synthesia offers two plans: Personal and Corporate, with custom avatars available as a paid add-on.

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

Custom avatars can significantly reduce costs compared to traditional video shoots, making them a valuable investment for businesses.

Phil Palin has successfully created and used his avatar in various videos, showcasing its effectiveness.

Synthesia is also used for creating videos for courses, training materials, and marketing in 65 languages.

The video provides a link for viewers to try Synthesia for free without a credit card.

Phil encourages viewers to ask questions and engage in the comments section for further discussion.

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