HeyGen

Summary

Overview

HeyGen is the “no-filming” option: write a script, pick an avatar (or create your own), get a talking-presenter video. It is useful where scheduling a shoot is the real bottleneck.

Decide up front where you stand on AI avatars and voices, including any rules you work under, and get written consent before you create anyone’s likeness.

Who it fits

HeyGen is built for spokesperson-style video where nobody has to be filmed. You can write a script, choose a stock avatar or build their own from a photo or footage, and produce the same message in several of the 30+ languages it lists. It is better suited to scripted, presenter-style videos than to ones that need real people or a real product on screen, and it helps to settle your rules on AI likenesses and voices first.

What the plans include

Per HeyGen’s pricing page, the Free plan costs $0 and includes 3 videos a month of up to 1 minute, 500+ stock avatars and 1 custom video avatar. Creator is $29 a month ($24 billed annually) with 600 credits, videos up to 30 minutes and 1080p. Pro starts at $49 a month with more credits, and Business is $149 a month plus $20 for each additional seat. Credits pay for generation, and top-ups are available.

Limits and alternatives

The Free plan is enough to judge how an avatar looks and sounds for your audience, but its 1-minute cap limits what you can finish on it. Credits limit heavier use on every paid tier. Avatar video can feel less personal than real footage, so judge it with your own viewers in mind, and get written consent before creating anyone’s likeness. Synthesia is the closest comparison and leans toward business training, Clueso turns screen recordings into demo videos, and ElevenLabs covers voice generation.