What is Synthesia?
Synthesia is the world’s leading AI video generation platform that creates professional videos featuring realistic digital avatars from plain text input. Founded in 2017 by a team of AI researchers and entrepreneurs from UCL, Stanford, and Cambridge, Synthesia has revolutionized video production by eliminating the need for cameras, actors, studios, or video editing skills.
The platform enables anyone to create high-quality training videos, marketing content, and corporate communications in over 120 languages within minutes. By combining advanced AI avatar technology with natural text-to-speech capabilities, Synthesia makes video creation as simple as typing an email, while delivering results that rival traditional video production at a fraction of the cost and time.
Core Features and Technology
AI Avatars
Choose from 160+ diverse, photorealistic digital avatars representing different ages, ethnicities, and professions. Each avatar can speak any of the 120+ supported languages with perfect lip-sync. Avatars display natural gestures, expressions, and micro-movements for authentic presentation. Custom avatar creation available for enterprise clients.
Text-to-Speech Engine
Advanced neural voices that sound naturally human with proper intonation and emotion. Support for 120+ languages and accents with native pronunciation. Automatic translation capabilities for global content distribution. Voice cloning available for maintaining consistent narrator across content.
Video Templates
65+ professionally designed templates for various use cases. Customizable layouts with brand colors, fonts, and logos. Templates for training, sales, marketing, and internal communications. Quick start options for common video types.
Screen Recording Integration
Combine avatar presentations with screen recordings seamlessly. Perfect for software tutorials and product demonstrations. Picture-in-picture layouts with avatar guidance. Annotate and highlight screen content during recording.
Video Creation Capabilities
Script-to-Video Workflow
- Type or paste your script directly into the platform
- AI automatically adds pauses and emphasis
- Scene-by-scene editing for precise control
- Real-time preview before rendering
- Collaborative script editing with team members
Multimedia Integration
- Upload images, videos, and screen recordings
- Extensive media library with stock footage
- Custom backgrounds and branded assets
- Animated text and graphics overlays
- Music and sound effects library
Customization Options
- Adjust avatar position and size
- Control speaking speed and tone
- Add closed captions automatically
- Custom aspect ratios for different platforms
- Brand kit integration for consistency
Use Cases and Applications
Learning and Development
- Employee onboarding videos
- Compliance and safety training
- Product knowledge courses
- Soft skills development
- Microlearning content
Sales and Marketing
- Product demonstration videos
- Personalized sales pitches
- Customer testimonials recreation
- Social media advertisements
- Email video campaigns
Corporate Communications
- CEO messages and announcements
- Internal news and updates
- Change management communications
- Town halls and all-hands meetings
- Crisis communication
Customer Success
- How-to videos and tutorials
- FAQ video responses
- Product update announcements
- Customer onboarding sequences
- Support ticket video responses
Custom Avatar Creation
Personal Avatar Process
Create a digital twin of yourself or team members with just 10 minutes of footage. Professional studio setup or self-recording options available. AI learns voice, appearance, and mannerisms for authentic representation. Full control over consent and usage rights.
Avatar Capabilities
Custom avatars can speak any language regardless of what was recorded. Maintain consistent company spokesperson across all content. Update avatar appearance as needed. Perfect for scaling executive presence.
Ethical Considerations
Strict consent and verification process for avatar creation. Clear guidelines on avatar usage and limitations. Watermarking and tracking for security. Regular audits to prevent misuse.
Pricing Structure
Personal Plan ($30/month)
10 video credits monthly, 90+ AI avatars, 120+ languages and voices, basic templates. Ideal for individuals and freelancers.
Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing)
Unlimited videos, custom avatars, priority support, SSO and security features, API access, dedicated success manager. For organizations with extensive video needs.
Video Credits System
1 credit = 1 minute of video. Credits roll over for 12 months. Additional credits can be purchased. Enterprise plans typically unlimited.
Getting Started Guide
Account Setup
Sign up for free demo at Synthesia.io. No credit card required for trial. Access instant demo video creation. Explore templates and avatars available.
Creating First Video
Choose template or start from scratch. Select avatar and voice combination. Type or paste your script. Add media and branding elements. Preview and generate video.
Optimization Tips
Keep scripts concise and conversational. Use scene breaks for better pacing. Add visual elements to support message. Test different avatars for audience preference. Export in multiple formats for various platforms.
Best Practices
Script Writing
- Write conversationally, not formally
- Keep sentences short and clear
- Include pauses for emphasis
- Avoid complex technical jargon
- Structure content with clear sections
Visual Design
- Maintain consistent branding throughout
- Use high-contrast text for readability
- Limit on-screen text to key points
- Balance avatar presence with content
- Choose appropriate backgrounds
Production Workflow
- Plan video series for consistency
- Create templates for recurring content
- Batch similar videos together
- Review with stakeholders before rendering
- Track performance metrics
Integration and API
API Capabilities
Programmatic video generation from applications. Bulk video creation from data sources. Automated personalization at scale. Dynamic content based on user data. Integration with existing workflows.
LMS Integration
Direct integration with major learning platforms. SCORM-compliant video packages. Automated course video generation. Progress tracking and analytics. Seamless learner experience.
Marketing Automation
Connect with HubSpot, Marketo, and Salesforce. Personalized video campaigns at scale. Trigger-based video generation. Performance tracking and attribution. A/B testing capabilities.
Advanced Features
Video Personalization
Generate thousands of personalized videos automatically. Include viewer name, company, or custom data. Dynamic content based on viewer attributes. Personalized calls-to-action. Track individual video engagement.
Translation and Localization
Automatic translation to 120+ languages. Maintain single source of truth for global content. Cultural adaptation for different markets. Local avatar selection for authenticity. Subtitle generation in multiple languages.
Analytics and Insights
Detailed viewer engagement metrics. Drop-off points and attention spans. A/B testing different avatars and scripts. ROI tracking for video campaigns. Integration with analytics platforms.
Industry Applications
Education and E-Learning
Universities create consistent course content. Corporate training departments scale programs globally. Language schools provide native speaker experiences. K-12 education enhances engagement with avatars.
Healthcare
Patient education videos in multiple languages. Medical training and procedure explanations. Pharmaceutical product information. Telehealth appointment preparations. Clinical trial participant communications.
Financial Services
Compliance training for regulations. Customer onboarding and KYC processes. Investment product explanations. Market updates and analysis. Internal policy communications.
Comparison with Alternatives
Synthesia vs. Traditional Video
95% cost reduction compared to traditional production. Videos ready in minutes versus weeks. No need for reshoots or studio time. Easy updates without reproduction. Consistent quality regardless of conditions.
Synthesia vs. Loom
Synthesia offers AI avatars versus personal recording. Professional appearance without being on camera. Multi-language capabilities versus single language. Higher production value for external content. Synthesia better for scalable, professional content.
Synthesia vs. D-ID
Synthesia provides full-body avatars versus talking heads. More extensive template and production features. Better suited for training and corporate videos. D-ID focuses more on creative applications. Choose Synthesia for business use cases.
Security and Compliance
Data Protection
SOC 2 Type II certified platform. GDPR compliant with data processing. Enterprise-grade encryption for content. Secure avatar creation process. Regular security audits and updates.
Content Moderation
AI-powered content review for policy compliance. Human review for sensitive content. Strict guidelines against misuse. Clear terms of service enforcement. Regular monitoring of platform usage.
Enterprise Security
Single Sign-On (SSO) support. Role-based access control. IP whitelisting options. Audit logs and compliance reporting. Data residency options for different regions.
Tips for Maximum Impact
Audience Engagement
Choose avatars that resonate with target audience. Use storytelling techniques in scripts. Add interactive elements where possible. Keep videos under 5 minutes for attention. Include clear calls-to-action.
Production Excellence
Invest time in script quality over visuals. Use professional voice modulation. Add subtle animations for dynamism. Maintain consistent pacing throughout. Test with target audience before wide release.
Scalability Strategies
Build reusable templates for efficiency. Create avatar and voice combinations library. Develop style guides for consistency. Train team on platform capabilities. Measure and optimize based on performance.
Future Developments
Synthesia continues advancing with features including emotional expression in avatars, real-time avatar generation, interactive video capabilities, and VR/AR integration. The platform is developing more photorealistic avatars, advanced gesture control, and industry-specific solutions.
Conclusion
Synthesia has transformed video production from a complex, expensive process into something as simple as typing. Its AI avatar technology enables organizations to create professional video content at unprecedented scale and speed, breaking down language barriers and democratizing video communication.
Whether for training thousands of employees, personalizing customer communications, or scaling marketing efforts globally, Synthesia provides the tools needed to leverage video’s power without traditional constraints. As AI technology advances, Synthesia’s continuous innovation ensures users stay at the forefront of digital communication, making professional video creation accessible to everyone.