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Understanding Synthesia’s Avatar types: Custom, Stock, and AI-generated

Synthesia offers different avatar types for various video needs—whether you want to appear on screen, use a ready-made presenter, or generate a flexible AI character. This guide explains the main avatar categories and their differences.

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Written by Meg
Updated yesterday

Stock Avatars

Stock avatars are pre-recorded by real actors and ready to use. They are designed for brand-safe, neutral, and educational content.


Standard Stock Avatars

Wide selection of diverse presenters, available instantly and ideal for factual or instructional videos.

📌 Plan access note: Certain stock avatars are only available on Creator or Enterprise plans. To confirm what you can access, see our guide on how to check avatar availability.


Expressive Avatars

Expressive Avatars are an enhanced type of stock avatar, offering richer facial expressions and more natural gestures.

Express 1: Avatars adjust their facial expressions based on your script.

Express 2: Avatars use body language to match your script.


Custom Avatars

Custom avatars are based on real people and require you to submit footage. These avatars are ideal for personal branding or when your presence in the video matters.


Personal Avatars

Create your own personalized avatar using your webcam or pre-recorded footage — no studio required. Simply record in any environment, and your voice will be automatically cloned for a seamless, lifelike result.

Your avatar is typically ready within 1 business day.

📌 Personal Avatar Availability by plan:

  • Starter: 3 personal avatars

  • Creator: 5 personal avatars

  • Enterprise: Unlimited personal avatars


Studio Avatars (Studio Express-1)

Filmed in a professional studio or submitted using a high-quality at-home setup, Studio Avatars deliver premium production value.


Processing typically takes 1–10 business days, depending on the recording method.

💡 Want to learn more about custom avatars? Check out our What are the main differences between Personal Avatars and Custom Studio Avatars? article

📌 Studio Avatars are available as a paid add-on ($1,000/year) for annual plan users.


Selfie Avatars (Beta)

Created from just a few high-quality photos and a short consent video, Selfie Avatars are lightweight, fast to produce, and ideal for informal or creative use cases.

They can be styled with AI-generated outfits and environments for added flexibility.
Please note that results may not perfectly match your appearance due to current technical limitations.


Customizable Avatars

These avatars are not based on real people. Instead, they are AI-generated and allow flexible styling and scene-building.

  • Customize outfits using text prompts.

  • Create custom environments like labs, offices, or factories.

  • Generate short B-roll clips with avatars performing actions.

  • Great for fast content creation in specific industry settings.


Note on Content Moderation

To keep content safe, respectful, and aligned with our values, all Avatar use must follow our Content Moderation Guidelines. Whether you're using a stock, custom Avatar or AI generated, make sure your videos meet these standards.

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