Synthesia Stock Avatars
Learn all about our Stock Avatars, including where to find them, how to use them, and the latest releases.
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Written by Constantina
Updated over a week ago

Learn about:


1. What are Stock Avatars?

In short, stock avatars are created from video footage of real actors who have given their consent. Our personal and corporate plans include a large selection of avatars, and you can find more details here. If you would like to learn more about the creation of avatars, check out this short video.

Additionally, you can create a custom avatar that resembles your own likeness. For more information on custom avatars, please refer to this guide.


2. Where do I find the Stock Avatars?

To view all available stock avatars included in your plan, select the Avatar button in the left-hand side menu of your STUDIO.

Once selected, you will be presented with all available avatars for your plan, as shown below.

From here, you can preview your avatar to better understand how it will sound and look in motion, and test different languages. To do so, hover over the avatar and select the "play" button, as shown below.

Your avatar will automatically narrate in English. However, you can also choose to preview your avatar in German, Spanish, Italian, and French.

At the preview avatar stage, you cannot alter the script that the avatar narrates. This functionality exists to showcase how your selected avatar will look and sound in motion. You can create your own script when creating your video.

Please note that from time to time, some of our avatars may be permanently removed from the platform and replaced with newer ones. We strongly recommend using our Custom Avatar or WebCam Avatar offering if you want to build your brand around a specific avatar. This will guarantee access to that specific avatar longterm.

If an avatar you have used is no longer available, you will notice it is no longer accessible within your STUDIO. However, you can still use your video by replacing the avatar with another one from the vast selection that is still available. Jump into this section to learn how to replace your Avatar for all scenes.


3. How to select an Avatar

There are two ways to select an avatar. Once you are satisfied with your choice, follow the steps mentioned above and click on the "create video with this Avatar" button. This will redirect you to the STUDIO creation page, where your selected avatar will be pre-populated on your scene.

Alternatively, you can select the "New Video" button located in the top right-hand corner of the main page. When you begin, you will have the option to select an existing template or start with a blank project. If you choose to select an existing template, you can still change the avatar once your template is selected.

Here, we have selected "start blank". This will redirect you to the STUDIO creation page. From there, click on the Avatar button located in the top menu to select your preferred avatar, as shown below.

After selecting your avatar, it will be added to your scene. You can adjust its size by dragging the outline inwards or outwards.

In addition, from the right-hand menu bar, you can choose to display your avatar in full body format, as a circle, or remove it completely and only use a stock voice. Learn more about voices here.


4. How to change an Avatar

Changing your avatar is easy by following the steps below. In this example, we have chosen to create a video using our "consulting" template as shown below.

To change the avatar, click on it to select it. This will display an outline of the avatar and a "replace avatar" option on the menu to the right-hand side.

To change your avatar, select "Replace Avatar". This will open a new menu where you can choose your preferred avatar.

Alternatively, you can select your current avatar and press the backspace key to delete it. Once deleted, use the top menu to select a new avatar.


5. How to change the avatar for all scenes?

You have the option to add or replace each avatar per scene. However, if you want to change your avatar for all scenes after changing it for one scene, a black menu box will appear at the bottom of the script box.

This box allows you to change the avatar for all slides, as shown below. If you only want to change one scene, you can ignore the box, as it will automatically disappear.


6. Export Avatars

Our avatars are designed and produced to be used within your Synthesia STUDIO and videos. You cannot export an avatar with a transparent background (no alpha channel).


7. Stock Avatars 2.0 Release ๐Ÿš€

What is the difference between the current Avatars and Avatars 2.0?

In short, the 2.0 AI Avatars feel and act more natural. Here are the three key updates:

  • Natural idling: the avatar will idle naturally during pauses and breaks, eliminating gulping and unnatural movements.

  • Head nods: the avatar will start and end a sentence with a natural head nod.

  • Seamless transitions: the avatar will start and end a sentence on the same frame.

How many avatars have been updated?

There are updates available for 65+ avatars. To find them, place your cursor over the avatar you're interested in. If the avatar has been updated, a V2 badge will appear in the upper right corner as seen below๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿป

Frequently Asked Questions About Avatars 2.0

  1. Will all Avatars be updated?

    1. Yes, all Synthesia AI avatars will be updated gradually.

  2. Will the Custom Avatars be updated as well?

    1. Yes, the custom avatars will also be updated. We will notify you once the updates for your custom avatar are available.

  3. Are my existing videos automatically updated with the new version of the avatar?

    1. No, your current videos will not be automatically updated. We recommend that you re-render them with the new avatars.


8. Stock Avatars 3.0 Release ๐Ÿš€

What is the difference between Avatars 2.0 and Avatars 3.0?

Our 3.0 AI Avatars are now able to perform gestures, which add emphasis and emotion to your videos. The Avatars can perform four key gestures:

  • Nod

  • Head yes

  • Head no

  • Eyebrows up

How many avatars have been updated?

There are updates available for 14 avatars. To find them, place your cursor over the avatar you're interested in. If the avatar has been updated, a V3 badge will appear in the upper right corner as seen below๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿป

Frequently Asked Questions About Avatars 3.0

  1. Which avatars can perform gestures?

    1. We have updated 14 stock avatars, listed below, to include gesture capabilities. Please note that this feature is still in beta, and in the upcoming months, we plan to roll out gesture capabilities to more avatars.

      • Updated Avatars: Anton, Lydia, Leah, Isabella, Alex, Laura, Jonathan, Olivia, Paige, Charlotte, Emma, Jack, Samuel and Jordan.

  2. What would cause my gestures to not work?

    1. One of the most common reasons why your gestures may not perform once your video is generated is if the gestures were added too closely together. Make sure to separate two gestures in the script by a few words. If they are too close to each other, the avatar will not be able to perform the second one.

  3. How do I add gestures to my script / video?

To add a gesture click the gesture button in your script box as seen below and select the gesture you would like to add.

If the gesture button is not present, this indicates that the Avatar you have selected has not yet been upgraded. Alternatively, you can right click in your script, scroll to gestures, and select your preferred gesture.

Please note, Avatar movement and gestures are not available in preview mode. Once you are satisfied with all the elements of your video, hit "generate" and you will be able to see the avatar performing with the gesture.


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