📌 The legacy AI Video Assistant is available on Starter, Creator, and Enterprise plans. If you would like to upgrade your plan, check out our plan upgrade guide.
✍️ Looking for the latest version of Assistant?
The legacy AI Video Assistant is still available but will eventually be replaced by the new Assistant — a more powerful, chat-based experience that works directly inside the Editor. Check out How do I create a video using Assistant? to learn more.
Start with the AI Assistant
Select Start with Assistant.
Select Use template.
Choose Your Source
Choose how you want to provide content to the assistant.
Prompt — Describe your topic and include any instructions or key points you want covered.
Script — Paste your script exactly as you want it spoken. Use paragraph breaks to separate scenes.
File — Upload a document in .ppt, .pptx, .pdf, .doc, .docx, or .txt format.
URL — Paste a public link to repurpose existing content.
Set Up Your Video
Provide additional details to help the assistant shape your script and structure.
Template — Choose a template from the list, including any custom templates.
(Enterprise only) Brand Kit— Select a Brand Kit to apply your brand styles.
Duration — Choose an approximate video length.
Add any of the following optional details:
Objective — What should the video achieve?
Audience — Who is this video for?
Language — Which language should the video be in?
Speaker — Who is presenting?
Tone — How should the video feel (for example, formal, conversational)?
💡 The more detail you provide, the more closely the output will match your needs.
Generate and Refine Your Outline
Click Create Outline.
Review the draft and edit the structure, topics, and flow until the outline matches your intent.
Build Your Video
Select Create Video to generate scenes and script.
For any scene you want to change, select Replace layout to choose a different layout from your template.
When you are ready, choose one of the following:
Select Generate Video to create the video as-is.
Select Continue in Editor to fine-tune elements like visuals, avatars, timing, and media.
Once finished, select Generate in the top-right corner.
✍️ Once you enter the editor or select Generate, the video becomes a regular project. You will no longer be able to make changes inside the AI assistant.
💬 FAQs
What file types can I upload?
What file types can I upload?
You can upload .ppt, .pptx, .pdf, .doc, .docx, or .txt files.
What are the upload limits?
What are the upload limits?
File size: Max 50MB
Script length: Max 30,000 tokens (≈20,000 words)
What are the limits for URLs?
What are the limits for URLs?
Minimum: 60 tokens (≈45 words) or 1 image
Maximum: 30,000 tokens (≈20,000 words)
How are PowerPoint files used?
How are PowerPoint files used?
If your PowerPoint includes speaker notes, those will be used to generate the script.
How long can AI Assist videos be?
How long can AI Assist videos be?
AI Assist videos have a 5-minute limit. For longer videos, you can:
Split the content into multiple videos
Use the Editor, which supports longer durations
Can I keep editing in the AI Assistant after starting?
Can I keep editing in the AI Assistant after starting?
No. Once you enter the Editor or click Generate, the video becomes a regular project.
How is my data used?
How is my data used?
To understand how your data is used, visit the Synthesia Legal Hub for a full breakdown.
Why is this called the "legacy" AI Video Assistant?
Why is this called the "legacy" AI Video Assistant?
The legacy AI Video Assistant is the original template-based video creation tool in Synthesia. It is being replaced by the new Assistant, which offers a more powerful, chat-based experience with real-time editing inside the Editor. The legacy version remains available while the new Assistant continues to develop. Check out How do I create a video using Assistant? to learn more.
What's next?
💡 Want to make changes to your script after the video is created? Check out our article on editing with AI.