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How do I create content with the legacy AI Video Assistant?

Create AI-generated videos in Synthesia with the legacy AI Video Assistant. Use prompts, files, scripts, or URLs to auto-generate outlines, scenes, and layouts.

Written by Meg
Updated yesterday

Start with the AI Assistant

  1. Select Start with Assistant.

  2. 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

  1. Click Create Outline.

  2. Review the draft and edit the structure, topics, and flow until the outline matches your intent.


Build Your Video

  1. Select Create Video to generate scenes and script.

  2. For any scene you want to change, select Replace layout to choose a different layout from your template.

  3. When you are ready, choose one of the following:

    1. Select Generate Video to create the video as-is.

    2. Select Continue in Editor to fine-tune elements like visuals, avatars, timing, and media.

  4. 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?

You can upload .ppt, .pptx, .pdf, .doc, .docx, or .txt files.

What are the upload limits?

  • File size: Max 50MB

  • Script length: Max 30,000 tokens (≈20,000 words)

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?

If your PowerPoint includes speaker notes, those will be used to generate the script.

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?

No. Once you enter the Editor or click Generate, the video becomes a regular project.

How is my data used?

To understand how your data is used, visit the Synthesia Legal Hub for a full breakdown.


What's next?

💡 Want to make changes to your script after the video is created? Check out our article on editing with AI

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