November 26, 2025 · Last updated on February 12, 2026
Article 3 — Custom Avatars
# Agency
# Certification
# Avatar IV
Creating Custom Avatars with HeyGen
Why this matters
Custom avatars let agencies clone key spokespeople or brand figures, producing new videos without reshoots or scheduling. Once created, an avatar can deliver any script in any language cutting filming time from days to minutes and slashing production costs while keeping content consistent across all channels.
What you’ll do
- Create a realistic custom avatar and using Avatar 4.0.
- Produce a short sample video to validate quality.
- For consent and usage guidelines, follow the attached Consent & Rights article.
Avatar 4.0 (AvatarIV)
Avatar 4.0 is HeyGen’s most realistic avatar engine, letting you clone real people—like executives or brand spokespeople—from a short, well-lit recording. It captures eye contact and micro-expressions for natural, premium-looking videos without reshoots. Once created, the avatar can deliver unlimited scripts in any language, cutting filming time and costs while keeping your on-camera talent consistent across all channels.
Steps
1. Use the right equipment
Submit 2–5 minutes of unedited footage captured on a professional camera or modern smartphone.
2. Set the right environment
Look straight ahead and keep your head level with the camera.
3. Speak naturally and clearly
Maintain a steady pace; pause 1–2 seconds between sentences with lips closed.
4. Expressive, natural motion
Sit, stand, or walk while engaging naturally with the camera. Use varied facial expressions and natural hand gestures.
5. Create the avatar
Upload the training footage, follow the creation prompts, then add a voice (auto-from-training, HQ audio upload, or a third-party voice).
6. Test & refine (20–30s)
Generate a short script and review lip-sync, expressions, and pronunciation.
Pro tips
- Keep eyeline centered; avoid looking off-screen.
- Neutral background and soft, even lighting; avoid harsh shadows.
- Avoid reflective glasses and busy patterns.
Submission
- From HeyGen, copy the Share link to your 20–30s sample video using the new custom avatar and submit that link.
Assessment
- Realism & lip-sync — mouth shapes, timing, and expressions feel natural
- Voice quality — clear, consistent, and appropriate energy
Addtional resources:
Video explanation for creating an avatar
