Introducing Avatar IV: Create talking Avatars from a single photo

# Avatar

# Avatar IV

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Imagine creating a lifelike talking avatar with nothing more than a photo and a script—no camera, no filming, no studio setup.

That’s exactly what you can do with Avatar IV, HeyGen’s most advanced photo avatar model. Whether you're animating yourself, a cartoon, or even your pet, Avatar IV brings any still image to life with accurate lip sync, facial motion, and expressive delivery instantly.

What’s covered in this guide:

What makes Avatar IV different?

How to create a video with Avatar IV

Usage limits by subscription type

Tips for best results

What makes Avatar IV different?

Human-Centric Video Generation: Unlike traditional avatars that simply sync to your words, this new-to-the-world Avatar model actually interprets them. Built on a diffusion-inspired audio-to-expression engine, it analyzes your vocal tone, rhythm, and emotion to generate photorealistic facial movements with true-to-life timing. Think head tilts, natural pauses, subtle cadences, and micro-expressions—all from a single image. The result? A video that feels real, not rendered.

Speed + Simplicity: No complex script writing, scene setup, or editing in the Studio. Just open Avatar IV, fill out the required fields, and your video is ready in seconds. It’s designed for instant, on-the-fly communication.

No Learning Curve: Anyone can use it! No training, no creative brief, no editing timeline.

Think of the Editing Studio as your full production studio—perfect for polished videos. Avatar IV is more like a quick video message: fast, personal, and ready in seconds.

How to create a video with Avatar IV

You’ll find Avatar IV right on the HeyGen homepage—just look for the Photo to Video with Avatar IV button.

Then, enter the script you want your avatar to say, or upload an audio file. If you're using a written script, select your preferred voice. Once everything’s set, click Generate to create your video. It really is that simple!

Tip: For best results, use a front-facing image with one clear subject in frame.

Usage limits by subscription type

Depending on your HeyGen plan, you’ll have monthly access to create a limited number of short videos with Avatar IV:

Plan Type	Max Video Length	Monthly Limit
Free	10 seconds	3 videos/month total
Creator	30 seconds	5 minutes/month total
Team	30 seconds	5 minutes/month total

If you run out of Generative Credits for Avatar IV, you’ll be presented with an option to purchase additional credits directly in the app.

Tips for best results

Stick to one subject per photo. If your image has multiple faces, the model may attempt to lip sync to all of them.

Use any image type. You can animate pets, illustrations, anime characters, cartoons—anything with a face.

Pick a photo with a clear, front-facing view. This helps the model track facial structure and create more realistic expressions.

Recap

In this tutorial, you learned:

What makes Avatar IV different?

How to create a video with Avatar IV

Usage limits by subscription type

Tips for best results

We can’t wait to see what you create with Avatar IV! Join the conversation in our forum to share and see what others are creating with Avatar IV!

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