Tutorial

<p><strong>Create better AI avatars, voices, motion, and more with clear and simple prompts</strong></p><p>Prompting is how you tell HeyGen what to do. With the right words, you can control how your avatar looks, speaks, and moves- no complex tools required.</p><p>This guide includes tips adapted from a live&nbsp;<a href="https://community.heygen.com/public/events/heygen-workshop-prompting-best-practices-4sbrurfx3v" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HeyGen Workshop: Prompting Best Practices</a>&nbsp;led by Adam Halper, Core Product Manager at HeyGen. Prefer to watch the video instead of read?&nbsp;<a href="https://community.heygen.com/public/videos/heygen-workshop-prompting-best-practices" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Watch the on-demand replay</a>.</p><p><br></p><h3>How to write a good prompt</h3><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Put the most important instructions first</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Keep it short and clear</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Use simple, direct language</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Try multiple times — each result may be different</li></ol><p>AI isn't deterministic, meaning the same prompt can give you multiple different results. One might be perfect — others might not. That’s normal.</p><p><br></p><h3><a href="https://community.heygen.com/home/resources/generate-avatars-from-text-prompts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Generating a custom avatar</a></h3><p>Visit this guide for step-by-step instructions on <strong><a href="https://community.heygen.com/home/resources/generate-avatars-from-text-prompts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">how to generate a custom avatar</a></strong>. Then, review the steps below at the prompting stage.</p><p>Start with a prompt that covers pose, clothing, and setting.</p><p><br></p><p>✅ <strong>Good example:</strong></p><div class="ql-code-block-container" spellcheck="false"><select class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"><option value="plain">Plain</option><option value="bash">Bash</option><option value="cpp">C++</option><option value="cs">C#</option><option value="css">CSS</option><option value="diff">Diff</option><option value="xml">HTML/XML</option><option value="java">Java</option><option value="javascript">JavaScript</option><option value="markdown">Markdown</option><option value="php">PHP</option><option value="python">Python</option><option value="ruby">Ruby</option><option value="sql">SQL</option></select><div class="ql-code-block">Avatar holding a clipboard, wearing a white lab coat, standing in a hospital hallway with soft lighting</div></div><p><br></p><p>📌 You can be more detailed if needed — especially for style-driven characters:</p><p>✅ <strong>Descriptive example:</strong></p><div class="ql-code-block-container" spellcheck="false"><select class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"><option value="plain">Plain</option><option value="bash">Bash</option><option value="cpp">C++</option><option value="cs">C#</option><option value="css">CSS</option><option value="diff">Diff</option><option value="xml">HTML/XML</option><option value="java">Java</option><option value="javascript">JavaScript</option><option value="markdown">Markdown</option><option value="php">PHP</option><option value="python">Python</option><option value="ruby">Ruby</option><option value="sql">SQL</option></select><div class="ql-code-block" data-language="plain">A joyful female art teacher in her late 30s, with curly auburn hair in a</div><div class="ql-code-block" data-language="plain">messy bun, wearing paint-splattered overalls and large round earrings. </div><div class="ql-code-block" data-language="plain">She’s holding a palette and brush, standing in front of a colorful easel </div><div class="ql-code-block" data-language="plain">withsunlight streaming through classroom windows.</div></div><p><strong>Tip:</strong> Choose “Realistic” style for your the initial avatar you create, as this gives you more flexibility when generating animated or stylized looks later.</p><img alt="some-file-7eb77cbe-8b03-4f46-8ca1-5f98de20b7aa" src="https://d2xo500swnpgl1.cloudfront.net/uploads/heygen/some-file-7eb77cbe-8b03-4f46-8ca1-5f98de20b7aa-1744927124979.png"><p><br></p><h3><a href="https://community.heygen.com/home/resources/generate-looks-photo-avatars" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Generating new Looks</a></h3><p>Once your avatar is trained, you can generate up to <strong>300 additional Looks</strong> which can be deleted and replaced at any time. Avatar Looks are additional outfits, background and poses you can create to ensure your spokesperson looks the part no matter what. Refer to our <strong><a href="https://community.heygen.com/home/resources/generate-looks-photo-avatars" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Generate Looks guide</a></strong> for step-by-step instructions.</p><p><br></p><p>✅ <strong>Format that works well:</strong></p><div class="ql-code-block-container" spellcheck="false"><select class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"><option value="plain">Plain</option><option value="bash">Bash</option><option value="cpp">C++</option><option value="cs">C#</option><option value="css">CSS</option><option value="diff">Diff</option><option value="xml">HTML/XML</option><option value="java">Java</option><option value="javascript">JavaScript</option><option value="markdown">Markdown</option><option value="php">PHP</option><option value="python">Python</option><option value="ruby">Ruby</option><option value="sql">SQL</option></select><div class="ql-code-block" data-language="plain">Avatar [pose or action], [outfit], [setting or background]</div></div><p><br></p><p>✅ <strong>Examples:</strong></p><div class="ql-code-block-container" spellcheck="false"><select class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"><option value="plain">Plain</option><option value="bash">Bash</option><option value="cpp">C++</option><option value="cs">C#</option><option value="css">CSS</option><option value="diff">Diff</option><option value="xml">HTML/XML</option><option value="java">Java</option><option value="javascript">JavaScript</option><option value="markdown">Markdown</option><option value="php">PHP</option><option value="python">Python</option><option value="ruby">Ruby</option><option value="sql">SQL</option></select><div class="ql-code-block">Avatar sitting at a wooden table, wearing a leather jacket, in a cozy café with warm lighting</div><div class="ql-code-block" data-language="plain">Avatar standing in Times Square, wearing a navy suit, holding a briefcase</div></div><p><br></p><p>Having trouble with achieving consistency of your avatar's appearance across the Looks you've generated? Use this retraining method: </p><ol><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Generate 50 looks</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Pick your most consistent 10</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Retrain the avatar on those</li><li data-list="ordered"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span>Repeat if needed</li></ol><p><br></p><h3>Generating new Looks with a product</h3><p>Use HeyGen's <strong><a href="https://community.heygen.com/home/resources/product-placement-create-avatars-including-products" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Product Placement</a></strong> feature to upload photos of your product. Give it a clear name (e.g. “green mug”), and then use that name in your prompt:</p><div class="ql-code-block-container" spellcheck="false"><select class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"><option value="plain">Plain</option><option value="bash">Bash</option><option value="cpp">C++</option><option value="cs">C#</option><option value="css">CSS</option><option value="diff">Diff</option><option value="xml">HTML/XML</option><option value="java">Java</option><option value="javascript">JavaScript</option><option value="markdown">Markdown</option><option value="php">PHP</option><option value="python">Python</option><option value="ruby">Ruby</option><option value="sql">SQL</option></select><div class="ql-code-block" data-language="plain">Avatar holding green mug with both hands, smiling slightly</div></div><p><br></p><h3><a href="https://community.heygen.com/home/resources/how-to-use-heygen-ai-voice-for-high-quality-video-narration#toc-heading-5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Generating and designing a custom voice</a></h3><p>Refer to our <strong><a href="https://community.heygen.com/home/resources/how-to-use-heygen-ai-voice-for-high-quality-video-narration#toc-heading-5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Creating and generating custom Voices guide</a> </strong>and the prompting best practices below.</p><div><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GJinmvO2e_w?rel=0&amp;start=1744925614883" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div><p><br></p><p>Use a prompt to describe how your avatar should sound. Keep it short and only include supported traits.</p><table><tbody><tr><td data-row="1">Age</td><td data-row="1">High Importance</td><td data-row="1">Adult, Middle-Aged, Old, etc…</td></tr><tr><td data-row="2">Accent/Nationality</td><td data-row="2">High Importance</td><td data-row="2">British, Indian, Polish, American, etc…</td></tr><tr><td data-row="3">Gender</td><td data-row="3">High Importance</td><td data-row="3">Male, Female, Gender Neutral</td></tr><tr><td data-row="4">Tone</td><td data-row="4">Not Needed</td><td data-row="4">Gruff, Soft, Warm, Raspy, etc…</td></tr><tr><td data-row="5">Pitch</td><td data-row="5">Not Needed</td><td data-row="5">Deep, Low, High, Squeaky, etc…</td></tr><tr><td data-row="6">Intonation</td><td data-row="6">Not Needed</td><td data-row="6">Conversational, Professional, Corporate, Urban, Posh, etc…</td></tr><tr><td data-row="7">Speed</td><td data-row="7">Not Needed</td><td data-row="7">Fast, Quick, Slow, Relaxed, etc…</td></tr><tr><td data-row="8">Emotion/Delivery</td><td data-row="8">Not Needed</td><td data-row="8">Angry, Calm, Scared, Happy, Assertive, Whispering, Shouting, etc…</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br></p><p><strong>Example:</strong></p><div class="ql-code-block-container" spellcheck="false"><select class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"><option value="plain">Plain</option><option value="bash">Bash</option><option value="cpp">C++</option><option value="cs">C#</option><option value="css">CSS</option><option value="diff">Diff</option><option value="xml">HTML/XML</option><option value="java">Java</option><option value="javascript">JavaScript</option><option value="markdown">Markdown</option><option value="php">PHP</option><option value="python">Python</option><option value="ruby">Ruby</option><option value="sql">SQL</option></select><div class="ql-code-block" data-language="plain">Young male, British accent, relaxed tone, mid-pitch, friendly delivery</div></div><p>Try generating multiple voices from the same prompt, as they can vary a lot. You can also adjust the <strong>stability</strong> and <strong>style exaggeration</strong> settings in Studio for more control.</p><p><br></p><h3><a href="https://community.heygen.com/home/resources/prompting-best-practices-for-adding-motion" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prompting to add motion</a></h3><p>Generative motion models work best when you describe physical actions clearly and directly. Keep it simple and focus on what the subject should <em>do</em>, and skip abstract or overly detailed visuals.</p><div class="ql-code-block-container" spellcheck="false"><select class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"><option value="plain">Plain</option><option value="bash">Bash</option><option value="cpp">C++</option><option value="cs">C#</option><option value="css">CSS</option><option value="diff">Diff</option><option value="xml">HTML/XML</option><option value="java">Java</option><option value="javascript">JavaScript</option><option value="markdown">Markdown</option><option value="php">PHP</option><option value="python">Python</option><option value="ruby">Ruby</option><option value="sql">SQL</option></select><div class="ql-code-block">❌ the subject embodies the essence of joyful greeting</div><div class="ql-code-block">✅ the avatar smiles and waves</div></div><p><br></p><div class="ql-code-block-container" spellcheck="false"><select class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"><option value="plain">Plain</option><option value="bash">Bash</option><option value="cpp">C++</option><option value="cs">C#</option><option value="css">CSS</option><option value="diff">Diff</option><option value="xml">HTML/XML</option><option value="java">Java</option><option value="javascript">JavaScript</option><option value="markdown">Markdown</option><option value="php">PHP</option><option value="python">Python</option><option value="ruby">Ruby</option><option value="sql">SQL</option></select><div class="ql-code-block">❌ a young woman with curly brown hair wearing a green sweater and jeans reaches out her hand for a handshake</div><div class="ql-code-block" data-language="plain">✅ the woman extends her arm to shake hands and nods politely</div></div><p><br></p><div class="ql-code-block-container" spellcheck="false"><select class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"><option value="plain">Plain</option><option value="bash">Bash</option><option value="cpp">C++</option><option value="cs">C#</option><option value="css">CSS</option><option value="diff">Diff</option><option value="xml">HTML/XML</option><option value="java">Java</option><option value="javascript">JavaScript</option><option value="markdown">Markdown</option><option value="php">PHP</option><option value="python">Python</option><option value="ruby">Ruby</option><option value="sql">SQL</option></select><div class="ql-code-block">❌ the camera doesn’t move</div><div class="ql-code-block" data-language="plain">✅ the camera remains still</div></div><p><br></p><p>Generating motion will create a maximum of 10 seconds of movement.</p><p>HeyGen offers two types of motion prompting: consistent and expressive.</p><p>Consistent motion is ideal if:</p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><strong>Visual fidelity is crucial</strong>: It ensures that characters and scenes retain their original look without distortions.</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><strong>Cinematic aesthetics are a priority</strong>: Suitable for dramatic, high-quality sequences with smooth transitions.</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><strong>Minimal animation complexity is needed</strong>: Works best for polished, professional clips where movement is secondary to composition.</li></ol><p><br></p><p>Expressive motion is preferable if:</p><ol><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><strong>Realism is the top priority</strong>: Ideal for lifelike human movement and organic animations.</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><strong>Creative control is essential</strong>: It adheres closely to your artistic vision and prevents unintended artifacts.</li><li data-list="bullet"><span class="ql-ui" contenteditable="false"></span><strong>Dynamic movement is key</strong>: Best for storytelling, character-driven animations, and energetic sequences.</li></ol><p><br></p><p>For the best results, consider limiting custom motion you prompt to short clips under 10s. Use default motion (i.e., no text prompt) for longer scenes, and intercut with custom gestures for more natural pacing.</p><p>For more detailed best practices, visit our <strong><a href="https://community.heygen.com/home/resources/prompting-best-practices-for-adding-motion" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prompting Best Practices for adding Motion to avatars</a></strong> guide.</p><p><br></p><h3>Common prompting issues and solutions</h3><p>Below are suggestions for resolving the most frequent questions users have when generating avatars, voices, and motion.</p><p><br></p><h4><strong>Avatar doesn’t show full body</strong></h4><p>Use the “Full Body” pose option in the style panel. Mentioning clothing items like “white sneakers” can also encourage full-body framing.</p><p><br></p><h4><strong>Glasses or key features are missing</strong></h4><p>Retrain your avatar using only images that include the desired feature (e.g., glasses, hairstyle). Consistency in training images improves output reliability.</p><p><br></p><h4><strong>Voice sounds flat or unnatural</strong></h4><p>Adjust ElevenLabs settings such as "style exaggeration" and "stability" in Studio. These sliders affect energy, clarity, and delivery.</p><p><br></p><h4><strong>Avatar looks different in new Looks</strong></h4><p>Use the retraining method: generate 50+ Looks, select the most consistent 10–20, and retrain your avatar. Repeat to improve identity retention.</p><p><br></p><h4><strong>Product doesn't appear correctly in image</strong></h4><p>Upload the product to HeyGen using our <strong><a href="https://community.heygen.com/home/resources/product-placement-create-avatars-including-products" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Product Placement</a></strong> feature, give it a clear name (e.g., “green mug”), and reference that name in your prompt. Keep instructions simple and direct.</p><p><br></p><h4><strong>Motion loops awkwardly in long videos</strong></h4><p>For the best results, consider limitingLimit custom motion you prompt to short clips (under 10s). Use default motion (i.e., no text prompt) for longer scenes, and intercut with custom gestures for more natural pacing.</p><p><br></p><h4><strong>Style looks too cartoonish</strong></h4><p>Start by choosing realistic style when creating your original avatar. If you want only slight animation, avoid selecting “animated” style. Instead, prompt for “subtle animation” or “stylized realism.”</p><p><br></p><h3>Final reminder</h3><p>Prompting takes practice. Don’t worry if it takes a few tries — that’s part of the process. Keep your prompts simple, try different variations, and trust your eye.</p><p><strong>Watch the full workshop replay!</strong></p><div><div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive" style="padding-bottom: 0px; height: 664px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay *; encrypted-media *; ch-prefers-color-scheme *" src="//cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.heygen.com%2Fhome%2Fvideos%2Fheygen-workshop-prompting-best-practices%3Ft%3D1744925691083&amp;key=1387230c6e06da6dc787d7da5c230ff3&amp;v=1&amp;app=1" style="box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.06) 0px 1px 3px;" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div></div><p><br></p>

Prompt Like a Pro: How to Create Better AI Avatars, Voices & Motion in HeyGen

Create 100% AI avatars. Prompt their look, motion, voice, and even add products.

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Prompt Like a Pro: How to Create Better AI Avatars, Voices & Motion in HeyGen

Create 100% AI avatars. Prompt their look, motion, voice, and even add products.

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