Why do global corporations like NVIDIA, Salesforce and BMW use HeyGen to scale their video content? It offers AI avatars, video translation, and customisation tools, removing the need for actors or expensive production.
HeyGen is an AI-powered video creation platform that makes professional-quality video production easy, cost-effective, and accessible. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the company has rapidly grown into a leading name in AI-generated avatars, video translation, and personalised content.
Bloomberg reports that the HeyGen is now valued at $500 million after its latest funding round. Business Insider has listed HeyGen as one of the 85 most promising startups of 2024, based on recommendations from top investors. Heygen is also featured in top media platforms, like Forbes, for its AI.
“Starting HeyGen, I was driven by the magic of AI video generation. But as a founder, I’ve always believed that with great innovation comes an even greater responsibility. It’s a journey, and we’re learning and refining every step of the way”, said Joshua Xu, Founder and CEO of HeyGen.
With over 70,000 customers, including major corporations like NVIDIA, HubSpot, Salesforce, BMW, and JPMorgan, HeyGen is redefining how businesses create and scale video content. The company has secured $60 million in Series A funding and continues to set industry benchmarks in AI video generation.
What is HeyGen?
HeyGen is an AI-driven platform designed to help users generate high-quality videos without requiring professional video production skills. Originally launched as “Movio,” HeyGen provides users with powerful AI tools that turn scripts into engaging videos within minutes. The company’s mission is to democratise video creation, eliminating traditional production barriers and empowering individuals and businesses to communicate effectively through video content.
HeyGen is solving a key problem in the industry—traditional video production is expensive, time-consuming, and often requires reshoots. With AI-powered avatars, text-to-speech technology, and customisation options, HeyGen enables users to create videos quickly and affordably, making video production scalable for businesses of all sizes.
HeyGen is led by CEO Joshua Xu, a former Snapchat engineer who built AI features for Snapchat Ads and AI cameras. Under his leadership, HeyGen has grown into one of the most innovative AI video platforms.
The company’s CTO, Rong Yan, previously worked at Snapchat, Square, and Facebook and has over 60 research publications and 35 patents in AI, data mining, and computer vision.
Why do businesses need HeyGen?
In today’s digital world, video content is king. Over 1 billion hours of video are watched daily on YouTube, and the average person consumes 17 hours of video per week. However, producing high-quality videos is expensive, time-consuming, and complex.
Traditional video production requires:
- Actors and cameras
- Studio setups and lighting
- Extensive editing and reshoots
- Expensive software and specialists
Each minute of finished video can cost $1,000 or more. This is where HeyGen disrupts the industry by eliminating these barriers.
The AI-powered solution by HeyGen
HeyGen enables businesses to create videos using AI avatars, eliminating the need for cameras, actors, and large budgets. With just a script, users can generate realistic, professional-quality videos in minutes. This AI-driven platform is designed to streamline video production, making it accessible to companies across industries.
Key features of HeyGen:
1. AI Avatar Video Creation
HeyGen offers a wide range of digital avatars that replicate human expressions, speech, and movements with accuracy. These avatars:
- Display natural facial expressions and realistic hand movements
- Speak in more than 175 languages with precise lip-syncing and regional accents
- Can be customised with different outfits, backgrounds, voices, and gestures
Users also have the option to create personalised avatars using a webcam or a high-quality green screen setup. This allows businesses to maintain a consistent brand identity across video content.
2. Video Translation and Localisation
HeyGen’s AI translation system significantly reduces the time required for video localisation while maintaining high-quality voice modulation and synchronisation. Businesses can:
- Convert videos into over 175 languages and dialects
- Maintain consistent branding and messaging across different regions
- Expand their reach to international audiences without hiring voice actors
This feature is particularly useful for e-learning, marketing, and corporate training organisations, where content needs to be adapted for multiple languages efficiently.
3. AI Studio Editor
HeyGen includes a built-in drag-and-drop editor that simplifies video production. Users can:
- Add text, company logos, and background videos
- Incorporate brand fonts, templates, and other design assets
- Edit video content instantly without requiring reshoots
This feature allows businesses to update their content effortlessly, ensuring that their videos remain relevant without the need for extensive post-production work.
4. Interactive AI Avatars
HeyGen’s interactive AI avatars provide real-time engagement, making them suitable for virtual customer support, sales interactions, and online education. These avatars:
- Respond to user queries instantly
- Communicate in multiple languages
- Offer tailored interactions based on customer needs
By integrating these AI-powered avatars into websites and applications, companies can enhance user engagement while reducing the need for human customer service representatives.
5. API Integration for Businesses
HeyGen offers API solutions that enable businesses to automate video production and integrate AI-generated content into their existing platforms. The available APIs support:
- AI avatar video generation
- Video translation and localisation
- Interactive AI avatars for real-time engagement
These APIs allow organisations to streamline content creation, improve efficiency, and maintain a consistent video production workflow across their digital products.
HeyGen provides a scalable solution for companies looking to leverage AI-driven video content. With its advanced features, businesses can produce high-quality videos efficiently while reducing costs and time spent on traditional production methods.
6. AI Voices
HeyGen’s AI voice technology allows users to convert text into natural, human-like speech instantly. With support for over 175 languages and regional accents, it helps create engaging and professional voiceovers for videos, presentations, and more.
Key Features:
- Lifelike Speech: AI-generated voices that sound natural and expressive.
- Multiple Accents: Supports dozens of accents for accurate pronunciation and tone.
- Wide Selection: Choose from 300+ voices with different tones, emotions, and styles.
- Voice Cloning: Create a custom AI voice that sounds just like you.
- Secure & Private: Ensures safe and ethical voice usage with advanced security measures.
Premium AI Voice Features:
For businesses and creators who need high-quality voiceovers, HeyGen’s Premium Voice offers enhanced expressiveness, improved accent accuracy, and a more human-like feel, making it perfect for professional production.
How to Create a Voice Clone?
- Upload a Video – Provide a clear recording with no background noise.
- AI Processing – HeyGen’s technology analyses and replicates your voice.
- Use Your Voice Clone – Apply it to videos, presentations, and more.
HeyGen’s Impact Across Industries
HeyGen is transforming various sectors, helping companies save costs and increase efficiency.
1. Marketing & Social Media
- Create product explainers, ads, and social media content in minutes
- Localise content for different markets
- Maintain consistent branding across platforms
2. E-Learning & Training
- Convert slides into engaging training videos
- Translate courses into multiple languages
- Reduce video production costs by 80%
3. Sales & Customer Outreach
- Personalised sales videos to engage potential clients
- Onboarding and training videos for sales teams
- Automated follow-ups and support
4. Agencies & Content Production
- Offer clients high-quality AI video services
- Automate video localisation
- Create unlimited customised content at scale
How to create an AI video using HeyGen?
Creating a professional AI video on HeyGen is quick and easy. Follow this step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Sign Up for HeyGen
- Go to HeyGen.com
- Click “Try HeyGen for Free”
- Sign up with Google, email, or another method
Step 2: Choose a Video Creation Method
- Start with an AI Avatar – Select a digital human to present your video.
- Use ScriptGen AI – Let HeyGen generate a script automatically.
- Make a TalkingPhoto Video – Upload an image and generate an AI talking photo.
- Start with a Template – Choose from 300+ pre-designed video templates.
Step 3: Customise the Video
- Enter or upload a script (text-to-speech enabled).
- Choose an AI avatar (or upload a custom one).
- Select a voice (over 300 voices in 40+ languages).
- Adjust accents, pitch, speed, and add pauses for natural speech.
Step 4: Enhance the Video
- Add background music, images, and branding.
- Use custom outfits to match your video style.
- Adjust lighting, animations, and transitions.
Step 5: Export and Share
- Click “Submit” to process the video.
- Choose export options (720p, 1080p, or 4K resolution).
- Download or share directly on YouTube, LinkedIn, or social media.
How does Heygen address safety and ethics concerns in AI video production?
As AI-generated videos continue to gain popularity, concerns around ethics, misinformation, and security are growing. HeyGen places a strong emphasis on trust and safety by implementing strict policies and technological measures to ensure responsible AI use.
Compliance and Data Security
HeyGen follows internationally recognised compliance standards to protect user data and prevent misuse. These include:
- GDPR Compliance – Ensuring user privacy and data protection under European regulations.
- SOC 2 Type 2 Compliance – A security framework that protects stored and processed data from breaches, ensuring operational integrity.
Content Moderation and Ethical AI Practices
HeyGen employs a combination of AI-driven and human moderation to prevent the misuse of its technology. This ensures that the platform is not used for harmful or deceptive content. Measures include:
- Deepfake Detection – Advanced AI tools to identify and restrict manipulated videos that could be used for misinformation or impersonation.
- Misinformation Prevention – Policies to prevent AI-generated content from being used to spread false narratives, particularly in political, financial, or public safety contexts.
- User Verification Protocols – Ensuring that users creating AI avatars or voice clones undergo a verification process to prevent impersonation and identity misuse.
Partnerships for AI Responsibility
To promote ethical AI use and prevent deceptive content, HeyGen is a member of leading industry initiatives, including:
- Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) – A joint effort by tech and media companies to develop standards for digital content authenticity.
- Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) – A global initiative that works to establish transparency in digital media and protect against manipulation.
By integrating these safeguards, HeyGen is committed to building a trustworthy and secure AI video platform that prioritises ethical content creation while ensuring a safe experience for businesses and users worldwide.
HeyGen pricing plans: Flexible options for every user
HeyGen offers a range of pricing plans designed to accommodate individuals, businesses, and enterprises, making AI video creation accessible to everyone. Whether users need a simple video for personal use or large-scale content production, HeyGen provides scalable solutions.
1. Free Plan (£0/month)
- 10 free video credits per month
- Access to basic AI avatars and templates
- HeyGen watermark on videos
- Limited export options
2. Pro Plan (£79/month)
- 100 credits per month
- Watermark-free videos
- Higher resolution downloads (up to 1080p)
- Access to premium AI avatars and templates
- Text-to-speech in multiple languages
- AI voice cloning (limited)
3. Scale Plan (£259/month)
- 660 credits per month
- Includes everything in the Pro plan
- Video translation API access
- Priority rendering for faster video generation
- More advanced AI voice cloning options
4. Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing)
- Fully customised pricing and credits based on usage
- Unlimited AI video generation
- API integration for automation and scalability
- Custom AI avatar and voice solutions
- Dedicated account management and support
API Pricing
For businesses that need automation and AI-powered video creation at scale, HeyGen also provides API pricing options. The cost varies based on usage, with higher tiers offering volume discounts and priority support.
HeyGen’s pricing structure ensures flexibility, making it an ideal platform for startups, marketers, educators, and enterprises looking to leverage AI-driven video production efficiently.
Shikha Negi is a Content Writer at ztudium with expertise in writing and proofreading content. Having created more than 500 articles encompassing a diverse range of educational topics, from breaking news to in-depth analysis and long-form content, Shikha has a deep understanding of emerging trends in business, technology (including AI, blockchain, and the metaverse), and societal shifts, As the author at Sarvgyan News, Shikha has demonstrated expertise in crafting engaging and informative content tailored for various audiences, including students, educators, and professionals.
