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HeyGen

Editorial score 98/100· 5 metrics · Updated Feb 2026

AI Video Generator with Realistic Talking Avatars

YouTube ShortsMarketing AdsBlog-to-video
Stand-out
Pricing
Freemium
Starting
$29/mo
Highlights
Custom AvatarsVoice CloningText to Speech40+ Languages

Key Facts

  • Free plan outputs include watermark; export resolution is 720p (paid plans support 1080p and 4K).
  • Credits expire 30 days after issuance; no rollover beyond that window.
  • Commercial rights are available on paid plans; free plan use is non-commercial per FAQ.
  • Refund policy is discretionary; cancellation takes effect at end of billing cycle.
VERDICT
4.9

Bottom Line

HeyGen is best for teams who need avatar-led videos for sales outreach, training, and localization. The trade-off is cost control: credits expire after 30 days, and refunds are discretionary. Free outputs are watermarked; higher export resolutions and commercial rights depend on your plan tier.


Best For

Sales outreach videosTraining presentationsMultilingual localization

TL;DR

Best for: Creators and small teams who want quick avatar-led videos with predictable export resolution limits

Not ideal for: Light users who dislike monthly credit expiry or anyone expecting unlimited avatar generation

Why we recommend it: Free outputs are watermarked, credits expire after 30 days, and refunds are discretionary

Mini Test

Test pending

Test prompt: "Create a 20-30 second talking-head video explaining a topic for an audience. Tone: professional. Include 1 hook, 3 key points, and a 1-sentence CTA"

Goal:Education / conversion
Target platform:Shorts / Reels / TikTok
Lip-sync / voice naturalness:Needs verification for chosen avatar/voice setup
Watermark present:Yes - expected on Free plan
Export resolution:720p / 1080p / 4K based on plan
Credits consumed:Needs verification

Use Cases

YouTube Shorts: Fast avatar explainers where 720p-4K export depends on plan

Compare with alternatives →

Marketing Ads: Quick iterations, but watch credit expiry and refund expectations

Check pricing →

Blog-to-video: Turn posts into scripts plus avatar narration, verify export format first

See comparison →

In-Depth Review

HeyGen is leading the pack when it comes to AI Avatars. The lip-sync technology is incredibly realistic, and the ability to create a custom avatar of yourself (Instant Avatar) in just a few minutes is mind-blowing. This makes it perfect for scaling personalized sales videos or internal training content.

The platform supports over 40 languages, allowing you to easily localize your content. You can simply type your script, choose a voice, and the avatar will speak it naturally. The interface is clean and modern, making it accessible even for non-technical users.

Pros

  • Clear plan-based export resolution limits
  • Officially documented credit expiry window
  • Cancellation timing is explicitly stated
  • Free tier available for basic testing
  • Discloses no unlimited AvatarIV credits

Cons

  • Credits expiring monthly can waste spend for light users
  • Free outputs are watermarked
  • Refund policy is discretionary, not guaranteed
  • Unlimited marketing can confuse versus feature credit limits
  • User reports: consent verification can fail and block progress
  • Export format and system requirements need verification

Key Facts

33 verified facts
General

Each scene allows for one character; multiple avatars require using different avatars across scenes.

General

After successful submission, editing requires duplicating (cloning) the video from the 'My Video' tab.

General

Paid plans have priority processing; processing time depends on concurrent workload.

General

Custom Avatars are generated in minutes; Studio Avatar can take up to 7 days end-to-end.

General

Users currently cannot control avatars’ gestures and movements.

General

Export resolution options include 720p, up to 1080p, and up to 4K depending on plan.