An AI video generator that turns short scripts or audio into talking-head videos with lifelike avatars and voice cloning. It also offers text-to-video, translation with lip-sync, and a simple editor for social and training clips.
You can test the basics without paying. Free accounts include three one-minute videos per month and a 720p share link. Try the free quota first to judge avatar quality for your needs.
Who it's for
If you need fast talking-head videos, HeyGen makes branded avatar and voice clips without a camera. You’ll be disappointed if your project needs long on-set cinematography or frame-perfect full-body shots.
Buy it if
- You repurpose short marketing or social clips and want quick talking-head video without hiring a crew.
- You localize or translate scripts and need lip-synced video in other languages for social or training.
- You want a custom avatar or a cloned voice to deliver repeatable messaging without re-recording.
Skip it if
- You shoot live action or need full-body, multi-camera footage that must match real camera angles.
- You need perfect consistency across long training modules or cinematic-grade, frame-perfect closeups.
Your first hour
Signing up takes an email or social login and you can start on the free tier without a credit card.
Expect your first usable video in minutes once you paste a script.
- Sign up Sign up with email or a social login; the free plan does not require a credit card.
- Choose avatar Pick from 500+ stock avatars or upload one custom avatar; free accounts can create one custom avatar.
- Paste script Choose a voice and language, then generate a clip up to 1 minute on the free plan.
- Export Free users get a 720p share link to download or embed the video.
The editor is straightforward; expect a short learning curve to dial voice and expression.
What you actually get per plan
HeyGen has a Free tier and paid monthly plans that allocate credits each billing period. Business seats cost extra, and Enterprise is quote-only.
Most readers land on the Creator tier because it balances export quality and monthly credits at $29/month.
| Plan | Price | What’s inside | Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0/mo | 3 videos/month; up to 1 minute each; 720p share link | Watermark on exports |
| Creator | $29/mo | 600 credits/month; up to 30 minute videos; 1080p export | Annual price lowers to $24/mo (billed annually) |
| Pro | $49/mo | 1,000 credits/month; up to 30 minute videos; 4K export | — |
| Business | $149/mo | 1,500 credits/month; up to 60 minute videos; additional seats $20/seat/month | Annual billing shown as $1428 for first seat |
The free plan is limited to 3 videos per month, each up to 1 minute long.
Three real situations
Here are three real buyers and what HeyGen actually delivers for them.
A creator who sends a weekly newsletter and posts short clips
They pay $29/mo and use HeyGen to make short avatar videos, saving roughly 4 hours a week.
A two-person Shopify store handling product promos
They start on the Free plan but hit the 3-videos-per-month cap and must upgrade for more clips.
A small agency producing hour-long training modules
They need consistent, frame-perfect full-body shots; HeyGen exports up to 60 minutes but shows artifacts in closeups. Skip it and record presenters on Zoom or hire a local videographer for cinematic quality.
Where it falls short
HeyGen’s output can be uneven in tight shots and longer scenes. Reviewers report “artifacts in closeups past ~15s” and “minor inconsistencies in expressiveness” across Digital Twin builds. Users also note the need to fine-tune specific moments and occasional variability in micro-expressions. Compared with Synthesia, HeyGen often has better lip sync and warmer cloned voices, but Synthesia is more consistent across long modules and feels more broadcast-like.
HeyGen sells monthly plans that come with credits, Business seats, and an Enterprise quote option. Free accounts are limited to 3 videos per month, each up to 1 minute. Free exports are provided as 720p share links. Unused credits roll over for one billing cycle for monthly subscribers, while annual subscribers accumulate credits until renewal. Payments are generally non-refundable, and subscriptions auto-renew; canceling does not refund the current period. HeyGen may use customer data to train models by default. Enterprise customers are excluded by default and non-enterprise users can opt out by emailing privacy@heygen.com.
Watch out: Payments are generally non-refundable and subscriptions auto-renew; canceling won’t refund the current period.
Common questions
Is there a free plan?
Yes. The free plan gives three videos per month, up to 1 minute each, and does not require a credit card.
Can I cancel any time?
Yes. Subscriptions auto-renew until you cancel; canceling stops renewal but does not refund the current period.
Are refunds available?
Payments are generally non-refundable. Google Play and Apple App Store purchases have short refund windows, and direct refunds are reviewed case-by-case.
Does HeyGen train on my data?
HeyGen may use customer data to train models by default. Enterprise customers are excluded by default, and non-enterprise users can opt out by emailing privacy@heygen.com.
What is the cheapest way to try it?
Start on the free plan; no credit card is required. It gives three one-minute videos each month.
Bottom line
Buy it if you make short talking-head or translated videos and want a reusable avatar or cloned voice. Most creators land on the Creator tier at $29/month for 1080p and 600 credits. Skip it if you need cinematic, frame-perfect closeups or long, consistent training modules.
