Synthesia Videos

Synthesia pioneered the AI avatar space and remains the platform of choice for enterprise training and corporate communications. Let's explore what makes it powerful for professional applications.

What is Synthesia?

Synthesia is an AI video platform focused on:

• Enterprise-grade quality and security
• 160+ avatars with diverse representation
• 130+ languages and accents
• SOC 2 compliance and data security
• Collaboration features for teams

Synthesia vs. Competitors

Aspect	Synthesia	HeyGen	D-ID
Focus	Enterprise	Marketing	Quick videos
Languages	130+	40+	30+
Security	SOC 2	Standard	Standard
Pricing	Higher	Mid	Lower
Best for	Training	Marketing	Social

Getting Started

Creating an Account

1. Visit synthesia.io
2. Sign up or request demo (enterprise)
3. Free plan: One video per month
4. Paid plans from $22/month

Pricing Structure

Plan	Price	Video Minutes	Features
Free	$0	3 min/month	Limited avatars
Starter	$22/month	10 min/month	Full avatar library
Creator	$67/month	30 min/month	Premium features
Enterprise	Custom	Unlimited	Custom avatars, SSO

Creating Videos in Synthesia

The Interface

Synthesia uses a scene-based editor:

Left panel: Scene list Center: Preview and canvas Right panel: Avatar, voice, and settings

Step 1: Create New Video

1. Click "Create Video"
2. Choose template or start blank
3. Select aspect ratio

Step 2: Build Your Scene

Add avatar:

• Browse avatar library
• Filter by characteristics
• Place on canvas

Write script:

• Type in text panel
• Each scene has its own script
• Keep scenes focused (30-60 seconds)

Choose voice:

• Match to avatar
• Select language and accent
• Preview before generating

Step 3: Design the Scene

Background:

• Solid colors
• Custom images
• Video backgrounds

Elements:

• Text overlays
• Images
• Shapes
• Screen recordings

Layout:

• Avatar size and position
• Element arrangement
• Animations

Step 4: Generate

• Click "Generate"
• Processing time: 2-5 minutes per minute
• Download or share directly

Key Features for Training

Templates

Synthesia offers templates designed for:

• How-to videos: Step-by-step instructions
• Onboarding: Welcome and orientation
• Compliance: Policy and procedure training
• Product training: Feature explanations
• Announcements: Company updates

Templates save time and ensure consistency.

Multi-Language Support

Create once, deploy globally:

1. Create video in primary language
2. Click "Translate"
3. AI translates script
4. Choose appropriate voice for each language
5. Generate all versions

Supported languages: 130+ including:

• Major European languages
• Asian languages (Chinese, Japanese, Korean)
• Middle Eastern languages
• African languages

Lip sync: Avatars adjust lip movements for each language.

Collaboration

Team features for enterprise:

Shared workspaces:

• Team members access same projects
• Centralized asset management
• Consistent branding

Review workflow:

• Share drafts for feedback
• Comments and annotations
• Approval process

Brand kit:

• Upload brand colors
• Custom fonts
• Logo overlays
• Templates

Creating Effective Training Videos

The Training Video Structure

1. Hook (10 seconds)

In this video, you'll learn the three steps to
process customer refunds quickly and correctly.

2. Why It Matters (15 seconds)

Proper refund processing keeps customers happy
and ensures we stay compliant with payment
regulations.

3. Main Content (variable) Break into clear steps:

• Step 1: Verify the request
• Step 2: Process in system
• Step 3: Confirm with customer

4. Summary (15 seconds)

To recap: verify, process, confirm. Follow these
three steps and you'll handle refunds like a pro.

5. CTA (10 seconds)

Now try it yourself in the practice environment.
If you have questions, reach out to your manager.

Visual Best Practices

Screen recordings:

• Show the system being discussed
• Highlight where to click
• Pause on important steps

Graphics:

• Support key points visually
• Use consistent iconography
• Don't overcrowd the screen

Text overlays:

• Reinforce key terms
• Show steps numbered
• Display important data

Script Writing for Training

Be specific:

Bad: "Click the button"
Good: "Click the blue 'Submit' button in the top right corner"

Use active voice:

Bad: "The form should be completed"
Good: "Complete the form"

Chunk information:

Bad: Long paragraphs of instructions
Good: One step per scene, clearly numbered

Custom Avatars in Synthesia

Enterprise Custom Avatars

Create avatars of real employees:

Use cases:

• CEO messages
• Subject matter experts
• Training presenters
• Brand ambassadors

Process:

1. Film training footage (Synthesia provides guidelines)
2. Submit for processing
3. Approval and fine-tuning
4. Deploy across organization

Requirements:

• 10-15 minutes of footage
• Professional studio setup
• Specific poses and expressions
• Consent documentation

Express Avatars

Quick custom avatar creation:

• Less footage required
• Faster turnaround
• Good for occasional use
• Lower quality than full custom

Integration Options

LMS Integration

Connect to learning management systems:

• SCORM export
• xAPI support
• Direct integrations (Workday, Cornerstone)
• Embed codes

API Access

Automate video creation:

// Pseudocode example
const video = await synthesia.createVideo({
  avatar: "avatar_id",
  script: "Welcome, {employee_name}!",
  language: "en",
  background: "office_bg"
});

Use cases:

• Personalized welcome videos
• Automated training updates
• Dynamic content generation

Embed and Share

Distribution options:

• Direct link
• Embed code
• Download MP4
• Share to LMS
• Social sharing

Measuring Training Video Success

Built-in Analytics

Synthesia tracks:

• View count
• Average watch time
• Completion rate
• Drop-off points

Optimizing Based on Data

Low completion rate?

• Videos may be too long
• Content may be unengaging
• Check drop-off points for issues

Good views, poor performance?

• Content may be unclear
• Assessment alignment needed
• Practice opportunities missing

Tips for Enterprise Use

Governance

Establish guidelines:

• Who can create videos?
• Brand requirements
• Approval workflows
• Archive policies

Avatar usage:

• Approved scripts only
• Appropriate content
• Clear ownership

Scaling Production

Create templates:

• Standard intro/outro
• Consistent layouts
• Brand elements baked in

Build a library:

• Reusable scenes
• Common explanations
• FAQ responses

Document processes:

• Style guide
• Script templates
• Quality checklist

Key Takeaway

Synthesia excels at enterprise-scale video production with robust language support, team collaboration, and security features. Its strength is in training and corporate communications where you need consistent, professional content across languages and regions. Invest time in script quality and visual design—the avatar is just the delivery mechanism for your content. In the next lesson, we'll explore creating custom avatars for a personalized presence.