This feature allows you to create a custom video-based avatar using your own recorded footage and consent statement. Unlike photo avatars, which are generated from images or AI prompts, video avatars use real training footage to create high-fidelity, lifelike avatars ready for use in video generation.

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Note:

These APIs are Enterprise-only and consume API credits. They are intended for organizations that wish to create personalized, studio-quality avatars for corporate or production use.

1. Prepare Your Training Footage and Consent Statement

Before creating a video avatar, prepare the following:

• Training Footage (MP4) - A clear, high-quality video of the person speaking. Must be at least 2 minutes long and 720p or higher
• Consent Statement (MP4) - A video that explicitly grants HeyGen permission to use the submitted footage to create the avatar.

Upload both files to a publicly accessible URL (for example, AWS S3, Google Cloud Storage, or another accessible endpoint). You will need to provide these URLs in the API request in the next step.

2. Submit a Video Avatar Creation Request

To create a video avatar, submit a request providing the training_footage_url,video_consent_urland avatar_name. This request starts the avatar creation process, where HeyGen uses your uploaded footage to generate a personalized video avatar.

For full request and response details, see API reference: Submit Video Avatar Creation Request.

3. Check Video Avatar Generation Status

After submitting the creation request, you can check the progress using the Check Video Avatar Generation StatusAPI. Use the avatar_idreturned from the previous request.

You can view complete status response examples on the right-side Response panel of the API Reference page - open the Examples dropdown to view responses for different video statuses. You can select any example to preview the corresponding response body.

Status Descriptions

in_progress The avatar is currently being processed.

complete
The avatar has been successfully created and is ready for use.

failed
The rendering process failed.

Error messages may include:

• Invalid Training Footage Format
• Object Download Failed_

4. Delete a Video Avatar

If you no longer need a video avatar, you can remove it using the Delete Video Avatar API.

Best Practices

• Always provide high-quality training footage (well-lit, stable, and with clear speech).
• Keep your consent statement up to date for compliance.
• Use consistent naming conventions for avatar groups (e.g., Enterprise_Creators).

Conclusion

You’ve now learned how to create custom video-based avatars using your own recorded footage through HeyGen’s Video Avatar APIs. This feature enables you to build realistic, studio-quality avatars that reflect real human movement and expression.