How To Create Online Courses with AI Using Synthesia.io

Synthesia.io is an AI-powered video platform that turns text prompts into professional-looking videos with realistic virtual presenters. There’s no need for cameras, studios, or actors. Just type your script, and Synthesia’s avatars will say it on screen.

The platform is popular because it’s a fast and budget-friendly way to create videos for training, marketing, and education. Today, Synthesia is the world’s top-rated AI video tool, trusted by over 50,000 companies and more than 1 million users worldwide.

Synthesia supports over 140 languages and helps users make videos quickly—often cutting production time and costs by up to 80% compared to traditional filming methods.

Core Features

Synthesia offers a library of over 230 lifelike AI avatars who act as virtual presenters. These avatars represent different ages, genders, and ethnicities, so you can choose one that fits your audience. They lip-sync your script and use natural facial expressions and gestures. You can even add small movements—like a nod or raised eyebrow—to help emphasize a point and make the video feel more human.

If you want something more personal, higher-tier plans let you create Custom Avatars. With a short video recording, Synthesia can build a digital version of you that looks and sounds just like you. Depending on your plan, you can have up to 3–5 personal avatars. There’s also a new option called Selfie Avatars (currently in beta), where you just upload a few photos to create a presenter—an easy, do-it-yourself version of the custom avatar feature.

One of Synthesia’s key strengths is its support for over 140 languages and accents in text-to-speech voiceovers. You can write your script in almost any major language—or upload a translation—and choose from a wide range of AI voices. The avatars will speak in that language with natural-sounding pronunciation and tone.

This feature is especially useful for global teams and companies that need to localize content. The voice library includes both male and female voices in different styles. On some plans, you can even use voice cloning to create a custom voice that sounds like a real person—such as your own. This makes your videos feel more personal and unique.

To make video creation easier, Synthesia offers over 250 ready-made templates for different use cases. These templates work like slide designs, with built-in layouts, graphics, and animations. You can use them for training videos, marketing content, news updates, how-to guides, and more. Just pick a template, add your script and visuals, and you’ll get a professional-looking video—no design skills needed.

Synthesia also comes with a built-in media library full of royalty-free content. You can search for stock images and videos through services like Getty Images and Pexels, and add icons, music, and shapes to your scenes. Everything is copyright-safe, so you can use the assets freely. You can also upload your own content—like your logo, brand colors, or custom fonts—to keep your videos consistent with your brand.

Making a video in Synthesia is as easy as building a slide deck. The platform uses a slide-based editor where each scene can include an avatar, text, and media. To get started, just type or paste your script into the text box for each scene. Synthesia will then create the voiceover and match the avatar’s lip movements to your words automatically.

You can customize each scene by formatting the on-screen text, changing background colors or images, and adding elements like shapes or screen recordings. Synthesia also lets you import PowerPoint presentations—just upload your file, and each slide becomes a scene with your original text and images preserved.

While the editor doesn’t offer advanced video effects or timeline editing, it does let you make simple cuts and rearrange scenes. For most business, training, or educational content, the built-in features—like adding overlays, images, and background music—are more than enough and very easy to use.

If you’re not sure what to say in your video, Synthesia can help with that too. On paid plans, there’s a built-in AI script assistant that can create a draft script for you. All you need to do is enter your topic, the goal of the video, and choose a tone—like professional, friendly, or enthusiastic. The AI will then generate a suggested script, which you can edit or adjust as needed.

This feature uses GPT-style technology to help get your content started. For example, if you type “Introduce our new product features,” it might give you a 60-second script in a friendly tone that covers the key highlights. Just keep in mind, this tool isn’t available on the Free plan, so free users will need to write their own scripts.

Synthesia is designed for teamwork and modern workflows. You can invite colleagues to join your video projects. For example, the Starter plan includes 1 main editor and 3 guest accounts, so you can collaborate easily. Team members can leave comments on specific scenes to give feedback or suggest script changes. On higher-tier plans, multiple people can even edit the video together in real time—just like working on a shared Google Doc.

Synthesia also offers an API for developers (included in the Creator plan and above). This lets companies connect Synthesia with their own apps or systems. For example, you could automatically create personalized sales videos by linking Synthesia’s API to your CRM. Other useful features include video embedding and support for learning platforms. You can embed videos on your website or in an LMS, and even export them as SCORM packages for e-learning use.

There’s also a smart update feature: if you change a video in Synthesia, all embedded versions can update automatically—so your viewers always see the latest version without needing to re-upload files. For enterprise users, there are advanced admin tools too, like Single Sign-On (SSO/SAML support) and access to a dedicated account manager for help and guidance.

Another great feature in Synthesia is its ability to automatically translate or dub videos into other languages. Instead of making separate videos for each language, you can use your original script and let Synthesia create new voiceovers in different languages.

For Enterprise users, there’s a 1-click translation tool that can turn your video into over 80 languages in seconds. For example, you can make a training video in English, then quickly create Spanish, French, or German versions with just a click. The avatar will speak in the selected language with the right voice, and Synthesia can also update the captions to match.

This is especially helpful for global teams, international companies, and educators. The translation feature runs on the same powerful multilingual text-to-speech engine as the rest of the platform. Synthesia also supports closed captions with a simple toggle, so your videos are accessible to more people.

Pricing Plans

Synthesia offers four different plans: Free, Starter, Creator, and Enterprise. Each plan comes with its own set of features and usage limits, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. Here’s a quick overview of what each subscription includes:

Free Plan (Explorer)

The Free plan lets new users try out Synthesia at no cost. It’s a generous option for a free tier—you can create up to 3 minutes of video each month using a small set of features. This plan includes 6 built-in avatars, access to 60+ video templates, and support for over 120 languages and AI voices. You can also upload your own images or short video clips to use as backgrounds or cutaways.

Keep in mind, videos made on the Free plan will include Synthesia branding (a watermark), and advanced features like custom avatars, longer videos, or the AI script assistant aren’t included. This plan is ideal for personal use or testing the platform. There’s no time-limited trial—this free plan stays available as a way to explore the tool.

Starter Plan

The Starter plan costs $29 per month on a monthly basis, or about $18 per month if you choose annual billing (a 38% discount). It’s designed for individual creators and professionals who need more than the Free plan offers.

With Starter, you get everything from the Free plan, plus up to 10 minutes of video creation each month and access to over 125 AI avatars. Your exported videos won’t have any Synthesia branding, and you can invite up to 3 guest collaborators to work with you.

This plan also unlocks the AI Video Assistant to help you write scripts. If you want to go further, you can purchase up to 3 custom avatars (your own digital twins). Overall, Starter gives you full access to Synthesia’s core features at an affordable price—perfect for small teams or solo professionals.

Creator Plan

The Creator plan is priced at $89/month with monthly billing, or around $64/month if you pay annually. It’s made for power users and teams that create content regularly.

This plan includes everything in Starter, but increases your video limit to 30 minutes per month and gives access to over 180 avatars, including premium options. You can have 1 main editor and up to 5 guest collaborators on your projects.

Creator also adds support for dual-avatar scenes, full API access, and more options to customize your videos—like adding your logo, changing the video player, or adding call-to-action buttons. Priority support is included, and most annual plans come with one free personal avatar. You can have up to 5 personal avatars total in this plan.

It’s a great fit for marketing teams, training creators, and content agencies that need more flexibility and control.

Enterprise Plan

The Enterprise plan is custom-priced and designed for large organizations with advanced content needs. It includes unlimited video creation minutes, as well as unlimited editors and guest collaborators. You also get access to all 230+ avatars, plus the ability to create unlimited custom avatars.

Enterprise users can instantly translate videos into 80+ languages with just one click, and the plan includes powerful advanced features such as:

• Smart updates (auto-update embedded videos)
• Single Sign-On (SSO/SAML)
• SCORM export for LMS integration
• A dedicated Customer Success Manager
• Custom onboarding and training

This plan is best for corporate learning teams, global content creators, or companies that need to scale video production across departments and markets. Pricing is based on your specific needs, so you’ll need to contact Synthesia directly for a custom quote.

If you want to try the platform before signing up, Synthesia also offers a free demo on its website. You can pick a template, add your own script, and generate a short sample video. While the demo has limits—like shorter length and fewer avatars—it gives a helpful preview of how the platform works.

Common Use Cases for Synthesia

Synthesia is a flexible tool that works well across many industries. Here are some of the most common ways people use it:

Business Training and Internal Communication: Many companies use Synthesia to make training videos, how-to guides, and HR updates for employees. Instead of long PDFs or slide decks, they can create engaging videos with AI presenters. These videos are perfect for onboarding, explaining policies, or walking through software tools. For example, Learning & Development teams at large companies use Synthesia to replace written materials with video modules that are easier to follow and update. The ability to quickly translate content is especially useful for global teams. Internal communication teams also use Synthesia to deliver CEO messages, share company news, or explain updates in a friendly, branded way using avatars.

Education and E-Learning: Teachers and online course creators use Synthesia to produce lecture videos and tutorials without needing to be on camera. All they have to do is paste in their script, pick an avatar, and the platform creates the video. It’s a fast way to make content for online courses, textbooks, or educational websites. Since Synthesia supports closed captions and many languages, it helps make learning materials more accessible. Schools and universities can also use it to create bilingual content—like a science video in both English and Spanish. While AI avatars don’t offer real-time interaction like a teacher, they work well for simple explanations, course reviews, or answering common questions—without needing a full video shoot.

Marketing and Sales: Many marketing teams use Synthesia to quickly create promotional and explainer videos. For example, you can make a product demo or app walkthrough with an avatar guiding viewers through the features—no need for a spokesperson or camera crew. This is especially helpful for last-minute campaigns, where speed matters.

Sales teams also use Synthesia for personalized videos at scale. With Synthesia’s API, you can create videos where the avatar says the viewer’s name and delivers a custom pitch. This is done by inserting dynamic text into a pre-written script. It’s a fast and consistent way to create hundreds of tailored outreach videos—all with approved branding and messaging.

Synthesia is also great for social media. Marketers use square or vertical templates to make short videos for platforms like Instagram or TikTok. The avatars are realistic and eye-catching—some viewers might not even realize they’re AI, which can add a fun twist to the content.

Content Creators and YouTubers: Individual creators who don’t want to be on camera—or want to speed up content creation—also benefit from Synthesia. For example, YouTubers can produce explainer videos, news recaps, or infographic content using AI avatars instead of filming themselves. This works well for “faceless” channels that focus on delivering information.

Creators can also make multilingual videos using the same avatar—like one in English and another in French or Hindi—to reach a wider audience. Some even use Synthesia for fun projects like birthday greetings, holiday messages, or video invites. A recent example: users created personalized Santa videos with a special AI Santa avatar during the holidays. It’s a playful way to show how accessible video creation has become—you don’t need actors or costumes when an avatar can do the job!

Customer Support and FAQs: Another growing use case is customer service. Instead of reading FAQ pages, customers can watch short videos with avatars answering common questions like “How do I reset my password?” These videos are clear, visual, and more engaging than plain text. Support teams can create a full library of consistent, branded answers and easily update them whenever content changes—without needing to re-record anything.

Across all these uses, Synthesia stands out for its speed, consistency, and scalability. While it’s not meant to replace high-end live-action videos where emotion or in-person presence is needed, it’s ideal for clear, informative communication. Whether you’re in a business setting, classroom, or working on a personal project, if your goal is to deliver a message quickly and effectively, an AI avatar can often do the job just as well—with much less effort.

How It Works: Creating a Video with Synthesia

Making a video with Synthesia.io is easy and doesn’t require any filming experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how the process works:

1. Choose a Template or Start from Scratch

First, log in to Synthesia Studio (the web app). To begin, you can either choose a pre-designed template or start with a blank canvas. Templates are grouped by purpose—like training, marketing, or internal updates. When you pick a template, it loads ready-made scenes with placeholder text and design. For this example, let’s say you choose a simple business template. You’ll now see the slide-based editor.

2. Add Your Script

Click on the text box for each scene and type in what you want the avatar to say. You can break the script into different slides or scenes—just like making a PowerPoint. For longer scripts, this helps with pacing and structure. You can also copy and paste text from a document, or use slide notes from a PowerPoint file you’ve uploaded. Synthesia estimates the length of each scene based on word count. You can add pauses, adjust pronunciation, or include emphasis using built-in tools. At this point, the avatar won’t be animated yet—you’ll just see a static image or silhouette.

3. Pick Your Avatar and Voice

Next, choose the avatar who will speak in your video. Open the Avatar library and browse the available options. Click to assign an avatar to a scene. You can place them in the center or move them to a corner to make room for text or images. Then, select the voice. Each avatar has a default voice, but you can choose from many languages and accents—like American or British English. You can preview voice samples before making your choice. If your plan supports it, you can even add more than one avatar to your video—for example, to simulate a conversation.

4. Customize the Visuals

Now it’s time to design your scenes. You can change the background color, use stock images or videos, or upload your own visuals. You can also add on-screen text, shapes, your logo, or icons. Just drag and drop elements into place. Each scene can be different, and some don’t even need an avatar—you can have “silent” slides with just music or graphics for variety.

5. Add Optional Enhancements

To make your video even better, add background music from Synthesia’s royalty-free library and control the volume so it doesn’t overpower the voice. You can also add micro-gestures—like having the avatar nod or smile at a key moment—to make the delivery feel more natural. Turn on closed captions if you want subtitles; Synthesia can auto-generate them, and you can edit the text if needed. On paid plans, you can also use the built-in AI script assistant to help improve or rewrite parts of your script.

6. Preview Your Video

Synthesia lets you preview each scene before generating the final video. This preview won’t include full animation or lip-sync—it just shows a static image and plays a sample of the voice. Use this to check text layout, timing, and pronunciation. If something sounds off, you can adjust the spelling or use the pronunciation tool.

7. Generate the Video

Once everything looks good, click “Generate” to start rendering. Synthesia’s AI will now create the full video, syncing the avatar’s speech, facial expressions, and movements. Rendering usually takes a few minutes, depending on the video length. When it’s ready, you’ll get a notification and can watch the finished video right in the platform.

8. Review and Publish

Watch your video carefully. This is where you’ll see your avatar speak for the first time with all animations in place. If something needs to be fixed—like a mispronounced name or an out-of-place element—you can make changes and re-render just that part. There’s no extra cost, but it will count toward your monthly video minutes.

When you’re happy with the result, download the video as a 1080p MP4 file or use Synthesia’s sharing tools. You can share a direct link, embed the video on your website, or export it for use in presentations or LMS platforms. If you use the embed option, your video will update automatically if you make changes—no need to re-upload anything.

And that’s it! You’ve just created a polished, AI-generated video—no camera, no crew, no editing software needed.

Overall, using Synthesia is simple and beginner-friendly. Many users say the studio interface is easy to use, even for people with no video editing experience. By following the steps above, one person can create a polished video in a short amount of time.

For example, making a 2-minute training video might take about an hour—including writing the script and designing the scenes—and just a few minutes to render. That’s a huge time-saver compared to planning and recording a live video.

A good tip is to start small. Begin with short videos, then explore more advanced features—like using multiple avatars or the API—as you get more comfortable. Synthesia also offers helpful tutorials and an online Academy with guides and tips to help you get the most out of the platform.

With just a little practice, you’ll be able to produce high-quality videos that look professionally made—thanks to Synthesia’s AI-powered video creation tools.

Comparison with Alternatives

AI avatar video tools are becoming more popular, and Synthesia isn’t the only option out there. Let’s look at how it compares to three other well-known platforms: HeyGen, DeepBrain AI, and Pictory.

HeyGen

HeyGen (formerly Movio) is quite similar to Synthesia. It lets you create talking avatar videos from a text script. There’s a free plan where you can make one short video (up to 1 minute) using a limited set of features. The platform offers 120+ avatars and over 300 voice options. Paid plans start at around $24/month—close to Synthesia’s Starter plan.

HeyGen supports custom avatars made from a single photo, which is quick but comes with fewer identity checks. This has raised some concerns about consent and misuse. In terms of quality, both platforms produce lifelike avatars, but many users say Synthesia’s avatars and voices look and sound more realistic overall. Reviews also note that Synthesia has stronger business features like team editing, translations, and LMS integrations, which HeyGen either doesn’t offer or only includes in a limited way.

That said, HeyGen is a solid option for solo creators who want something fast and easy. Also, Synthesia’s annual pricing (starting around $18/month) can be cheaper than HeyGen for similar output. In the end, the best choice may come down to which avatar style you prefer—since each platform uses different virtual actors.

DeepBrain AI (AI Studios)

DeepBrain AI takes a slightly different approach. While it also creates avatar videos from text, it focuses more on customization and editing control. It offers fewer built-in avatars than Synthesia, but you can tweak their appearance, clothing, and facial features, which Synthesia doesn’t allow (unless you create a custom avatar through video or photo upload).

DeepBrain supports over 80 languages and has built-in ChatGPT integration to help write or improve scripts—similar to Synthesia’s script assistant. Plans start at about $29/month for individuals and $89/month for teams, making it comparable to Synthesia in pricing.

Some users prefer DeepBrain for its more detailed video editor, which allows things like trimming clips or adjusting scene timing. However, its avatar and template libraries are smaller, and rendering times can be slower. If you want maximum avatar variety and a smoother workflow, Synthesia is often the better pick. But if you care more about customizing avatars or script-writing features, DeepBrain is worth a look.

Pictory

Pictory is a different kind of AI video tool. It doesn’t use avatars at all. Instead, it turns written content—like blog posts or scripts—into videos using stock footage, on-screen text, and AI voiceovers.

Marketers often use Pictory to turn articles into short, captioned videos. The platform picks matching video clips, adds key text as overlays, and includes background music and narration. It’s similar to tools like Lumen5 or InVideo. Since there are no avatars, you won’t get a presenter on screen, but it’s great for social media videos, promotional content, or quick explainers.

Pictory’s pricing is lower than Synthesia’s, starting around $19–$25/month, and they often offer a free trial. It’s fast and easy to use, especially if you don’t need a person speaking in the video. Some users even combine both tools—using Synthesia for scenes with avatars and Pictory for segments with stock visuals or quotes.

Which Should You Choose?

Each tool serves a slightly different purpose:

• Synthesia is best for high-quality avatar videos with lots of languages and business features.
• HeyGen is a good choice for individual creators looking for simple, fast avatar videos.
• DeepBrain AI works well if you want more control over editing and avatar design.
• Pictory is ideal for turning written content into videos without using a presenter.

Other tools like Colossyan, D-ID, Hour One, and Veed also offer unique features—some focus on cartoon avatars, others turn photos into talking heads. Synthesia continues to lead the market because it offers a strong balance of quality, ease of use, and business-ready features.

The good news? Many of these platforms offer free trials or free plans, so you can try them and see what fits best. In fact, using more than one tool together—depending on the project—might be the smartest approach.

Pros and Cons of Synthesia

Like any tool, Synthesia has both strengths and limitations. Based on user feedback and expert reviews, here are some of the main pros:

One of Synthesia’s biggest advantages is its low cost compared to traditional video production. There’s no need to hire actors, book a studio, or pay a camera crew. With just one subscription, you can create many videos—making each one cost just a few dollars or even less. Companies often use Synthesia to produce training videos for a fraction of what a live-action shoot would cost. This makes video creation affordable for more teams and use cases.

What used to take weeks—writing scripts, filming, editing—can now take just hours. Synthesia speeds up the entire process. If your product interface changes, you can simply update the script and regenerate the video. No need for reshoots. This lets teams produce dozens of videos quickly and keep content fresh and up-to-date.

Synthesia’s support for over 140 languages is a huge plus for global companies. You can create one video and easily localize it into multiple languages by changing the voiceover. There’s no need to remake the entire video for each region. The platform also offers various English accents—like US, UK, or Australian—to match your target audience.

With Synthesia, every video has a clean, consistent look that supports your brand. Avatars deliver scripts exactly as written—no off-topic moments or bad takes. At the same time, you can customize the look: choose avatars that match your brand’s style, pick background images, and add your logo. Some plans even allow you to create a custom avatar or “digital twin” of yourself. It’s easy to make your content look polished and professional.

Even though the tech behind Synthesia is complex, the platform itself is user-friendly. You don’t need any video editing experience. If you can use PowerPoint, you can make a video in Synthesia. Just type your script, pick an avatar, and choose a background. The interface is clear and simple, which makes it great for marketers, trainers, or educators who want to create videos themselves without needing outside help. Teams can also leave comments and collaborate directly in the platform.

While Synthesia offers many benefits, there are also a few limitations to consider. Based on user reviews and expert insights, here are the main drawbacks:

As realistic as the avatars are, they’re still AI-driven and not real people. They can’t fully capture the emotional depth or natural charm of a human presenter. Some viewers might notice a slight stiffness or get a sense of the “uncanny valley”—where something looks almost human but feels a bit off. For emotional or personal videos, like motivational talks or heartfelt messages, Synthesia might feel too robotic or impersonal.

Synthesia’s avatars can perform small gestures, like smiling or nodding, but their range is limited. They mainly move from the shoulders up, and their facial expressions are usually neutral. They don’t show strong emotions like crying, laughing, or anger convincingly. Lip-sync is generally good, but not perfect—on difficult words or brand names, the mouth movement might not fully match the audio, which can be distracting if you’re watching closely. This means high-impact storytelling or emotionally rich content might not land as well with an avatar.

Some people might feel strange watching an AI presenter, especially if they realize it’s not a real person. For example, employees might find it less personal if a company announcement comes from an avatar instead of the real CEO. While some viewers are impressed by the technology, others focus on what feels unnatural—like the voice tone or expression. These reactions will likely fade as AI improves, but it’s something to keep in mind today.

Starter and Free plans come with some limits. For example, the Starter plan only gives you 10 video minutes per month. Lower plans also have fewer avatars to choose from, which can make videos feel repetitive. Advanced video editing features—like animations, transitions, or picture-in-picture—aren’t available in Synthesia. If you need those effects, you’ll have to edit your video with another tool after exporting. Some users say videos can look a bit static without extra editing.

Like any online tool, Synthesia can have bugs or delays. Sometimes rendering takes longer, especially during busy times. Words may be mispronounced—especially names or acronyms—and you may need to adjust spelling to fix it. While Synthesia supports many languages, not every accent or dialect is available. Some users have also said that creating a custom avatar takes time and lacks options like outfit changes or voice swapping. These are small issues, but they’re worth knowing before you start.

Recent Updates and Roadmap

The AI video space is moving fast, and Synthesia is keeping up with new features, upgrades, and future plans. Here are some of the biggest updates and what we can expect next from Synthesia in 2024–2025:

In late 2024, Synthesia launched an experimental feature called Selfie Avatars. This lets users create a personal AI avatar using just a few selfie photos—no video recording needed. These avatars can be placed in different outfits and backgrounds, adding a personal touch to your videos. The feature is still in beta, and users have reported small quirks (like hand movements or facial expression timing), but Synthesia is collecting feedback to improve future versions.

Avatar realism keeps getting better. In 2023, Synthesia added micro-gestures and improved facial expressions. In 2024, the avatar library grew to 230+, and avatars became more expressive. Looking ahead, a new model called EXPRESS-2 is in the works. This update promises better body language, more control over gestures, and possibly full-body movements. It’s all aimed at making avatars look more lifelike and dynamic.

Synthesia now lets enterprise users create a custom AI voice from a real voice sample—ideal for matching a custom avatar. The voice library also added more natural tones, better pronunciation, and new languages. Another key update is AI Video Dubbing, which lets users translate and dub videos into 29+ languages—even for videos not made in Synthesia. This is perfect for localizing training or marketing content across different regions.

In 2024, Synthesia introduced Live Collaboration, allowing teams to edit videos at the same time—similar to how Google Docs works. Other updates include Workspaces for better project organization, Version Control to track changes, and a basic Video Analytics feature to track engagement. These improvements make Synthesia more useful for teams and larger organizations.

A major feature coming in 2025 is Interactive Video. This will allow viewers to click during the video to choose paths or answer questions. Think of it like a “choose-your-own-adventure” format. This will be a big win for training content—viewers could answer a question, then jump to a different section based on their response. Synthesia describes this feature as a way to “turn content into clickable stories,” boosting engagement and making videos more like e-learning modules.

Synthesia continues to grow fast. After raising $90M in 2023 and another $180M soon after, the company now serves over 1 million users and 50,000 businesses. This kind of scale means more investment in features, better performance, and faster rendering for users.

As AI tools face more public scrutiny, Synthesia is taking ethics seriously. In 2024, they updated their avatar consent policy, requiring proof before creating an avatar of someone else. They also improved their content moderation filters and remain strict about not allowing deepfakes or misuse. Synthesia has even dedicated a public page to AI Ethics, showing its commitment to responsible use of the technology.