HeyGen: Cloning a real person as an AI avatar

HeyGen Try it →Watch full video →Simon Crowe · Mar 2026

Demo summary

The tutorial demonstrates the step-by-step process of creating a 'digital twin' by recording a webcam video and reading a safety script to train a custom HeyGen avatar.

Step-by-step

Go to the Avatar tab and click the drop-down next to My Avatars
Select New Avatar and click Clone a real person
Grant camera and microphone permissions
Select Record via webcam
Read the provided script naturally for 15 seconds, including the unique safety code
Click Done recording and preview the video
Name your avatar
Toggle AI background removal, 4K resolution, or background noise removal as needed
Click Create avatar

Options

Record via phone instead of webcam for maximum quality
Re-record the video as many times as needed before submitting
Enable AI background removal if your background is not ideal
Enable 4K resolution to keep quality high

Watch out for

You must read the unique safety code to verify permission for the AI clone
Your face must be clearly visible with good lighting and minimal background noise

Tips

Use a good decent webcam with good lighting if not using a phone
Read the script naturally without rushing
Leave a nice pause or space between each sentence
Speak expressively and use your hands to help the AI capture motion
Turn on the Remove background noise toggle

All demos from “How to Use HeyGen in 2026 (Step-by-Step Beginner Tutorial)”

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8:332:35Cloning a real person as an AI avatarCurrentThe tutorial demonstrates the step-by-step process of creating a 'digital twin' by recording a webcam video and reading a safety script to train a custom HeyGen avatar.HeyGen· AI Avatar Video Generator
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Watch “How to Use HeyGen in 2026 (Step-by-Step Beginner Tutorial)” →

AI Avatar Video Generator

8:011:14Sync audio to image using HeyGen Photo to VideoThe user demonstrates uploading a Midjourney image and an ElevenLabs audio file to HeyGen's Avatar 4 tool, including using a text prompt for directorial control over the character's expression.Curious Refuge
4:270:37Swap AI avatars and background musicA demonstration of changing the presenter avatar and background audio track within an existing HeyGen project to alter the video's tone.Joseph Martin
4:201:24Editing scripts and captions in HeyGen AI StudioThe creator walks through the HeyGen AI Studio editor, showing how to manually edit the generated script, adjust delivery style, and customize caption fonts and colors.Simon Crowe
6:260:49Adjusting avatar movement with HeyGen Motion EngineThe user demonstrates the Motion Engine settings in HeyGen, selecting different movement styles like 'excited' or 'welcoming' to change the avatar's physical energy.Simon Crowe
8:332:35Cloning a real person as an AI avatarCurrentThe tutorial demonstrates the step-by-step process of creating a 'digital twin' by recording a webcam video and reading a safety script to train a custom HeyGen avatar.Simon Crowe
15:231:50Creating a virtual character in HeyGenThe video shows how to design a stylized virtual character (Matteo) using AI prompts, selecting a Pixar-style aesthetic and assigning a specific voice from the library.Simon Crowe
13:241:26Create lifelike avatars with HeyGen Avatar 4Demonstration of HeyGen's Avatar 4 model, showing how to use text prompts to control character gestures like pointing while lip-syncing.Tao Prompts
1:111:10Generate a nature documentary with HeyGen and Seedance 2.0The creator uses the HeyGen AI agent to generate a nature documentary about puffins, demonstrating how the tool places his personal AI avatar into scenic cliffside shots.Joseph Martin
2:561:01Create a cinematic film set walkthroughA demonstration of HeyGen's AI agent and Seedance 2.0 generating a video of the creator walking through a Hollywood movie set while explaining production roles.Joseph Martin
1:181:04Create an AI Avatar with HeyGenThe creator demonstrates how to upload personal video footage to HeyGen to create a realistic digital clone or AI avatar.Ayushman Pandita
6:250:38Reviewing the AI-generated video outputThe final output generated by HeyGen is played, showing the AI avatar speaking the script with automated B-roll and captions.Ayushman Pandita
2:460:09Integrate Eleven Labs voices into HeyGenThe video shows the interface for selecting Eleven Labs voice profiles directly within the HeyGen video editor.Chris with Minn Media