Creating Training Videos with AI: Synthesia, HeyGen & Co. in Practice

Producing training videos traditionally costs a lot: camera, editing software, a presenter willing to be filmed, and then redoing everything when the content changes.

AI video tools have dramatically lowered that cost. You write a script, choose an avatar, click "Create" — and have a professional-looking video in 10–30 minutes. What you get isn't the same as a filmed video. But for most training purposes, it's good enough.

#What Tools Exist?

The "AI-generated training video" category breaks into three types:

Type 1: AI avatar tools (Synthesia, HeyGen, D-ID) You input text, select an avatar character, and the tool generates a video with a speaking avatar face against a background. No camera, no presenter needed. Output: a presenter-style video.

Type 2: Voice cloning and voiceover tools (ElevenLabs, Descript, LOVO) These tools create or clone voices. Use case: voiceovers for slide presentations, learning videos, or screen recordings. No avatar — just voice.

Type 3: All-in-one video editing with AI (Descript, Runway) Descript is the best-known: you record a real video — screen recording, camera, webinar — upload it, and the tool transcribes and makes it editable like a Word document. Delete a sentence in the transcript, it disappears in the video. Type something new, and Descript's AI voice clone fills the gap. Not for "videos without a camera" — for fast editing of real footage.

#Synthesia in Practice

Synthesia is the market leader for avatar-based training videos. 160+ avatars, 140+ languages, decent lip synchronisation.

What works well:

• Standard compliance training videos (GDPR, IT security, onboarding) are fast to produce
• Content updates: change the script, regenerate the video — no re-filming
• Multilingual output is solid; pronunciation of technical terms occasionally awkward
• Templates available for various course formats
• SCORM export for LMS integration available on higher tiers

What doesn't work as well:

• Avatars are visibly artificial — if you expect a "real" face, you'll be disappointed
• Emotional nuance in delivery is limited
• Custom avatars (your own face) cost extra and take longer
• Price climbs quickly at high video volume

Pricing: Personal from ≈€22/month (limited minutes), Starter ≈€67/month, Enterprise custom.

#HeyGen in Practice

HeyGen is Synthesia's closest competitor — similar positioning with some differences.

Differences from Synthesia:

• HeyGen's video translation feature is strong: upload a video in one language, automatically translate and re-sync lips in 40+ languages. Useful for international teams.
• Custom avatar creation is faster and cheaper than Synthesia
• Interface is considered more intuitive for beginners
• Voice quality comparable to Synthesia

Pricing: Free (limited), Creator ≈$24/month, Team ≈$69/month.

#Descript: When You Have Real Footage

Descript works differently. You record a video — screen recording, camera, webinar — upload it to Descript, and the tool automatically transcribes it, making the video editable like a text document.

Delete a sentence in the transcript and it disappears from the video. Type something new and Descript can speak it back using a cloned version of your voice.

Training video applications:

• A manager records a short intro for onboarding — Descript makes editing take minutes
• Record a screen capture of a software tool with live commentary and clean it up afterward
• Cut existing webinar recordings into compact learning modules

Descript isn't a replacement for Synthesia/HeyGen if you have no source material. It's an editing tool for existing footage.

Pricing: Free (limited), Creator ≈$12/month, Business ≈$24/month.

#ElevenLabs: When You Just Need a Voice

ElevenLabs is the strongest pure voice generation tool. No avatar, no video — just high-quality AI voices and voice cloning.

Training video applications:

• Add voiceover to a PowerPoint-based learning module
• Narrate screen recordings without recording yourself
• Maintain a consistent voice across all courses without re-recording
• Update content without new recording sessions

Pricing: Free (limited), Starter ≈$5/month, Creator ≈$22/month.

#Tool Comparison at a Glance

#The Production Process in Practice

A training video with Synthesia or HeyGen is a five-step process:

1. Write the script The script determines video quality — not the avatar. 150 words equals approximately one minute of video. For a 3-minute module, plan 400–450 words. Write as you would speak — short sentences, no complex clause structures.

2. Select avatar and background Most tools offer 50–160+ pre-built avatars. Choose one that fits the audience and topic. For compliance topics, professional attire makes sense. For technical teams, it can be more casual.

3. Generate and review After generating, check: lip sync correct? Pronunciation of technical terms accurate? For specific languages, it's worth adjusting the script phonetically beforehand (e.g., spelling out how acronyms should be pronounced).

4. Embed in LMS Via SCORM export (Synthesia higher tiers) or as an MP4 embedded directly into a module. If you're using an integrated platform like Scibly, video upload and tracking work without a separate SCORM step.

5. Update when content changes This is where the real value lies: when a regulation, a number, or a process changes, you update the script and regenerate. No re-filming.

#What AI Videos Can't Do

Replace emotional authenticity

For culture-change messages, CEO communications, or emotionally resonant onboarding moments, a real video with real people is more effective. AI avatars are impersonal — that's fine for factual training, less so for motivational moments.

Complex demos and simulations

AI videos are lean-back formats. Interactive software simulations, branching scenarios, or click-through training still require an authoring tool like Storyline.

Take over quality assurance

AI-generated content must be reviewed before rollout. This is especially true for regulatory or legal topics. The error rate on factual detail is low — but not zero.

#Conclusion

AI video tools have a genuine place in the L&D toolkit. For standard training modules that need to be produced quickly and updated regularly, Synthesia and HeyGen aren't a compromise solution — they are, for this specific purpose, better than traditional video production.

For training videos that need to be embedded in an LMS, Scibly handles direct video upload and tracking without SCORM overhead.