So I decided to dive into HeyGen AI to see what all the hype was about. As someone still figuring out this whole AI thing, I wanted to share my real experience – the good, the awkward, and everything in between.What is HeyGen AI?
What is HeyGen AI?
So basically, HeyGen is this AI tool that lets you create videos without actually having to film yourself every time. A bunch of AI researchers created it because they realized that making videos is actually pretty hard and expensive if you want them to look good.
The whole point is that you can record yourself once, and then the AI creates this digital version of you that can say whatever you type. It’s kind of wild – the avatar looks and moves like you and can even speak in different languages (which is honestly pretty cool).
People use it for all sorts of things like making training videos for jobs, creating content for social media, or educational stuff. It’s perfect if you’re someone who hates being on camera but still needs to make videos, or if you want to make content in a language you don’t actually speak. I could totally see using this for school presentations or if I ever wanted to start a YouTube channel but was too nervous to actually film myself all the time.
Getting Started: Picking a Plan
HeyGen offers two main plans: $29/month or $39/month. Since I’m working with a typical high school budget, I went with the $29 option. Honestly, it felt like a lot to spend, but I was curious enough to give it a shot.
The Tutorial is Actually Worth Watching
Before jumping in, I watched their tutorial – and I’m so glad I did! It covers all the basics like how to position your camera, what to do with your hands, and tips for sounding confident on camera. As someone who usually feels super awkward talking to a camera, these tips were actually really helpful.
Trial and Error (Emphasis on Error)
My first attempt was… let’s call it a learning experience. I guess I was moving my head too much because the AI couldn’t capture it properly. It was frustrating, but helpful when learning what not to do.
For my second try, I learned the balance between staying still and still showing expression. The key is being animated with your face and voice while keeping your head position steady. It’s trickier than it sounds, but once you get it, the results look way more realistic.
The Little Details Matter
One weird thing I ran into: HeyGen struggled to pronounce my name correctly. I had to play around with different spellings until I found one that worked. It’s a small thing, but it shows you need to be ready to adapt.
Also, in the final video, I’m pretty much just staring straight ahead – no looking around or anything like that. I tried recording with more natural head movements, but there was too much motion for the AI to handle properly.
My Honest Take
Overall, HeyGen is actually a pretty solid tool once you figure out what works. The learning curve isn’t too steep, but there’s definitely some trial and error involved. The first video takes forever because you’re figuring everything out, but once you nail the setup and understand the limitations, the process gets much faster.
Is it perfect? No. But for a high schooler exploring AI tools, it’s pretty impressive what you can create once you get the hang of it. Just be prepared to spend some time learning what works and what doesn’t – and maybe have a backup spelling of your name ready!
Would I recommend it? If you’re curious about AI video creation and don’t mind the learning process, yeah, give it a try. Just remember that your first attempt probably won’t be your best – and that’s totally okay
