Tutorials
How to Use Synthesia AI: Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners (2026)
May 9, 2026 · 8 min read
Synthesia is the world's leading AI video generator — used by 50,000+ businesses to create professional videos without cameras or studios. If you've been wondering how to get started, this step-by-step tutorial walks you through your first video from sign-up to export.
What Is Synthesia AI?
Synthesia is an AI video generation platform that turns text scripts into professional videos featuring realistic AI avatars. You type your script, choose an avatar, pick a background, and Synthesia renders a polished video — typically in 5-10 minutes. No camera, no microphone, no editing software required.
Step 1: Sign Up and Choose a Plan
Go to Synthesia.io and start with the free demo (1 video, 3 minutes). For ongoing use, the Starter plan ($29/month) gives you 10 videos/month and access to 90+ AI avatars. The Creator plan ($89/month) is better for frequent creators with 30+ videos/month and all 160+ avatars.
Step 2: Choose Your AI Avatar
Synthesia has 160+ diverse AI avatars as of 2026 — different ages, genders, ethnicities, and presentation styles. For YouTube content: 'Anna' and 'Dr. Marcus' work well for educational content. 'Tyler' and 'Zara' suit tech and startup content. You can also create a Custom Avatar by recording 5 minutes of yourself speaking.
Step 3: Write or Paste Your Script
In the video editor, click 'Add Scene' and paste your script into the text box. Synthesia reads exactly what you type, so write conversationally. Use punctuation to control pacing — commas create short pauses, periods create longer pauses. Recommended script length: 100-150 words per scene (about 60-90 seconds of video).
Step 4: Customize Your Video
Add background: Choose from 60+ built-in backgrounds or upload your own brand background. Add media: Insert images, screen recordings, or video clips alongside the avatar. Add captions: Enable auto-captions in the Settings tab (hugely improves retention). Add branding: Upload your logo and set your brand colors in the Brand Kit.
Step 5: Generate and Export
Click 'Generate Video' and Synthesia renders your video in the cloud — typically 5-15 minutes depending on length. Download as MP4 (1080p by default). For YouTube, use 1080p or 4K export. For LinkedIn and social, 1080x1080 square format is available. Generated videos have no watermark on paid plans.
Tips to Get Better Results from Synthesia
1) Use SSML tags for emphasis: <emphasis level='strong'>key word</emphasis>. 2) Break long scripts into multiple scenes to vary avatar framing. 3) Add B-roll clips on complex points — avatar + visual = stronger retention. 4) Use the 'Eye Contact' mode for direct-to-camera feel. 5) Enable auto-captions — 80% of LinkedIn videos are watched without sound.
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Is Synthesia free to use?
Synthesia offers a free demo that lets you create one video up to 3 minutes long. After that, paid plans start at $29/month (Starter, 10 videos/month) or $89/month (Creator, 30+ videos/month). An enterprise plan with custom pricing is also available.
How realistic are Synthesia AI avatars?
Synthesia's 2026 avatars are highly realistic — natural lip-sync, blinking, subtle head movements, and expressive facial reactions. In viewing studies, most audiences cannot distinguish premium Synthesia avatars from real presenters when viewed on a phone screen.
Can I create a custom avatar in Synthesia?
Yes. Synthesia's Personal Avatar feature (available on Creator plan and above) lets you clone yourself. Record a 5-minute consent video in good lighting, upload it, and Synthesia trains an avatar of you within 24-48 hours.
How long does it take to make a video in Synthesia?
Script-to-export takes 15-30 minutes for a beginner's first video. Experienced users can produce a polished 5-minute video in under 10 minutes of active work — Synthesia renders in the background while you do other tasks.
What languages does Synthesia support?
Synthesia supports 130+ languages and accents as of 2026, including Spanish, French, German, Hindi, Mandarin, Japanese, Arabic, and Portuguese. All avatars speak all languages — useful for creating multi-language content from one script.
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